Image by: Tom Barrett
When we begin to examine fragrance, it becomes apparent just how closely it is tied to our sense of identity. What do we offer up about ourselves when we apply our favorite fragrance in the morning? Or when we’re getting ready to go out at night? What fragrances do we gravitate toward when going through transitory stages in life? Are there specific smells and olfactive experiences that we will always associate with our sense of self? Questions we often hear at Fumerie can vary from “Does it smell too young/old for me?”, “Is it too masculine/feminine?”, and sometimes— in regards to niche fragrance— “Is it too weird?”. Now, as easy as it may be to respond with “That depends on your definition of masculinity/femininity” and “Sometimes weird is good”— often times deciding on whether or not a fragrance feels right on us is dependent on how we view ourselves in the first place.
Personally, I feel that woody and smoky fragrances are most reflective of my own identity. I am drawn to masculine, skewing towards androgynous, scents and I find more conventionally “feminine” scents don’t entice me as much. However, for someone else they wouldn’t feel quite like themselves without their signature soft floral fragrance. Although fragrance is it in its essence: unisex, collectively we are not immune to gender-geared marketing in fragrance. We can base our interests around our physical identities and that can often extend to our fragrance choices. Mx. from Eris Parfums is a great example of a fragrance that is inspired by identity. Made for all genders during a time of gender revolution, Mx. acknowledges this categorization in fragrance and leaves it behind. Mx. references identity in the more literal sense but there are many ways within the world of fragrance that we shape or reflect our identities. Relationships, jobs and our close circle of loved ones are definitely a factor in curating our scent-identities. Ultimately, your own preferences and insights on your scent are most important, as well as telling in regards to how you choose to be perceived.
Every January when the new year rolls around, we collectively look to build on our progress from the past year or for some, reinvent altogether. For fragrance lovers this may mean switching up a signature scent or seeking out a new one to better match a newfound identity. We may outgrow fragrances that inspired confidence in youth and find refuge in scents we once thought of as too mature. This olfactive journey looks different for everyone but it is undeniable that the right fragrance can embody an attitude, inspire confidence and offer reassurance. Often big life events like a change in career, a big move or the beginning/end to a relationship can inspire reinvention in the way we present ourselves. It’s frequent at Fumerie to go on a scent seeking journey with a customer that was motivated by one of these changes. Our connection to smell and ability to discern what truly speaks to us provides a wonderful opportunity to create an identity through fragrance. This identity speaks to the person we would like to be or who we feel we’ve always been. Going forward into this year what has shifted and what has stayed the same? What part of your identity are you looking forward to exploring through fragrance this year?
Wherever you’re headed, Fumerie hopes you’ll smell authentically you. Here’s to another year of discovering more fragrances and more about ourselves.
By Lele Faaleava