Most of the time, our fragrances of choice are those we feel have captured our spirit, mood, or our persona—or, the persona we’d like to project, at the very least. Perfumers, of course, are happy to comply, offering an unending stream of options that capture and convey each and every feeling and air from sensuality, to power, to romance, and so forth. Which is why we can’t help but feel a little bit intrigued when they give us something that’s completely outside the box—like a scent that smells like dirt, and other oddly-specific items, places, etc. Click through this gallery for some of the most unconventional fragrances we’ve come across, and the story of its curious conception.
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An avid reader and collector of books, perfumer Christopher Brosius modelled this fragrance after his favourite book. And we don’t mean its storyline or theme… we mean he actually tracked down 1 of only 100 first editions published in 1927, and bottled its exact scent. The sweet-but-papery main note (“English Novel” as he calls it), is rounded out with notes that capture leather bindings, worn cloth, and “a hint of wood polish.”
Though not as well known an acquaintance of Coco Chanel as Arthur “Boy” Capel, Misia Sert was the couturier’s dearest, and most influential friend. In his first fragrance for the House of Chanel, Olivier Polge decided not to capture the essence of the woman herself, but of the role she played in introducing Chanel to the arts, and the artists of the early 20th century. Sugared violets and powder form the heart of the scent, which aims to capture the scent of lipstick and powder that scent the air backstage at the Ballets Russes.
This simplistic scent, while unconventional, doesn’t require much detail to explain. Notes of bergamot, amber, cinnamon, and oak come together to form the creamy, and sweetly spicy scent of this sophisticated spirit.
…And not just any dirt—this singular-note fragrance was crafted to smell exactly like the dirt from the family farm in Pennsylvania, where the brand’s founder grew up. While the fragrance isn’t one we’ll be wearing with wild abandon, its fresh and earthy scent has a nostalgic quality reminiscent of childhood excursions through parks, and in playgrounds.
In a trendy office on New York’s Crosby Street, designer Derek Lam would often find inspiration in the scenes that took place outside his office window. Tunisian neroli and Haitian vetiver lend a certain “drenched” freshness—the kind that arises after a good downpour.
The crisp scent of fresh carrots spiced with fennel, and finished with a subtle earthy floral freshness might not be typical for fragrance, but it certainly does convey a sense of whimsy, and perhaps a dash of rebellion that challenges our expectations. Hints of peach balance the vegetal scent and add a deliciously refreshing twist.
Considered a floral fragrance, Lipstick On has notes of powdery iris, heliotrope accord, and vanilla bourbon—basically an array of essences beauty brands will add to their lipsticks to counteract the subtly synthetic smell. But what this fragrance really aims to capture, is a moment. That moment we spend with ourselves, right before a night on the town, where we stare ourselves down in the mirror, connect, assess, and carefully apply our lipstick—the finishing touch.
Another vice, beloved by many, makes this gourmand fragrance such a comfort. Designed for men or women, this sexy smell is alluring, warm, and induces a strong sense of craving—for its wearer, of course, hopefully not the tobacco.
