The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
104 by Scent Bar was launched in 2011 and composed by Viola Pompili. Its brief is clearest in the materials themselves: bergamot at the top, a heart of labdanum, elemi, heliotrope, incense, and geranium, then a base built around benzoin, ambergris, vanilla, cinnamon, patchouli, white musk, and musk. Nothing in the record names a specific inspiration beyond the fragrance, so the composition tells the story instead. It begins with light, moves through aromatic resin, and lands in a sweet, woody, gently powdery space. The contrast gives 104 its shape, a fragrance that can look polished in the first breath and become much warmer once it settles.
That opening-to-base contrast is where the fragrance gets interesting. Bergamot brings a clean, lively edge, while labdanum and elemi make the middle feel resinous and slightly mysterious. Heliotrope adds a powdery floral softness, incense adds depth, and geranium keeps the heart from becoming too heavy. The base is where the warmth really gathers: benzoin and ambergris support the balsamic mood, vanilla rounds it out, cinnamon brings the spice, and patchouli gives it a grounded shadow. Musk keeps the finish close to skin rather than letting it disappear into the background.
The evolution
104 begins with bergamot, a quick spark of brightness against a warm, balsamic frame. Early on, labdanum and elemi bring a resinous weight, joined by heliotrope's powdery softness, incense's darker depth, and geranium's green floral edge. As the heart settles, the citrus recedes and the composition turns more tactile, less polite. Benzoin and ambergris deepen the warmth, vanilla rounds the edges, cinnamon adds a clear heat, and patchouli pulls everything toward earth. The final musk and white musk leave a soft, skin-like trail instead of a loud finish. By the time the drydown is fully formed, 104 smells less like citrus and more like a warm, sweet resin with a powdery shadow. As it wears, the opening brightness gives way gradually to layered sweetness, spice, and texture. The citrus remains a defining contrast, while the denser notes create a more grounded, intimate impression.
Cultural impact
104 is built around a clear contrast between bright citrus and a dense, resinous drydown. Bergamot brings a lively opening, while labdanum, elemi, benzoin, ambergris, and patchouli give the composition warmth and weight. Heliotrope adds a powdery softness, incense deepens the darker notes, and ger lends a green floral edge. Cinnamon and vanilla make the transition into sweetness more pronounced, while musk and white musk soften the finish against the skin. The result is a sweet, spicy, oriental fragrance that remains readable yet distinctive as it settles.
The House
ScentBarScent Bar offers a hands‑on fragrance experience that lets shoppers blend their own scent in a dedicated perfume and cologne bar. The concept debuted in New York City’s Lower East Side, where a modest storefront invites visitors to experiment with dozens of aroma ingredients under the guidance of trained staff. Customers can walk away with a personalized bottle, order the same blend online, or simply enjoy a guided scent session. The brand positions the act of creating perfume as a social ritual, turning a traditionally solitary craft into a shared, playful workshop.
The Creator
Viola PompiliViola’s signature technique centers on a disciplined use of oriental bases, especially vanilla, amber, and subtle spice. She often layers a creamy vanilla heart with a whisper of incense or cardamom, then anchors the composition with a dry, woody finish.
