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Why are strangers asking me what I’m wearing?

I have had some interesting perfume interactions in the last couple of weeks.

We did a corporate activation a week or so back for an IT summit in Sandton. We were handing out complimentary perfume which is always a popular thing to do so pulls a bit of a crowd.

A number of people wanted to know more about who we are and what we do. It’s a great opportunity to share interesting experiences. One particular gentleman was telling me about his interest in niche and bespoke perfumes, which is certainly a growing trend. We then got onto layering fragrances and how that is a really great way to build bespoke scents without the inherent cost that comes with niche and bespoke offerings.  

He suddenly stopped mid sentence, “What are you wearing he asked?” as he leaned in, I was a little taken aback “Why do you ask?”. “That’s such an amazing scent, what is it?” he replied, “I’m looking for something exactly like that”.

The second incident happened at the golf club when I went to go and hit a few buckets on the driving range. I was standing in the queue waiting to pay, the guy behind me seemed to be standing too close.  

I was about to turn and ask him to step back a bit when he said, “Excuse me”. I turned to see what he wanted. “I wouldn’t normally do this, but would you mind telling me what aftershave you are wearing?” he asked, looking obviously uncomfortable.  

It seemed quite incongruous, he certainly did not look the type to ask what scent another man is wearing, but we got chatting and I explained that actually I was wearing two scents layered over one another and explained to him where he could get this delicious scent. 

The third occasion was also at the golf club, I was waiting for a coffee after sunrise golf. A rather attractive woman walking past suddenly stopped “What are you wearing, that smells amazing?” she asked.  

I seldom wear just one fragrance now, I find there are many fragrances that I like aspects but find they are just a little lacking overall and when one combines two scents the result is greater than the sum of the parts. There might be something in the creative aspect, when you combine two scents, you add a little of yourself to the mix.

So if you want to stop people in their tracks, try combining a few of your favourite scents. It’s always great to get compliments.

So what scents was I wearing?

The first combination was 2021 Pomegranate Noir from Jo Malone combined with 6002 Terre D’Hermes. I find the clove forward fruitiness of the Pomegranate Noir works fantastically with the earthy cedar of the Terre’D’Hermes.

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The second combination was 5015 Tom Ford Noir with 6019 Tom Ford Oud Wood. The aromatic tones of the Noir really lift the Oud Wood making for a fresh and really interesting scent.

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The third instance I was wearing 3051 Jo Malone Velvet Rose and Oud layered with 6039 Christian Dior Bois D’Argent. The woody ambery tones of the Bois D’Argent just cut the floral tones of the Velvet Rose and boost the woody undertones of the oud. It’s a really sophisticated combo.

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So there you have it. Experiment a bit, it’s fun and rewarding.

All the best

Rob

“Perfume is a story in odour, sometimes poetry in memory.”

Jean-Claude Ellena

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