There are hundreds of fragrances bottled each year, seeking to capture feelings like joy, sex and love. However, a few scents seem to be capturing more than just a feeling—they’re also conveying feminism vibes. One example is Stella McCartney’s POP fragrance, which the designer created to show that women are a force to be reckoned with. It’s a millennial-pink, floral-fruity fragrance with hints of peach and lily that has been endorsed by celebrities such as Amandla Stenberg, Grimes and Kenya Kinski Jones.
The Scent of Feminism: Exploring Modern Fragrances exhibition’s immersive installations will take visitors on an olfactory journey that is inspired by the perfumers’ identities, influences and skills. On arrival, they will be provided with a note-book to record their impressions of each fragrance. These impressions will then be displayed for other visitors to read and bring together the olfactory and visual elements of the display.
Feminism in Fragrance: Unveiling the Empowering Scents of Modern Womanhood
Fragrance is an integral part of personal style, complementing outfits and expressing personality. This is especially true for Gen Z, who view fashion and scent as interconnected expressions of identity. The exhibition will showcase the interplay between fashion and fragrance as it explores the work of ten perfume pioneers. Whether self-taught or classically trained, each perfumer challenges long-held conventions in fragrance design—from creation and communication to gender and good taste—pushing their craft in daring olfactory directions.
Increasingly, consumers are demanding transparency in the production of perfumes. They want to know if the ingredients in their perfumes are ethically sourced and what impact they have on communities. They are also looking for brands that make sustainability a priority, such as those that offer refills or bottles that can be reused.
