Founder Tomáš Ric turned Prague’s mystique into a beloved fragrance house. Here’s how he bottled memory, mood, and connection.
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In fragrance, it’s the big-name brands that can push numbers, but rarely do they innovate with newness. It’s just like the movies: The studios need to produce what sells, while the independents are left to innovate. Hollywood has sequels for its blockbusters; fragrance has its flankers for its flagships.
Enter the niche perfumer. Personal connection, artisanal craft, and cultural resonance are yours to discover with these indie makers. And few do it as beautifully as Pigmentarium, the Czech fragrance house beloved for blending design, art, and olfactive storytelling.
We spoke with Pigmentarium founder Tomáš Ric to trace the brand’s identity through five key scents, what inspired him to launch the label, and his philosophy on fragrance.
The Debut Scent: Ad Libitum
Prague-based Pigmentarium was founded in 2018, when Ric was just 24. Historically, pigmentariums are places where colors and scented ointments are sold. And more directly, “Pigment refers to colors, -arium refers to a place or a house, so basically, a place full of colors,” Ric explains. “That’s how I see our fragrances, colorful in their core. The liquid is where the magic, the story, the color is hidden. And to me, fragrance is about being consciously present in your own story—and Pigmentarium is here to underline that.”
His debut fragrance, Ad Libitum, is his ode to Prague both old and new: Its top notes (bergamot and clean aldehydes) reflect the city’s modernity, its bustling nightlife. At the heart are cedarwood, neroli, and patchouli, conjuring memories of watching the sunset over the castle from his old apartment—not unlike how architects Le Corbusier and Adolf Loos must have experienced the majestic capital at the turn of the 20th century. The base is musky, reminiscent of the streets of Malá Strana. “It’s the entire city in a bottle,” he says.
4 More of the Best Pigmentarium Scents
Ric tells me that each fragrance is a chapter in one long book. Here are four of its chapters, which together define Pigmentarium’s narrative.
Brutal EDP
When I asked Ric what scent best represents where the brand is today, he didn’t hesitate: “Always the latest release.” At the time of publishing, that’s Brutal, which dropped earlier this year. And I must admit, I may be sniffing my next signature.
Brutal’s composition is one of delicious contrasts: tuberose, jasmine, tobacco, coffee, and negroni. The black coffee and bourbon notes are slightly hypnotic, making it a natural fit for anyone drawn to moodier scents. “It is confident, powdery, and floral, so it balances masculinity and femininity—just like Pigmentarium itself,” Ric says.
Erotikon EDP
Erotikon was a hit when I walked past my wife. I believe her exacts words were “That smells pretty sensual.” (Tone implied.) It remains a favorite in my ever-expanding scent closet. Inspired by Gustav Machatý’s film Erotikon, Ric says: “The scent reflects duality,” much like the film itself, considered one of the first feminist works. At first spray, you get chocolate and pink pepper. As it dries down, amber and tonka bean take center stage. He further describes it as “desire and belonging.”
Oratorio EDP
Another standout is Oratorio. This was the first fragrance created in collaboration with perfumer Théo Belmas. “A contrast between calm and rush, cold and warm, mirroring Théo’s first visits to Prague’s churches,” Ric shares. Built on three types of olibanum, with layers of oil, neroli, and patchouli, it’s one of the brand’s most potent scents. “Beyond the notes, it’s a story of friendship and admiration,” he adds.
Murmur EDP
Then there’s Murmur. In his book of heavenly aromas, Ric elaborates: “Murmur holds you close.” He’s not exaggerating. If Erotikon is sensual, Murmur is mysterious—sexy in a quiet way. I’m a sucker for oud, and here it fuses with sandalwood, amber, and damask rose. It’s the kind of fragrance that makes someone hold onto you a few seconds longer after embrace. It’s so damn good.
If you’re keen to try all of Pigmentarium’s line before committing—or you want every piece of their history—consider the Discovery Set.
Another Chapter for Pigmentarium: Incense + Holders
And Pigmentarium isn’t just about perfumes. Ric extends his vision to incense and striking incense holders, created in collaboration with Czech porcelain artist Daniel Piršč. I’ve been filling my home with the brand’s Jericho Noir incense, and the holder alone is a conversation starter.
You can also try all six of their incense stick scents in the Bon Voyage Discovery Set.
Ric describes the incense holders’ concept: “Imagine a balloon—then imagine piercing it with an incense stick.” The resulting bubble and wave forms, finished in metal, are as much art objects as they are functional. “Functional yet poetic,” Ric says—just like the rest of Pigmentarium.
