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Demo Accords: Make Perfume, Not War
Containing ten fully published perfume formulas, one piece of fiction and nine essays on political and personal topics, Demo Accords is a multidisciplinary collection of narratives where perfumery is part of the story and the stories are part of the perfumes.
In this work Pia explores the intersection between her two lifelong loves: writing and perfumery. Part manifesto, part polemic, part protest, part autobiography, the common thread is radical vulnerability of the perfumer’s art, practice and personal views.
Interrogating some fundamental questions about who perfumery belongs to and creating a parallel platform without a brand or a commercial consumer product, Demo Accords aims to exist for its own sake as a project that uses perfumery as an artistic storytelling device.
If the book is a script, then the formulas are sheet music, and the actual resulting liquid is therefore the orchestra playing. It is not necessary or compulsory to buy the liquid perfume sample kit to go with the book but it will help everyone hear the music.
The book has significant contributions from Nick Gilbert who wrote the scent descriptions and notes lists, as though for a protest perfume brand. Featuring original illustrations from multiple artists and a full colour cover by a Brighton street artist, Demo Accords is more than the sum of its parts.
In this work Pia explores the intersection between her two lifelong loves: writing and perfumery. Part manifesto, part polemic, part protest, part autobiography, the common thread is radical vulnerability of the perfumer’s art, practice and personal views.
Interrogating some fundamental questions about who perfumery belongs to and creating a parallel platform without a brand or a commercial consumer product, Demo Accords aims to exist for its own sake as a project that uses perfumery as an artistic storytelling device.
If the book is a script, then the formulas are sheet music, and the actual resulting liquid is therefore the orchestra playing. It is not necessary or compulsory to buy the liquid perfume sample kit to go with the book but it will help everyone hear the music.
The book has significant contributions from Nick Gilbert who wrote the scent descriptions and notes lists, as though for a protest perfume brand. Featuring original illustrations from multiple artists and a full colour cover by a Brighton street artist, Demo Accords is more than the sum of its parts.
102 pages, Hardcover
Published November 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 13, 2026
As a Black woman and the U.S.-born daughter of immigrants, this book resonated with me in ways I didn’t expect.
Reading it was an emotional experience. I cried, I got angry, I laughed, and I learned a lot. What struck me most was how often I saw parts of my own life and experiences reflected in the stories. Even though my life is different from the author’s in many ways, so much of what she shared felt familiar and deeply human.
In a time when the world feels increasingly divided, this book is a powerful reminder that our humanity connects us far more than the things that separate us. The author speaks openly about difficult and personal topics and about the experiences of people who are often judged, overlooked, or marginalized in many different ways. Tying it all back to fragrance in an impressive and transparent way. The vulnerability in these pages makes it hard not to reflect on our shared struggles and the importance of empathy.
You can feel the passion and care that went into writing this book. It’s thoughtful, moving, and incredibly timely.
If you’re looking for a quick read and a book that challenges you, moves you, and reminds you of our shared humanity, this one is absolutely worth reading.
I loved it!
Reading it was an emotional experience. I cried, I got angry, I laughed, and I learned a lot. What struck me most was how often I saw parts of my own life and experiences reflected in the stories. Even though my life is different from the author’s in many ways, so much of what she shared felt familiar and deeply human.
In a time when the world feels increasingly divided, this book is a powerful reminder that our humanity connects us far more than the things that separate us. The author speaks openly about difficult and personal topics and about the experiences of people who are often judged, overlooked, or marginalized in many different ways. Tying it all back to fragrance in an impressive and transparent way. The vulnerability in these pages makes it hard not to reflect on our shared struggles and the importance of empathy.
You can feel the passion and care that went into writing this book. It’s thoughtful, moving, and incredibly timely.
If you’re looking for a quick read and a book that challenges you, moves you, and reminds you of our shared humanity, this one is absolutely worth reading.
I loved it!
July 8, 2026
This isn't just a book for perfume enthusiasts, but anyone who wants to learn about the art of perfume and the myths of the fragrance industry through knowledgeable and honest words. I enjoyed Pia Long's smooth and engaging writing and Nick Gilbert's precise scent descriptions. I'll be recommending this to anyone who doesn't mind frank political commentary (or who likes to argue with me about "cleanly formulated" fragrances).
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews