The unique allure of foul-scented perfumes
These include strong scents based on agarwood and animalic notes, which can mimic odours like faeces, sweat, or animal fur.
KUALA LUMPUR - Perfume is often synonymous with pleasant, soft, and enchanting aromas, but some enthusiasts prefer a unique twist-being drawn to scents considered foul by most.
Muhamad Lukman Nur Hakim Rosmizan, 24, has been a perfume aficionado since he was seven years old, gravitating toward rare and unconventional fragrances.
These include strong scents based on agarwood and animalic notes, which can mimic odours like faeces, sweat, or animal fur.
Interestingly, the fusion of animalic elements-such as civet cat musk-with floral, musky, oud, spicy, and powdery notes produces smells that are often described as repugnant, evoking sweat, vomit, or pus. However, for Lukman, these aromas hold a distinctive charm.
"Growing up, my father and grandfather sold attar perfumes, so I was exposed to strong fragrances from a young age. Over time, my nose became 'immune' to regular perfumes, and I started seeking out unique scents that intrigued me and made me feel comfortable.
"During secondary school, I started wearing perfumes with strong oud-based scents, then transitioned to tobacco fragrances. Now, I am captivated by animalic aromas. While many people consider them unpleasant, I find them uniquely fascinating," Lukman, who hails from Sungai Petani, Kedah told Bernama.
Spending between RM350 and RM1,800 per bottle, Lukman, who works at a perfume shop in the capital believes that selecting a fragrance is a form of personal expression, offering unique satisfaction and, at times, serving as a source of inspiration.
He said that while he still enjoys regular perfumes such as refreshing citrus fragrances, his collection of unique scents, including those obtained from perfumers in Thailand, Oman, and other countries, holds a special place in his heart.
"Perfume is not just about the scent; it carries artistic value and its own storytelling through the aromas created. It offers a different experience, and sometimes scents that seem unpleasant at first evolve into something fresh and captivating over time," he explained.
He further elaborated that perfumes have three stages of scent: top, middle, and base notes.
"When sprayed, the initial scent may be strong or unpleasant, but after some time, it transforms into something fresher and more appealing," he said.
For Lukman, the eldest of four siblings, each fragrance in his collection symbolises a continuous journey of exploration and experimentation. He remains unfazed by others' skeptical views regarding his preferences.
"Many are skeptical at first, but once they try, some end up liking it and want to learn more," he said.
One scent he is still pursuing is the aroma of a credit card, which he has yet to smell or even imagine. - BERNAMA
