While the perfume market continues to thrive, it’s unisex or gender-neutral fragrances that are on the rise today. This evolution can be attributed, first and foremost, to changing mindsets. The fashion industry serves as a perfect example. Gender boundaries are blurring, and it’s evident on runways everywhere. It was only a matter of time before this trend made its way into the world of perfumery. This is now true to such an extent that  unisex perfume today is synonymous with elegance and sophistication.

To cater to a broader audience, the fragrances are typically crafted around notes that appeal to both women and men. Ingredients like bergamot, vetiver, musk, or patchouli are neutrally and harmoniously blended. Some creators also opt to work with a single scent, enhancing it with other more subtle ingredients. Oud, for example, offers endless possibilities for perfumers.

However, there is one olfactory creation that has consistently resisted the pull of gender: Eau de Cologne. Since its creation in the 1700s, it has always been unisex. Reinterpreting cologne in a modern, unisex context makes perfect sense. This is precisely the challenge that the niche brand Juliette Has a Gun has taken on with Ego Stratis. Renowned for its somewhat provocative approach to perfumery, it surprises us once again with this recent creation. It certainly piques our curiosity.

The Origins of Unisex Perfume

Although the unisex fragrance trend has gained popularity in recent years, it is not a new concept. In the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance, men and women shared makeup, hair powder, musks, floral, and aromatic scents. For example, Louis XIV favored orange blossom, while the Queen of Hungary had a preference for rosemary. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the concept of gender entered perfumery. Of course, the objective was purely commercial. Woody scents were generally marketed towards men, while women were encouraged to opt for floral and fruity fragrances. However, the masculine or feminine perception of certain notes varies from one culture to another. In the East, for instance, both men and women appreciate rose and oud.

It was only 1880s that creators began to break free from gender norms. But mindsets are persistent, and the divide between masculine and feminine fragrances continued for a long time. It wasn’t until 1995 that the unisex fragrance trend was officially launched.

Affirming One’s Personality

Wearing a unisex perfume is a way to stand out and reflect one’s personality today. Unisex fragrances are more often intended for a clientele of connoisseurs. This is evident in niche perfumery, synonymous with “high perfumery,” which generally transcends the concept of gender. According to perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, “wearing a unisex perfume is like a man wearing a pink tie. It’s a matter of taste and confidence.”

This is a sentiment that the brand Juliette Has a Gun fully embraces. We recently introduced you to the story of this perfume house. Founded in 2006 by Romano Ricci, the great-grandson of Nina Ricci, Juliette Has a Gun breaks the mold. For more than 15 years, this niche brand has defied industry conventions to offer high-end, uncomplicated, and spontaneous perfumes, with the goal of empowering women.

Ego Stratis, Our Current Favorite Unisex Perfume

Until now, Juliette Has a Gun’s creations were exclusively for women and were designed as different facets of a strong personality (feminine, authoritative, seductive…). Today, the brand is writing a new chapter in its history with Ego Stratis. This unisex eau de parfum reinvents the traditional cologne. To achieve this, its composition relies on notes that appeal to both men and women.

Like a classic cologne, the opening is very fresh and sparkling with bergamot, lemon, and mandarin essences. The wave of freshness continues with the sea breeze if calone, a marine note, neroli essence, and blueberry. Finally, ambroxan, cedar essence, and musks give the fragrance a seductive and comforting depth. A characterful scent, perfect for the autumn season, and one you can easily share with your significant other…or not!

Ego Stratis Eau de Parfum, 1,426 DH for a 100 ml bottle.
Exclusively available at Beauty Success or onbeautysuccess.co.

Picture (c) : Behance