Mathew Schmuelian
Mathew Schmuelian grew up surrounded by the scent‑filled kitchens of his family’s New York brownstone, where fresh herbs and simmering spices taught him that fragrance can anchor memory. After completing a formal apprenticeship at the Institute of Perfumery in Paris, he returned to the city and spent three years assisting at Jinx Smells, where he refined his technical foundation under seasoned noses. In 2022 he launched Lost Tribe, an all‑natural house that positions scent as a bridge between people and place. The brand’s first releases, POPSTAR and ROCKSTAR, arrived with modest fanfare but quickly earned praise for their bold use of raw ingredients. While the catalogue remains small, each launch reflects a deliberate step toward a more transparent, ingredient‑first perfume culture. Mathew continues to experiment in a modest studio, inviting collaborators to test his concepts before they reach the market.
The hits
Notable creations
The signature
How Mathew composes
Mathew’s style leans toward unisex blends that balance bright fruit with grounded woods. He often starts with a single natural note—ripe mango, smoked tobacco, or wild rose—and builds layers that echo its texture. Cold‑pressed citrus oils provide lift, while sustainably sourced oud or cedar anchor the dry down. He avoids heavy synthetics, opting instead for natural resins and essential oils that evolve on skin. Each formula undergoes a short maceration period, allowing the raw materials to meld without losing their individuality. The result feels immediate yet develops subtle shifts over time.
Philosophy
What drives Mathew
Mathew believes fragrance should speak directly, without the clutter of synthetic shortcuts. He treats each ingredient as a character, allowing its natural voice to shape the composition. Sustainability guides his sourcing; he prefers wild‑harvested absolutes and cold‑pressed oils that retain their original nuance. Community fuels his creative spark; conversations with musicians, chefs, and visual artists inspire him to translate moods into scent. For Mathew, perfume acts as a quiet invitation, a way to remind wearers of a moment they might otherwise let slip away.
The houses