credit: vogue.com
The allure of the red carpet pales in comparison to my fascination with the scents attendees choose to complement their outfits for the event. This year, I’m pairing a few of my favorite looks with fragrances that I believe capture the essence of their vibe. Finding the perfect scent isn’t about making a bold statement—it’s about discovering something that feels personal and intentional. There’s a quiet magic in selecting a fragrance that harmonizes with your style, adding depth and character to the moment.
Halle Berry’s custom Christian Siriano gown wasn’t just a dress—it was an experience! The strapless masterpiece, adorned with 7,000 mirrored crystals, felt like stepping into a living mosaic of fractured light.
Butterfly by Alexandre.J is a beautifully elegant and feminine fragrance that gives off a vibe reminiscent of Oriana or Love Don’t Be Shy, but that’s just the first impression. It strikes a lovely balance with its fresh yet sweet profile, opening with zesty bergamot and a juicy pear note. Then, the white florals—tuberose and neroli—add a soft, sweet freshness, while the musk rounds everything out, making it feel soft and intimate. It’s not overpowering, but it has just the right amount of projection and longevity for a fresh fragrance, making it perfect for those moments when you want something special that stays close to your skin.
Roses on Ice by Kilian - Imagine the flower still tightly closed, kissed by a light drizzle, its petals glistening with cool dew. It’s as though you’ve wandered over, gently opened the rose yourself, and brushed against its stems, releasing their crisp, green aroma. The scent is refreshing and subtly cooling, perfect for warm weather, with a sharp, invigorating freshness that highlights the rose in a way that feels alive and vibrant.
Colman Domingo served up a moment in a custom Valentino masterpiece by Alessandro Michele, and honey, it was everything. The double-breasted jacket in fiery red shantung silk, paired with a matching guru collar shirt that screamed confidence and charisma. That bold red? A love letter to resilience and passion. And let’s not forget the sleek black wool trousers that balanced the look with pure sophistication.
Flamenco by Ramon Monegal has an opening nothing short of spectacular: a lush burst of orange blossom, the juicy sweetness of raspberries, and a touch of crisp apple to balance it all. It’s not just a fragrance; it’s an experience, one that feels both intimate and unforgettable, like a secret performance meant just for you. Ramon Monegal truly mastered the art of translating the soulful melody and fiery rhythm of Flamenco into a fragrance, encased in a striking red glass bottle that mirrors the passion of the Spanish dance. The result? A vibrant, bold composition—a fruity-floral explosion with woody undertones and a caramel-like warmth.
Lust Oud Delice by Chris Collins from the very first spritz, you’re greeted with a smooth, creamy dark chocolate note that feels rich but never overpowering—a rare feat for chocolate scents, which often veer into cloying or suffocating territory. Paired with Agarwood and Sandalwood, the orris lends Lust an opulent, decadent aura that feels undeniably luxurious. As the fragrance settles, nutty nuances emerge, transforming it into something utterly intoxicating. To say someone wearing Lust smells "delicious" wouldn’t be an overstatement—it’s simply that good. (grab a sample using code FUNMI10OFF to save $$$)
Cynthia Erivo slayed in a custom deep-green velvet Louis Vuitton masterpiece. The gown, with its bold high collar and off-the-shoulder drama, served up pure "Elphaba-core" vibes, perfectly channeling her iconic role in Wicked.
Donna Born in Roma Green Stravaganza by Valentino is a tea-inspired fragrance feels incredibly fresh and uplifting, with a delicate balance that’s pretty without being overwhelming. It has this beautiful duality—crisp and invigorating, yet warm and comforting as it lingers throughout the day. It is ideal for spring and summer as it seems to truly come alive on warmer skin. It’s the kind of scent that feels personal, like a quiet secret you carry with you.
Epic Woman by Amouage - Picture this: the crisp, cool freshness of coniferous forests paired with the intoxicating sweetness of vibrant pink roses. In warmer weather, the fragrance blooms into something softer, more feminine, with the rose and oleander taking center stage. But when the air turns cooler, the depth of the conifers steps forward, lending an air of sophistication and elegance. (grab a sample using code FUNMI10OFF to save $$$)
Andrew Garfield served a fashion moment with his impeccable style. He stepped out in a custom chocolate-brown Gucci suit, layered over a silky caramel shirt that screamed sophistication. And let’s not forget those deep-brown shoes that tied the whole look together—pure perfection.
Shaghaf Oud Elixer by Swiss Arabian Sweet, Sexy, Seductive—this fragrance is an absolute powerhouse, ideal for a Date Night or a Night Out. It’s deeply Oudy, rich with Rose, and layered with Amber. To my nose, it leans more towards the vibe of Ombre Nomade than Lancome’s Oud Bouquet.
Tobacco Honey by Guerlain - This scent starts with a lush, honeyed sweetness that feels utterly natural, then evolves into a rich, tobacco-infused dry-down that’s bold yet refined. The balance here is divine—patchouli, vanilla, and ISO E Super blend seamlessly, creating a unisex masterpiece that feels effortless and timeless. Plus, it’s versatile enough to wear all day, with a projection that’s noticeable but never overwhelming. It’s the kind of scent that feels personal, like it’s made just for you.
Ariana Grande absolutely owned the red carpet in a jaw-dropping custom Schiaparelli masterpiece that screamed Glinda vibes from the Wicked film adaptation. Picture this: a blush pink satin duchess bustier paired with a dreamy nude silk-tulle skirt, all inspired by an iconic Alberto Giacometti lamp from the Schiaparelli archives. It’s giving fantasy, it’s giving fashion, it’s giving everything.
Silk Santal by Kayali- When you first spritz this scent, it unfolds with an airy, vanillary elegance—sophisticated, sweet, and juicy. But the magic doesn’t stop there. As it settles, it transforms into something deeper, a musky, woody embrace that feels intimate and personal.
Bombón by House of Bo is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced—it’s a journey, not just a scent. The opening is fresh and inviting, drawing you in, but then it evolves into something deeper, a rich, boozy creaminess that’s sweet without being cloying. It’s complex, sophisticated, and utterly captivating.
Let me know in the comments your red carpet fragrance picks!
The choices were all accurate and thoughtful! 🩷
Arianna’s dress and perfume choices were perfect. Those are two of my favorites 🤩