Imaginary Authors launched in Portland in 2012, founded by perfumer Josh Meyer, with Ashod Simonian joining during the development of the brand concept as Meyer’s creative partner. Meyer had begun experimenting with scents in 2010 after leaving real-estate work, initially blending perfumes in his basement. The house presents fragrances as books by fictional authors, combining invented stories, visual art, and scent to evoke atmosphere, memory, and broader narrative experiences. Meyer is the house perfumer, while Simonian has directed the brand’s design and visual storytelling from the beginning. Its first line comprised seven unisex fragrances based on imaginary books and authors. Memoirs of a Trespasser is the house’s flagship fragrance, and Cape Heartache is among its best sellers. In 2024, Imaginary Authors extended this storytelling practice into edible perfume through a collaboration with Salt & Straw, adapting fragrance for food and taste experiences.
