First published in the Feb. 11 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
Photos by David Laurell / Burbank Leader
Valentine’s Day is the day we bestow confections, floral arrangements, jewelry, romantic dining experiences and other special gifts upon the person whom Cupid’s golden-tipped arrow has caused us to most passionately treasure and desire.
Dedicated to assist Cupid in carrying out this tradition, Anet Abnous and Lusine Simonyan-Hacobian, the co-owners of downtown Burbank’s Lusanet Collective, provide an eclectic offering of artistically crafted items from jewelry, clothing and sartorial accessories to beauty aids, original paintings, sculptures and all sorts of one-of-a-kind items.
While the word “art” is routinely used to describe items that have been designed to adorn our bodies, homes and communities, this past week a gathering of women congregated at the Lusanet Collective to learn about another type of art.
“People don’t really think of it as being an artistic endeavor, but the creation of perfumes, and the knowledge of how to properly use them, is a true art form,” said Simonyan-Hacobian as she introduced Liana Markosyan, a premium perfume aficionado.
Markosyan, who was just hours away from jetting off to Paris to meet with world-renowned perfumers, as she has done for more than a decade, came to the Lusanet Collective to present “A Journey Into the Mysterious World of Perfume” ― a presentation she calls: a “master class” in the creation, selection, use and etiquette of fragrances that have been created by artistically blending essential oils, aroma compounds, fixatives and solvents.
Having worked with well-known perfume creators from all over the world, including Francis Kurkdjian, Alessandro Gualtieri, Kilian Paris and Romano Ricci, Markosyan’s class provided attendees with expert insight on how fragrances are created, how to select perfumes suitable for day and night, and how and when to properly apply and blend perfumes to create a personal signature fragrance.
Along with the perfumes Markosyan introduced to the gathering that are now available at the Lusanet Collective, and the array of various artistic creations that constantly change, the shop has special Valentine’s Day offerings like dates and nuts by Tastes So Sweet, a boutique candy company established by local confectioners Mariam Yarmagayn and her daughter Janet Simitian.
“All of our candies come from recipes I learned from my grandmother in Yerevan, Armenia,” Yarmagayn said. “The dates and nuts we are offering at the Lusanet Collective up until Valentine’s Day are the perfect accompaniment with wines and brandies, especially Cognac.”
The collective is also proud to be offering handcrafted, body-positive candles that include scars, beauty marks, and moles on all body shapes and sizes. The candles are created by artisans at the Pretty Face Company, which is owned and operated by entrepreneur, fashion model and artist Kyla Hurtado Campbell, who served in the United States Army for 10 years.
The Lusanet Collective is a retail gallery as well as a creative hub that brings photographers, artists and designers of various disciplines together to network, exhibit and sell their work and wares. It also serves the creative community as an idea-exchange platform, a resource bank and exhibition venue. But most importantly, the collective gathers like-minded creative professionals who come together as part of a nurturing and encouraging environment focused on business development and professional, personal and artistic growth.
Through curated events and exhibits, members of the collective, including artists, designers and business owners, gain access to new audiences and resources that help them elevate their artwork, businesses and brands.
With only three days left to secure that perfect gift for your sweetheart, the Lusanet Collective, located at 124 East Olive Ave., is an excellent place to find something unique. For more information on upcoming events and store hours, visit lusanetcollective.com.
DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
