Raw, Luxe, and Rich: The Stylish Individuals I Know Share These Perfumes.

      If you were to ask me about this year's top perfumes and major fragrance trends, I'd certainly highlight luxury scents, gourmand fragrances, and vibrant aromas. Yet, a more subtle trend I’ve observed recently is a growing desire for our fragrances to align with our favorite fashion items. What do I mean by that, you might wonder? Just as we might don an oversized leather jacket to feel empowered and polished, we are now on the lookout for bold leather scents to produce a similar effect. Likewise, when we relax at home in our cozy cashmere sweaters, we want soft perfumes to envelop us in a comforting embrace. It seems that fragrances inspired by raw materials and textures are becoming increasingly popular, prompting me to consult experts to delve deeper into these scents. "People trust texture," says Romy Kowalewski, founder of the fragrance brand 2787. "Modern perfumery taps into this instinct and converts it into scent in a contemporary and straightforward manner. It’s a more straightforward language compared to symbolic notes like 'mystery' or 'romance.' Texture provides a tangible foundation for fragrance." "I see it as part of a broader trend in fashion towards thoughtful investment pieces," adds Almira Armstrong, founder of niche perfume brand Atelier Lumira. "Fragrances inspired by materials connect with that realm. A soft leather accord or a clean cotton or linen impression seamlessly integrates into your personal style, just like a well-fitting blazer or trench coat becomes part of your wardrobe." Below, I’ve invited experts to share insights on these trending scents and compiled my top selections for some of the most exciting material-inspired perfumes this winter. Be sure to keep reading.

      Leather Fragrances

      To begin with, let's discuss leather scents, especially with winter in full effect. "When we refer to leather in perfumery, we aren't bottling a literal piece of leather. We’re crafting an impression of it, which can vary from inky and smoky to buttery and suede-like, just as a patent stiletto feels distinct from a slouchy bag," explains Armstrong. "At its essence, leather has a dual nature. It possesses depth and darkness, often featuring smoky, slightly tarry, or animalic notes that remind us of a well-worn jacket or a vintage club chair. Conversely, there’s a softness, akin to the inside of a suede glove, that can feel almost powdery and skin-like. Perfumers create that complexity using an accord instead of a singular ingredient, blending notes like woods, resins, labdanum, saffron, and tobacco nuances, alongside contemporary leather molecules, to outline the essence of leather without becoming flat or harsh." Personally, I think these rich, warm, and smoky scents are ideal for this season.

      Shop the Best Leather Scents:

      - Malin + Goetz Leather Eau de Parfum

      - Tom Ford Ombre Leather Eau de Parfum

      - Victoria Beckham Beauty Suite 302 Eau de Parfum

      Cashmere Fragrances

      If you lean towards something soft and subtle, consider a cashmere fragrance. “Cashmeran is a lovely synthetic aroma note also known as Cashmere Wood," explains Phway Su Aye, co-founder of Gabar. "It boasts a uniquely distinct and complex profile that is warm, musky, and slightly sweet, reminiscent of warm skin, delicate woods, or the soft scent lingering on a cashmere sweater.” Although Cashmeran is frequently used in cashmere scents, it's not essential for this particular aroma, and various other notes can be incorporated. "We enjoy combining cashmere woods with sandalwood and other musks to enhance the cozy qualities. Even amber can be used to achieve a cashmere sweater effect," says Su Aye.

      Shop the Best Cashmere Scents:

      - Guerlain Eau de Cashmere Eau de Toilette

      - Phlur Cashmere Skin Body Mist

      - Gabar 05 (LUDLOW) Lull Eau de Parfum

      Suede Fragrances

      While suede jackets are certainly in vogue this season, suede perfumes are also gaining attention. What I appreciate about suede scents is their incredible versatility. Some can be warm and comforting, while others can carry a musky and seductive essence. Regardless, they all add a stylish finishing touch to your outfit, much like your favorite suede jacket. "When I contemplate a scent, I always start with a mood. Suede embodies elements of the Earth. It offers a calming, grounding presence and that soft, warm, lived-in sensation when you touch it," says Stephanie Hannington-Suen, founder of HOMEWORK. "Earth symbolizes steadiness, comfort, and support; thus, I express these qualities through dry woods, gentle spices, and rounded florals. The dry woods provide stability, the soft spices introduce warmth and movement, while the rounded florals contribute a smooth, velvety softness. Together, they create a warm and enveloping quality that people might associate