Ömer İpekçi

I was born in  Istanbul to a middle class family and I spent my childhood in wildly  different environment and cultures. I carried cow dung on my back, swam  in the azure Mediterranean, stayed in the arcade salons until 2 AM after  ditching the high school dorm and I read Italian comics under a gas  lamp. 

While  I lost my sense of normalcy and belonging early on, I learned to  appreciate things for what they are and as rich sources to draw  inspiration from. Before perfumery, I worked as a graphic designer and  an illustrator and I privately sought expression in many mediums since  childhood. Perfume finally gave me the medium where I could hide the  expression underneath the form and function. 

My  perfume pallette is an eclectic and inclusive one that doesn’t exclude  based on cost, naturality or rarity. Whatever fits the aesthetic and  composition requirements is welcome so long as they sing. 

I  believe that perfume has to connect with the wearer first, rather than  being used as a signal to others. I believe that it is too beautiful and  powerful to be stuck inside a shallow understanding of luxury. That  there is more to perfume than seeking status and smelling acceptable. I  believe that inspiration matters and the attention carries through to an  audience that deserves respect. I believe perfume to be a portal, an  object of fetish, a tool of personal ritual and a sensory treat. I  founded PEKJI with these beliefs. 

Website: pekji.com

Instagram: pekji_parfum