Since the birth of fragrance, hundreds of years ago, it was actually the norm in society to wear fragrance based on the scent of the time and not gender. From the growth of marketing; target audiences and focus groups became successful driving forces in industry, and so fragrance followed suit. Fashion and fragrance became categorized into gender, age, lifestyle and so on, catering to all gaps in the market yet opening the gap for gender non-specific scents.

However, fast forward to modern day, at a time where androgyny and gender neutrality is becoming more and more prevalent in Fashion and design, we are witnessing the release of fragrances that are once again gender non-specific and it is a very exciting development in the fragrance world. For the past few years now, fragrances have been created and marketed on the scent itself, dismantling and merging gender-stereotyped notes and accords such as floral and woody to create luxurious scents for everyone to wear.

In support of June being Pride Month, we are dedicating this week’s blog to our wide range of Gender-Neutral fragrances here at Scentstore.

Truly ground-breaking for the time, fashion house Calvin Klein released their first genderless fragrance in 1994, CK One Eau de Toilette. This was revolutionary and extremely unique, harmonizing categorized feminine floral tones with masculine musks, creating a Citrus Aromatic scent.

Following in the footsteps of CK One, 2020 witnessed the launch of CK Everyone. A Green Citrus Eau de Toilette, announced as “a genderless scent for today that celebrates the infinite freedom of self-expression”. Experience top notes of Ginger and Orange Essential Oil, leading into Blue Tea Accord and Watery notes at the heart, opening out into a woody base of Cedarwood, Amber and Patchouli. Merging fashion with fragrance, the bottle sports the classic Calvin Klein underwear waistband and holds 79% naturally derived ingredients.

This then bringing us to their newest genderless launch, CK One Summer Edition 2021. A bright and fresh reinterpretation of the original CK One, leaving you summer ready! Discover the playfulness of Rhubarb lifted by sparkling Lemon with a fruity-woody base.

Luxurious British perfumery Atkinsons, established since 1799, have been perfecting fragrances for over 200 years, creating 5 collections of detailed and versatile unisex scents.

The Contemporary Collection transforms ‘the familiar in the fabulously unfamiliar’ with the edgy interpretation of some of the most symbolic ingredients in perfumery. Distinctive and intriguing, discover fragrances such as Scilly Neroli, a solar, sunlit Eau de Parfum with notes of Lemon, Neroli Essence and Ambergris Accord. Also experience Posh on the Green, holding the greenest notes in perfumery and Mint & Tonic, a shimmering fragrance of freshness.

The Legendary Collection, a homage to British heritage that ‘convey the fascinating, exotic nobility of a vanished era’. This phenomenal collection includes extremely oriental and devilishly sensual Amber Empire, refreshing woody-floral blend Tulip Noire and my favourite, Love in Idleness, a powdery violet cloud with notes of Raspberry, Violet, Orris and Patchouli.

The Oud Collection, an empire of 5 fragrances, noble and sophisticated. The crown jewel of the collection here at Scentstore being Oud Save The King. This Eau de Parfum is the epitome of luxury and will leave all those that wear it feeling like royalty. With opening notes of infused Earl Grey Bergamot, a heart of Suede and Iris leads to the woody base of Agarwood (Oud) and Sandalwood, in a charismatic and elegant elixir.

One of my absolute favourite fragrances in perfumery as well as within the brand has to be Musk Therapy Extrait de Parfum. Revealing a new side of Musk awaiting to be experienced, the classic soft, smooth tones of Pink and White Musks have been blended with the fresh citrus of Bergamot and Mandarin, creating a beautiful melody, complimented further by Sandalwood and White Magnolia. Musk Therapy is ‘a magical mood enhancer, paves the way to relaxation and a state of well-being.’

Captivating and Solar, Blessed Baraka Eau de Parfum is powerful and addictive. ‘An intangible energy surrounds the wearer’, harmonizing Sandalwood, Musks and Amber. Notes of White flowers and Vanilla are also enhanced within this fragrance. Blessed Baraka holds versatility and can be layered with Initio Magnetic Blend 7 Eau de Parfum, creating a new sensual attraction with the addition of Pheromone Musk.

Oud for Greatness Eau de Parfum truly is ultimate luxury and elegance in a bottle, carrying regal sophistication through scent and design. The most precious of woods in the world is captured in two forms within this fragrance; Natural Oud Wood and Agarwood Oil. Perfectly harmonised with the freshness of Lavender and the spice of Saffron and Nutmeg, this scent is further built by Patchouli and Musks, enhancing the depth and longevity even more. ‘An enchanting, thrilling perfume that makes all our dreams of greatness possible.’

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire is the essence of sophistication and prestige. Containing a detailed variety of gender non-specific fragrances, this collection is the reinterpretation of the most beautiful natural ingredients, ‘a tribute to the poetry of nature.’

Newest addition, Orchid Leather Eau de Parfum has made its mark on all of us here at Scentstore, with the addition of Leather bring a floral sensuality to the outstanding collection. Explore a leathery character blended with botanical notes of Citrus and Vanilla. Let your senses be transported further with Spicy Cardamom, Sweet Plum and Woody Notes.

Moonlight Patchouli Eau de Parfum, an exquisite interpretation of the light and shade within Patchouli. Experience the midnight hour and the glow of moonlight as delicate Rose and Iris are unveiled, harmonizing perfectly with Fruity notes and the precious warmth of Suede accord.

Unique and beautiful Santal Blanc Eau de Parfum symbolizes a fragrance’s purity, tenderness and softness. Truly inspiring, a velvety body of Sandalwood is complimented by smooth Fig Milk, powdery Iris and soft Musk. Evoking the idea of pure white, immaculate white woods are the soul of this fragrances.

Further to these incredible brands, various cologne ranges have also been created and celebrated from other high-end brands such as Hermès and Bvlgari.

World-renown perfumery Hermès have produces 4 exceptional genderless cologne sprays boasting citrus-fruity notes in a new vision of sophistication and depth. Eau de Citron Noir Eau de Cologne spray expresses unusual but captivating Smokey, woody Black Lime, accomplishing that midday-midnight scent.

In 1992 best-selling perfume house Bvlgari created Eau Parfumee Au The Vert, a gender-neutral cologne spray inspired by the brightness of Japanese Green Tea. Then in 2003, they released a new addition to the range, Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc. A floral-woody-musk scent inspired by the delicate White Himalayan Tea.

We are seeing in today’s society the dismantling of gender norms, and the fragrance world is right beside this movement. Each year more and more perfume houses are journeying back to the foundations of scent, producing sensational, luxury fragrances without gender specification attached. We are now seeing more and more progression back in time to a world where one simply wore a scent because they liked it. What’s next for the future of perfumery? Only time will tell, but one thing we know for certain, we here at Scentstore are ready and excited!

Written by Loren