L'Officiel Nose: Stephanie and Richard Palacci of LEBON
For the past five years, Stephanie and Richard Palacci have been working to make oral care a more glamorous experience. Coming from creative and clinical backgrounds respectively—Stephanie is an art historian and photographer, while Richard is a pharmacist and dermatologist—the husband and wife duo launched LEBON in January 2014 with their mutual love of nature in mind. Each toothpaste in their collection resembles a fine fragrance, mixing fresh mint with unique ingredients like green tea, rose, and black currant. Featuring ethical, eco-friendly principles and exclusive perfumed notes from Grasse, France, the brand’s lineup inspires with a cultured escapism crafted specifically for the mouth.
LEBON’s newest flavor, Rhythm is Love, is a member of the brand’s Whitening Series, which brightens teeth with papaya alongside a luxurious flavor experience. Taking inspiration from Asia, this edition uses yuzu and ylang-ylang to add citrus and floral notes to a touch of mint. Together, these create a fresh, intense flavor referencing health and sunshine, making a mundane daily routine feel a bit more rejuvenating and chic. To further display Rhythm is Love’s cultured, tropical identity, the Palaccis have described the toothpaste’s wardrobe, sound, and favorite decade.
If Rhythm is Love was the star of its own movie, which actor would play the starring role?
It could be the incredible Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia. Her character has found her perfect life balance on that wild, tiny Greek island.
What color(s) does it smell like?
Rhythm is Love smells like a sunrise on the turquoise blue water of a secret beach, surrounded by a forest of ylang-ylang flowers.
Which city/place in the world does Rhythm is Love encapsulate best?
Rhythm is Love is a kind of concentrate of Bali lifestyle.
If you had to place Rhythm is Love in an iconic decade past, which one would it be?
The seventies (the Peace & Love golden age) and also the future. Rhythm is Love is the search for a better world.
What item from your wardrobe would you compare it to?
A silk pashmina that you drop on your shoulders at the end of a sunny day.
What genre of music do you think Rhythm is Love most aligns with and why?
Rhythm is Love is all about balance, life, love, and hope, with a boost of positive energy. This could be "Life is Wonderful" by Jason Mraz.
If Rhythm is Love had a night out on the town, what drink would it order at the bar?
Always a mojito filled with super fresh mint leaves.
If you were to relate Rhythm is Love to a book, what would it be? Why?
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, because of the young man looking for the meaning of his life, the discovery, the people, and the great adventure. Everything is possible.
If Rhythm is Love had a soundtrack, what three sounds would play once you use the toothpaste?
The very first notes from John Frusciante's guitar in "Californication" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is pure magic.
If it wasn’t called Rhythm is Love, what would it be called?
Flower Power.
