Discovering a signature fragrance transcends merely attracting compliments; it’s an intimate sensory journey that culminates in an olfactory declaration of 'this is me.' It provides a delightful surge of dopamine, akin to receiving a perfectly tailored personality assessment, but one that everyone can experience firsthand. Your chosen scent encapsulates your essence within a bottle, often with a design that reflects its unique character.
Vogue's editorial team, known for their discerning tastes, approaches their fragrance collections with meticulous care. Each selection is a reflection of an aura, a particular emotional state, or a specific moment in time. Their preferences span a wide spectrum, ranging from universally acclaimed bestsellers to exclusive, niche discoveries that have yet to capture mainstream attention. Among them are individuals devoted to rich, gourmand aromas, while others staunchly avoid them. Some remain loyal to their subtle 'skin scents,' whereas one editor, embodying their Leo zodiac sign, embraces a playful layering technique to cultivate a distinct individuality. This article invites you to explore 23 distinctive scents chosen by Vogue editors, providing inspiration for finding your next personal fragrance.
Chloe Malle, the head of editorial content, expresses a particular fondness for Frédéric Malle's creations. Her daily go-to for several years has been the unisex Cologne Indélébile, a scent she finds effortlessly captivating. Additionally, she is drawn to Liis's Virginia Woolf-inspired fragrance, appreciating its sophisticated and introspective qualities, perfectly suited for the autumn season.
Kiana Murden, a senior beauty commerce writer, notes a fascinating evolution in her fragrance preferences. Initially leaning towards rich, slightly spicy ouds, she now finds herself drawn to the comforting embrace of floral and sweet compositions. Parfums de Marly’s Delina, with its delightful blend of rhubarb, lychee, and Damascena rose, served as her introduction to this new olfactory territory. She particularly enjoys layering it with Tory Burch’s Sublime EDP, a combination that consistently garners praise. U Beauty’s Proem, with its intriguing mix of floral, fruity, and earthy notes, including rhubarb and rose, also captivated her unexpectedly. For a vibrant and citrus-forward option, Dries Van Noten’s Mystic Moss stands out as a top choice, recognized for its unique, niche appeal. She also cherishes her now discontinued Loewe 001 Man eau de toilette, known for its warm, soft, and clean skin-like quality with a hint of lavender.
Concetta Ciarlo, a beauty shopping writer, prioritizes musky, spice-forward scents with a touch of sophisticated sweetness, a contrast to the overly sugary aromas of her youth. She likens her fragrance philosophy to Simone Rocha’s concept of “hardcore femininity.” Her ultimate favorite is Frédéric Malle’s Musc Ravageur, which she describes as a sexy, amber-infused knockout, reminiscent of Tom Ford’s ’90s era at Gucci. For a refined, moody vanilla, she turns to Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille, where tobacco leaf is expertly balanced with ginger, spice, and tonka bean. Henry Rose’s Dave, with its pink pepper and neroli, offers a mature gourmand experience that consistently impresses. Dries Van Noten’s Crazy Basil, an aromatic and woody scent, marks a new, adventurous territory for her, embodying a “whimsi-goth” aesthetic. A constant in her bag is a rollerball of Nemat’s Egyptian Musk fragrance oil, a scent she hopes will one day be available in a full perfume version.
Elly Leavitt, a lifestyle shopping editor, has consistently returned to Burberry’s Weekend throughout her life, a scent first gifted to her as a child. Despite experimenting with other fragrances, including an early "vanilla phase," she finds Weekend's delicate and fresh aroma to be a timeless and glamorous choice that has gracefully endured over the years.
Alexandra Ditch, an associate commerce producer, is currently immersed in finding her perfect wedding perfume. Her search focuses on fragrances that are warm, musky, and rich, yet simultaneously fresh and floral. She notes that each of her top contenders successfully achieves this delicate balance, all featuring the irresistible vanilla notes she favors. The quest continues as she seeks to make her final, momentous decision.
Hannah Jackson, a fashion writer, struggled to define her ideal fragrance until she discovered her "perfume trifecta": musk, florals, and amber. She intentionally avoids gourmand scents, recalling negative experiences from her middle school days. Glossier You is a beloved choice for its harmonious blend with her natural skin scent, often used until the last drop. Byredo's Mojave Ghost, introduced by a friend, also holds a special place, evoking memories of dancing nights and shared experiences.
Margaux Anbouba, associate shopping director, rarely commits to a single signature scent, preferring the versatility of fragrance discovery sets. This approach allows her to explore various aromas and enjoy the element of surprise. She views these mini collections as perfect for travel, ensuring she always has a diverse selection of perfumes at hand.
The editors at Vogue demonstrate a sophisticated and diverse appreciation for fragrances, each finding unique scents that complement their individual styles and daily lives. From floral and fruity to musky and woody, their selections highlight the personal connection one can have with a signature scent, transforming it into an integral part of their identity.