The Heritage
The Story of State of Mind
State of Mind is a French niche perfume house that pairs scent with the ritual of tea. Based in Versailles, the brand offers a curated line of artistic fragrances that aim to influence mood as much as they please the nose. Each perfume arrives with a suggested tea pairing, inviting the wearer to pause, breathe, and explore a moment of sensory balance. The collection includes titles such as Secret of Success, Creative Inspiration and Fanfarone Italiano, reflecting a playful dialogue between scent and mindset.
Heritage
Catherine Laskine‑Balandina founded State of Mind in 2015 after years of studying both perfumery and the Japanese tea ceremony. She opened the first studio in Versailles, where she blended traditional French fragrance techniques with the meditative principles of tea preparation. The brand debuted its inaugural collection in 2017, releasing eight scents that explored mental states ranging from spontaneous generosity to aesthetic turbulence. By 2018 the house expanded its distribution network to more than 40 countries, a reach that grew to 52 nations by 2021 according to independent market reports. In 2020 State of Mind partnered with specialty tea houses to develop a line of scented teas that complement each fragrance, reinforcing the brand’s core concept of scent as an experience rather than a product. The 2023 launch of Fanfarone Italiano marked the first fragrance created in collaboration with an Italian perfumer, adding a Mediterranean nuance to the portfolio. A boutique opened in Budapest in 2024, providing a dedicated space for immersive scent‑and‑tea ceremonies. Throughout its growth, the house has remained privately owned, preserving creative autonomy and a focus on artisanal quality.
Craftsmanship
All State of Mind fragrances are blended in France under the supervision of master perfumers. The house sources natural absolutes from regions such as Grasse, Madagascar and Japan, while synthetic notes are used only when they enhance stability or longevity. Each batch undergoes a three‑stage quality test: olfactory evaluation by the founder, analytical verification of ingredient ratios, and a final sensory review paired with the designated tea. The tea component is brewed according to the traditional Chinese Gongfu method, then infused into a light, non‑alcoholic base that is sealed alongside the perfume. Bottles are hand‑filled in a climate‑controlled studio to preserve aromatic integrity. The glass is produced by a French manufacturer that recycles 80 % of its material, and the caps are crafted from brushed aluminum to convey a modern yet understated aesthetic. Limited editions are printed with soy‑based inks, reinforcing the house’s commitment to environmentally conscious production.
Design Language
State of Mind presents its scents in minimalist bottles that echo the clean lines of a tea cup. The glass is clear, allowing the perfume’s natural hue to show, while the label features a single brushstroke in pastel tones that corresponds to the fragrance’s emotional theme. Caps are matte aluminum, engraved with the brand’s initials in a subtle font. Packaging includes a small, recyclable cardboard sleeve that carries a short poem about the associated mental state. Visual campaigns favor soft natural lighting and close‑up shots of tea leaves, reinforcing the link between scent and ceremony. Retail spaces adopt a zen‑inspired layout: low wooden tables, muted earth colors, and a scent bar where visitors can sample perfume and tea side by side. The overall image balances contemporary French design with an understated nod to Asian ritual, creating a cohesive brand identity that feels both cultured and approachable.
Philosophy
State of Mind treats fragrance as a tool for emotional navigation. The founder believes that scent can shape perception, calm anxiety, or spark curiosity, a view that echoes the mindfulness practiced in tea ceremonies. The brand therefore designs each perfume around a specific mental intention and pairs it with a tea that amplifies the intended effect. Creative freedom guides the house; perfumers are invited to experiment with unconventional accords as long as the result supports the chosen state of mind. Sustainability also informs the philosophy: ingredients are sourced from growers who practice responsible agriculture, and packaging uses recyclable materials. The house avoids mass‑market trends, preferring instead a quiet confidence that lets the wearer set the narrative. This approach has attracted a community of collectors who value depth over novelty.
Key Milestones
2015
Catherine Laskine‑Balandina establishes State of Mind in Versailles, France.
2017
Launch of the inaugural collection, introducing eight fragrances that explore distinct mental states.
2018
Distribution expands to over 40 countries, marking the brand’s first major international presence.
2020
Collaboration with specialty tea houses begins, creating paired scented teas for each perfume.
2023
Fanfarone Italiano debuts, the first fragrance co‑created with an Italian perfumer.
2024
First standalone boutique opens in Budapest, offering immersive scent‑and‑tea experiences.
At a Glance
Brand profile snapshot
Origin
France
Founded
2015
Heritage
11
Years active
Collection
1
Fragrances released
Avg Rating
3.9
Community sentiment
Release Rhythm