The Rise of Sophisticated Gourmand Perfumes
Delectable perfumes are experiencing
a resurgence, moving far beyond past dismissals as overly sweet, hyper-feminine, or adolescent. The best gourmand fragrances have evolved, with Autumne West, Nordstrom’s national Beauty director, noting, “The trend began over [two years] ago and we haven’t seen it slow down.”A Shift Towards Complex Scents
Fragrance houses are reinterpreting gourmand notes, incorporating unconventional ingredients to create more nuanced results. Delphine Jelk, Guerlain’s in-house perfumer, attributes this evolution to a growing desire for more refined compositions. “Gourmands have become more elegant and less childish,” Jelk tells Vogue. While vanilla remains a staple, she highlights that “honey, nutty, and milk fragrances” are gaining traction, alongside “mouthwatering fruity notes.”
Vogue's Favorite Gourmand Perfumes
- Best Skin Scent: Vanilla: Henry Rose Dave Eau de Parfum, $120
- Best Licorice: Dior la Collection Privée Eau Noire Eau de Parfum, $350
- Best Spicy Vanilla: Parfums de Marly Althair Eau de Parfum, $365
- Best Sugared Latte: Maison Margiela Replica Coffee Break Eau de Toilette, $165
- Best Fruity Gourmand: Guerlain Pêche Mirage Eau de Parfum, $445
- Best Cereal Milk: Dedcool Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum, $90
- Best Boozy: Kilian Angels’ Share Fragrance, $255
The Rise of Unisex and Gender-Neutral Gourmands
Aymar de Chergé, vice president of marketing for Parfums de Marly and Initio Parfums Privés, confirms a shift toward unisex or gender-neutral offerings. He says, “There’s a greater push toward unisex or gender-neutral gourmands, which focus on more universal themes of indulgence and comfort rather than leaning into traditionally feminine or masculine qualities.”
Nostalgia and Emotional Connection
Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, notes that fragrance lovers are adding more gourmands to their collections. She attributes their rise to their ability to evoke nostalgia and comfort. Stacey Younge, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Sixth Street Wellness, explains that scent plays a powerful role in memory and emotional regulation. “Familiar scents bring calm and comforting memories,” Young tells Vogue, noting that chocolate, vanilla, and coffee notes are often associated with pleasure, childhood nostalgia, and feelings of safety.
Beyond Vanilla and Caramel
The new era of gourmands celebrates the connection between food, fragrance, and nostalgia. Today’s gourmands layer richness with complexity, incorporating unexpected elements like saffron, cardamom, ginger, and even smoky or nutty notes to create depth. “Gourmand doesn’t have to be the body spray you wore back in junior high. Now, it’s sophisticated, sexy, and grown up,” West says.