The opera Eugene Onegin, by composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, is based on the 19th-century novel-in-verse by Alexander Pushkin. The story incorporates themes of duty, honor, isolation, and social change. The pivotal character—a naïve, besotted girl—embodies deep fortitude as she matures from youthful obsession into an adult of dignity and poise.
As a seventeen year old, I performed the Polonaise—a dance scene from Act III of the opera—with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. The sweeping opening chords and this young woman’s resolve captivated me as she navigated the unforgiving landscape of unrequited love. Inspired by such longing and devotion, I wanted to create a fragrance that mirrored the change from adolescent despondency into a confident, self-assured adult.
Through the reimagined scene of reflection, a middle-aged person sits at a small table. Bright moonlight streams through large windows of the orangery as the cool air is infused with steam from orange tea, jasmine vines, and the ripening fruit of citrus topiaries. The rising full moon is a reminder of a dream from adolescence and being chased by a giant bear through snowy winter woods. Symbolizing subconscious fears, the person finally stopped and confronted the bear. Unexpectedly, it became an ally. In waking life, vulnerable despair transformed into profound self-acceptance, resilience, and courage.
To evoke the scene of a moonlit memory, I chose the bright rhythm of citrus, soft florals, and neroli. The dream’s inky forest emerges through resonant woods, vetiver, and moss, while black pepper, earthy patchouli, and musk evoke the wisdom of an old demon-turned-friend. Finally, a quiet, knowing smile emerges from the sweet melody of amber and saffron, imbuing the confidence and wisdom gained from confronting and owning one’s deep power.
Mischa is the colloquial Slavic term for “bear”. As you wear this fragrance, let it inspire you to embrace the universal qualities of strength, independence, and inner peace.
—Sean Colbert