Heritage
A house, in its own words
The story of B.ATES begins in 2009 when Bünyamin ATEŞ, who had spent years working in graphic design and visual branding, decided to translate his aesthetic sensibilities into scent. Istanbul, a city long celebrated for its spice markets and perfume workshops, provided a fertile backdrop for the venture. Early on, the brand partnered with local artisans to develop packaging that echoed the simplicity of modern Turkish design while honoring traditional craftsmanship. Over the next decade, B.ATES expanded its portfolio modestly, preferring depth over breadth. In 2022 the house released a coordinated set of six fragrances—Amber Cedar, Leather Oud, Bitter Almond Liquor, Oriental Woody, Amber Woody and Citrus Woody—each exploring a different facet of the amber and woody families while maintaining a cohesive tonal thread. The launch was accompanied by a limited‑edition packaging run that featured hand‑cut wooden caps and matte glass, underscoring the brand’s commitment to tactile quality. Though the company remains relatively small, it has cultivated a loyal following among collectors who appreciate its disciplined approach to both scent and form. The brand continues to operate from its Istanbul studio, where fragrance development, bottle design, and marketing converge under ATEŞ’s direction. B.ATES treats perfume composition as a form of musical arrangement. The founder has described notes as “musical notes,” a metaphor that informs the house’s creative process. Rather than layering scents indiscriminately, the brand seeks harmonic balance, allowing each ingredient to play a distinct role within a unified chord. This approach encourages restraint; a fragrance is built around a central theme—often an amber or woody motif—and secondary notes are introduced only when they enhance the overall melody. The house also values transparency in sourcing, preferring ingredients that can be traced to reputable growers in Turkey, the Mediterranean basin, or established overseas suppliers. Sustainability is a guiding principle, with the brand opting for recyclable packaging materials and minimizing waste during production. B.ATES aims to create scents that feel timeless yet relevant, offering wearers a sensory experience that resonates with personal memory while remaining anchored in contemporary design sensibilities.