Perfumes & celebrities: why are we obsessed with the fragrances they wear?

While the link between fame and luxury seems undeniable, celebrities' preferred perfumes vary widely. From historic perfume houses and affordable everyday fragrances to niche brands reserved for true fragrance connoisseurs, like WikiParfum readers, there's a whole spectrum of choices.

When Marilyn Monroe famously confessed that she wore only a few drops of Chanel No. 5 to bed, the fragrance transcended success to become a legend. Since its creation in 1921, this revolutionary scent has empowered women with its timeless floral composition. Its status as an icon comes from being groundbreaking: on one hand, it was one of the first multi-floral fragrances at a time when perfumes were typically single-note; and on the other hand, it pioneered the clean-smelling perfumes trend thanks to its high concentration of aldehydes, something unheard of at the time.
A symbol of elegance and femininity, Chanel Nº5 remains a signature scent for stars like Céline Dion, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer–to name just a few.
Few perfumes can claim to have been immortalized by an artist of Andy Wharhol's stature–his famous screen prints turned Chanel Nº5 into a cultural icon, further fueling its desirability.

The connection between Hermès 24 Faubourg and Princess Diana is equally fascinating. Like a mystery novel, it was Diana's former butler who revealed in his memoirs that this was her favourite perfume.

With its elegant and enveloping floral-amber blend, 24 Faubourg combines a bouquet of white flowers with the warmth of vanilla, perfectly complementing Diana's innate sophistication.
Princess Diana's passion for perfumes extended beyond personal preference, to the point where she planned to launch her own fragrance line for charity. A project that unfortunately never came to life.
Launched in 1995, just two years before her passing, 24 Faubourg was named after Hermès' historic address at 24 Fue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, Paris. It embodies an understated yet glamorous elegance, mirroring Diana's image.

If there's one thing Madonna has never done, it's go unnoticed–including in her perfume choices. One of her signature scents is Hypnotic Poison by Dior, an intense, daring, and sensual fragrance that perfectly reflects her provocative personality.
Like the pop diva, Hynotic Poison is a bold and transgressive perfume, designed to stand out, that expertly balances contrasting notes–vanilla and bitter almond, licorice and jasmine sambac–to create an ultra-feminine and powerful scent that connects with a woman who is not afraid to be both sweet and provocative.

Meanwhile, Hollywood's ultimate gentleman, Richard Gere, prefers the classic Habit Rouge by Guerlain–a refined 1965 fragrance that perfectly matches his sophisticated image.
Regarded as the first oriental fragrance for men, Habit Rouge is an icon of perfumery, ideal for men who want to exude a charismatic, yet serene personality. It is powerful yet not overwhelming, seductive yet effortlessly elegant–just like Gere himself.
Incidentally, he's not the only celebrity who loves it–Sean Connery and Robert Redford have also declared their admiration for the fragrance.

Vibrant, fresh, and sunlit, Eau de Sud by Goutal evokes the feeling of a Mediterranean summer. Mandarin, grapefruit, and Sicilian lemon capture the freshness of the fruit trees near the coast.
This is a fragrance appreciated by both men and women–after all, as you know, perfumes have no gender–and it is recognized as such by Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and Spielberg, for example.
Its connection with nature and the simple pleasures of life aligns with what is known as 'quiet luxury', which steers away from ostentation, favoring exclusivity and craftsmanship beyond mainstream trends.

Floral, herbal, and woody, Aromatics Elixir by Clinique is another fragrance beloved by celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Glenn Close, two film muses with multifaceted profiles.
Classified within the chypre family, which is making a comeback, this perfume has a strong connection to nature and projects power and mystery, just as only a true Hollywood star can.

Niche fragrances offer original and exclusive olfactory experiences that connect with personalities who seek to live differently and express their unique character. Distinguished by their innovative creative approaches and, at times, by the use of rare ingredients in bold combinations, niche fragrances often exist outside the mainstream perfumery market, setting trends or becoming timeless scents, always with a strong commitment to quality.
Kilian Hennessy, founder of Kilian Paris, has stated what is now common knowledge: singer Rihanna is a devoted wearer of his perfume Love Don't Be Shy. Though classified as a floral composition, the scent stands out for its gourmand nature, evoking the sweetness of marshmallow. Comforting, sweet, sensual, and addictive, it is an ideal fragrance for someone who wants to leave a lasting impression.
Beyoncé is also drawn to another Kilian creation, Angels' Share. How do we know? Apparently, during her Renaissance tour in 2023, the artist went to Harrods to purchase the perfume. A simple, everyday act that humanises Queen B, an enthusiast of opulent and powerful fragrances.

Actress Jessica Chastain confesses that she does not have a signature fragrance but instead changes scents depending on the character she is playing in each film. She reveals that Le Labo is where she always finds scents that surprise her.
It's no wonder that Le Labo has become a go-to destination for perfume connoisseurs. The brand offers a distinctive approach to perfumery, far from the mass market, with a clear emphasis on personalised experiences. At Le Labo, every perfume is freshly prepared at the moment of purchase.
Even Le Labo's most famous fragrance, Santal 33 Eau de Parfum, is unique and exclusive to each wearer, as the bottle can be customized with the date and name of the buyer on the label. "I know a lot of people wear it, but Santal 33 suits me perfectly," admits singer Rita Ora.
Although there's no absolute certainty, rumours strongly suggest that Santal Blush is one of Taylor Swift's favourite fragrances. Is it true? What is known is that the singer prefers warm, spicy scents like this renowned Tom Ford perfume, which incorporates a feminine touch in its floral facets, reflecting her delicate yet powerful personality.