Heritage
A house, in its own words
Gregg Corzine and David Klass founded Archipelago Botanicals after a road trip along the California coast in 1997. The founders chose the name after spotting the cluster of Santa Catalina islands, part of the Pacific archipelago that frames the Santa Monica horizon. Their first studio was a modest garage that overlooked those islands, and the view inspired the brand’s nautical motif. Early collections focused on hand‑poured soy candles scented with locally sourced botanicals. By 2008 the company expanded its portfolio to include room sprays, introducing Grapefruit and Pomegranate, fragrances that referenced the bright, citrusy markets the founders encountered on travel. 2010 marked a prolific year; Archipelago released Milk, Morning Mint, and Boticario de Havana Personal Fragrance, each reflecting a different cultural influence. The brand’s commitment to natural ingredients earned it placement in boutique retailers across the United States. In 2018 Archipelago launched Charcoal Rose, a scent that paired smoky charcoal with rose petals, demonstrating a willingness to experiment with unconventional pairings. The following year, Designworks Collective announced its acquisition of Archipelago, aiming to broaden the brand’s distribution while preserving its artisanal roots. Today the company remains privately held, operating out of Santa Monica and continuing to draw inspiration from global plant traditions. Archipelago’s mission centers on translating travel experiences into home fragrance. The founders have said that their goal is to bring the scents of distant markets into everyday living spaces, using plants that they encounter on journeys. This outlook guides product development: each fragrance is rooted in a specific locale, whether a Cuban market for Boticario de Havana or a Mediterranean garden for Charcoal Rose. The brand values transparency, sourcing botanical extracts from growers who practice sustainable harvesting. It also emphasizes simplicity; packaging is designed to be refillable, reducing waste and encouraging consumers to keep the scent alive longer. Archipelago believes that scent can shape mood and memory, so it strives to create aromas that feel both familiar and adventurous. The company’s creative team works closely with perfumers to balance authenticity with wearability, ensuring that a candle can fill a room without overwhelming it. By focusing on natural ingredients and mindful design, Archipelago aims to make fragrance an accessible ritual rather than a luxury add‑on.