The Nose

Sydney-based The Raconteur has quickly become a Jim & Jane favourite for its Australian-inspired fragrances that showcase native botanicals found in iconic Australian locations. We spoke to its founder, Craig Andrade, to get to know what makes him tick.

Where do you call home? 

Lovett Bay, Pittwater (Sydney’s northern beaches)

Have you always been a perfumer/candlemaker? 

I’ve had many lives galavanting around the world living in NY, London and South Africa before finally settling down and focusing on becoming a perfumer and candle maker in the past 5 years.

What was the last great book you read? 

Essence & Alchemy by Mandy Aftel

What would we find on your playlist in your studio/office?

I have a playlist on Spotify called “11am cocktail hour” - it’s 3 hours of Lo-fi electronic jazz. 

If you weren’t doing The Raconteur what would we find you doing?

Landscape photography.

Dream holiday destination? 

The Galapagos.

If an out of towner was visiting you where would you take them?

1. Morning swim at Wylie’s Baths, Coogee 

2. Coastal walk: Bronte to Bondi

3. Lunch In Bondi at Sean’s Panaroma

4. Afternoon at White Rabbit, Art Gallery of NSW and the MCA

5. Drinks - Bar Topa (Spanish tapas, Palings Lane, The Ivy)

6. Dinner: Bennelong

7. Nightcap: Hubert or Baxter Inn

What are you currently coveting?

With winter approaching, it would be nice to stock up on a new cashmere jumper from Jac & Jack.

Image credit Katie Marx Flowers

Describe your style in 3 words. 

Nomadic. Layered. Casual 

Favourite Instagram feeds? 

@kararosenlund @katiemarxflowers @celestebarber @prior @galleryfunaki

Do you collect anything and if so what? 

Old furniture and weathered objects from my travels.  

Summer or winter? 

Definitely summer.  

Favourite Restaurant/Cafe? 

Sean’s Panaroma + Firedoor 

What takes your breath away?

Being in a field of plants - particularly native boronia (because it’s so rare) - that are about to be harvested for distillation and extraction of their essential oil for use in perfumery.   

Favourite Australian product? 

Anything made by master woodworkers Mark Tuckey and Greg Hatton.

Why shop local?

We have such an incredible range of talented Australian Designers and makers. We’re going though a pretty rough time coping with COVID-19 and, having just had such a crazy summer of bushfires, it would be really great if everyone could get behind their favourite local retailer and favourite local brands and show them some love. Nurturing our local stores is what makes for great neighbourhoods and helps build great communities.

Do you have a signature scent? 

Why of course I do - it’s my second limited edition eau de parfum: Raconteur 2x Extra. 

Favourite Artist? Favourite Cocktail? Favourite Flower? 

Del Kathryn Barton. 

G&T with a dash of Seedlip botanical extracts.

Native Kimberley Heath.