Why are perfumes often labeled “masculine” or “feminine?”
Written on 30 November 2022
As our world and culture changes and develops, we have to ask the question : is it still relevant today to label a perfume as specifically made for men or women?
Historically, perfumes « for men » have often been based on fragrances of wood and leather, smoky like vetiver, or inspired by the sea, lined with notes of sport and adventure. Among the favorites at Galimard, « Citoyen », an elegant and powerful fragrance, succeeds continually in the market currently labeled as « masculine. »
By contrast, perfumes labeled « for women » typically feature floral, amber, sweet and fruity combinations. Of course, not all « feminine » fragrances fit this footprint, but there is often an accompanying marketing and advertising scheme, including bottle and labeling, that serves to differentiate perfumes into one category or the other. Our perfume « Brindille », a bouquet of white flowers, is a sophisticated fragrance that embodies a successful “feminine” fragrance.
At Galimard we have historically proposed the two collections of perfumes, to guide our cherished clientele and assist in selections for gifts. Although the packaging appears to be a suggestion, it is not intended to be taken as a rule. For example, our perfume « Napoléon, » though clasically marketed as masculine, has been gaining traction as a unisex offering. « Bois de Lune », with its gentle forest fragrance, has been a top choice among a wide range of clientele, not only for women.
We are proud to announce the development of a unisex collection – composed of precious essences such as Gaiac and Saffran. Discover the Collection Privée, a selection of perfumes of highest quality in the noblest fragrance notes. We took care to develop packaging that was completely suggestion free, so our clients are empowered to choose the best perfume for their personality, uninfluenced by color or packaging.
See also
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Interview: professional portrait of Véronique, Galimard’s longest-serving guide
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HÉRITAGE – An Ode to Grasse
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As we saw with Ruby Chéri, beautiful stories often begin with a meaningful encounter. This spring of 2025, our Maison de Parfums embarks on a new chapter with the launch of HÉRITAGE—a fragrant tribute to the city where perfumery was born and flourished. At its heart, HÉRITAGE is also a story of encounters, and we […]