Perfume picks — Team Denizen share the scents we’re spritzing this spring

A good fragrance can offer so much more than an olfactory experience alone. From evoking memories to creating moments of escapism to adding the final flourish to a perfectly conceived outfit, and even imbuing the wearer with an elevated air of confidence, fragrance is ritualistic and individualistic, offering insight into the wearer’s character and enhancing the pleasure of any occasion.

With a new season comes fresh inspiration, and the team at Denizen have embraced spring with relish — switching out our fragrances to mark the shift to warmer, lighter, and more convivial days.


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It’s important to spend time selecting a fragrance that perfectly represents your character (or the persona you wish to embody), but, for those in need of a little inspiration, these are the scents we’re wearing.

Claire Sullivan-Kraus, Editor-in-chief — Gardénia Pétal Eau de Parfum by Van Cleef & Arpels

“I am a signature fragrance girl. Over the years, I’ve adopted one fragrance that seems to have surmised my life at that moment in time. Having moved on from Tom Ford’s Fucking Fabulous (not because I’m not, more because I just am), I’ve more recently been solely devoted to Van Cleef & Arpel’s range of intoxicating fragrances. Given that it’s now spring, I’ve recently switched to this floral fragrance, which feels seasonally appropriate. With sweet notes of lily-of-the-valley and jasmine and a rich and creamy base note of my absolute favourite flower, the gardenia, every day feels like I’m floating among the butterflies and rainbows.”

Sjaan Askwith, Editor — Virēre by Aēsop

“I’m a sucker for a great fragrance — usually opting for woody, earthy, and herbaceous scents, but never before has a perfume struck me in the specific way Aēsop’s Virēre Eau de Parfum did. All of Aēsop’s fragrances are decidedly unorthodox, and I’ve been dousing myself in Ouranon since its release, but Virēre takes this uniqueness to new heights, somehow bottling the essence of spring without a fruity floral in sight. Vibrant and incredibly verdant, Virēre was inspired by sipping green tea whilst sitting under an arbour of fig trees — a beautiful image, perfectly enlivened with a single spritz.”

Anna Saveleva, Creative Director — Desert Dawn by Byredo

“This fragrance reminds me of the days I spent living in Dubai. It combines all of my favourite spices, and transports me to the bustling souks. At first spritz, the scent blends spicy, warm notes that evoke the sun-kissed sand and cool, crisp morning air. As it settles, a subtle, earthy base of sandalwood and ambroxan comes through, creating a sense of both warmth and calm. Byredo Desert Dawn is like a sensory sunrise — unfolding with the grace of dawn breaking over the desert, blending spice, floral, and earthy elements into a mesmerising harmony that, to me, feels like a personal journey through the essence of Dubai.”

Sammy Rohloff, Digital Director — Là-Bas by Régime des Fleurs

“Woody, spicy and smoky scents are what I’m drawn to, and this new fragrance by Régime des Fleurs ticks all of the boxes — with a spring slant. Combining the heady notes of Turkish rose with the sweetness of red apple and golden pear, and the intoxicating allure of leather, patchouli, and oak moss, to me, this scent is the embodiment of spring.”

Suse Anderson, Content Manager — Barénia Eau de Parfum by Hermès

“My current go-to fragrance is the elegant and timeless scent of Barénia Eau de Parfum by Hermès — a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and earthy, that feels fresh but not floral and importantly is long-lasting. Sexy and warm, the scent features butterfly lily with the delicacy notes of miracle berry, perfectly paired with oakwood and an intense patchouli. And, unsurprisingly given the name behind the fragrance, the bottle is a stunning addition to any beauty cabinet, featuring the domed pyramid studs synonymous with Hermès.”

Ivan Segedin, Operations Manager — Black Lacquer by Tom Ford

“Tom Ford’s Black Lacquer is released at the end of September, but I was lucky enough to get my nose on it pre-launch, and as the name suggests, it’s dark, inky, strong and masculine. It reeks of a playboy whom wears black suits with only two buttons done up on his shirt, and a bachelor pad that is heavy in leather furnishings, filled with expensive whisky and a humidor full of cuban cigars. I can’t wait to add this to my collection. Look out birds.”

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