Interview with Tomáš Ric, Founder of Pigmentarium

Hortus Urban Living sits down with Tomáš Ric, the visionary behind Pigmentarium, a perfume house that is redefining the olfactory landscape from its base in Prague.

We explore the brand’s deep roots in Czech culture, its commitment to sustainability, and its innovative approach to fragrance.

Hortus Urban Living: Tomáš, Pigmentarium has quickly gained a reputation in the niche perfume industry. What was the inspiration behind starting the brand?

Tomáš Ric: Pigmentarium was born out of a desire to capture the essence of Prague—its history, culture, and vibrancy—and translate that into a sensory experience.

We wanted to create more than just perfumes; we wanted to create a brand that communicates our heritage and our modern outlook through the language of scent.

Pigmentarium is a reflection of our love for this city and our passion for craftsmanship.

Hortus Urban Living: How would you describe the signature of Pigmentarium’s fragrances?

Tomáš Ric: Our fragrances are a blend of classical and modern elements. We work with time-honored ingredients, but always reinterpret them in a way that feels contemporary and relevant.

Each of our scents tells a story, often inspired by art, literature, or cinema, such as our fragrance Erotikon, which draws from a classic Czech film.

This interplay of the familiar and the novel is central to our brand’s identity.

Hortus Urban Living: Sustainability and local craftsmanship seem to be central to Pigmentarium. How do these values influence your production process?

Tomáš Ric: Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We are deeply committed to working with local artisans and small family-run businesses in the Czech Republic.

This ensures not only the highest quality in our products but also supports our local economy and preserves traditional craftsmanship.

For instance, our packaging is handcrafted by a family-owned business in Prague, reflecting our dedication to detail and ethical production.

Hortus Urban Living: The visual aspect of Pigmentarium is striking. How important is this to your brand?

Tomáš Ric: Imagery plays a crucial role in how we communicate our brand. My background in fashion has certainly influenced this approach.

During the pandemic, we realised that the visual identity of our perfumes could convey powerful messages, even before someone experiences the scent itself.

Collaborating with artists, photographers, and designers allows us to create a visual narrative that enhances the olfactory one, making the entire experience more immersive.

Hortus Urban Living: Pigmentarium is known for its collaborations with artists from various fields. What drives these collaborations?

Tomáš Ric: Our collaborations are about merging different forms of art. We believe that fragrance, like any art, should engage with its surroundings and the people who experience it.

Working with artists across different mediums allows us to explore new dimensions of storytelling.

For example, our collaboration on the Genesis fragrance with sculptor Tereza Štětinová was an exciting fusion of scent and visual art, creating a holistic sensory experience.

Hortus Urban Living: What’s next for Pigmentarium?

Tomáš Ric: We are focused on expanding our reach while staying true to our roots.

Our latest fragrance, Oratorio, marks a new phase for us.

It’s a collaboration with French perfumer Théo Belmas and embodies the duality of light and shadow, much like Prague itself.

As we continue to grow, we’re committed to maintaining the integrity, independence, and creativity that have defined Pigmentarium since the beginning.

Hortus Urban Living: thanks Tomáš Ric for sharing the rich narrative and inspiration behind Pigmentarium.

As the brand continues to expand globally, it remains a testament to the power of culture, artistry, and craftsmanship in the world of fragrance.