Season 7 • Episode 36: Classic Scents Remixed & Reinvented
Have you noticed how new versions of classic perfumes are emerging – sometimes paying direct homage to the original with the OG DNA still very much present, but perhaps given a little twist? Other iterations may veer completely off the traditional path and take a whole new direction, garnering new fans who didn’t vibe with the initial scent, but adore the contemporary innovation…
In this episode we (Suzy Nightingale and Nicola Bonn) reveal our favourite versions of some absolute icons, discussing the fascinating ways an updated fragrance can make us feel, and Suzy tried the just-launched new Chanel N°5 Eau de Toilette and tells us exactly what she makes of it (plus explains how it differs from previous versions).
Have you tried any of these, we wonder – or do you have a preference for another ‘flanker’ (as new versions of existing perfumes are often referred to in the fragrance industry)? Tell us about it by sending a DM on our Instagram @onthescentpodcast!
Ready to swathe yourself in an icon?
Housed in a redesigned, minimalist (label-free) bottle inspired by the original 1924 silhouette, the classic scent profile is absolutely there (bubbly aldehydes, light florals) but with a modern, more casually dressed feeling. Lighter, more intimate, but with a grounding depth beyond the beloved soapy floralcy, Chanel describes it as: ‘A woody abstract floral fragrance that is powerful and textured – an invitation to discover N°5 in a new light.’
Chanel N°5 L'EAU Eau de Toilette
‘Less abstract than its forebears, the composition of N°5 L'EAU radiates citrus like sun-drenched honey. Top notes of lemon, mandarin and orange soar skyward with the aldehydes. Like a second wind, you can hear the rustle of flowers. Rose melds with airy jasmine and a new fraction of ylang-ylang, more modern than ever.
Behind this floral whirlwind, vetiver and cedar impart a novel dynamism, softened by white musks notes. Never has Nº5 been so natural. So fresh.’
‘A floral, luminous and airy interpretation of N°5. The voluptuousness of Ylang-Ylang from the Comoros blends into the harmonious and delicate facets of May Rose and Jasmine. Aldehydes grant it a unique presence, and the smooth touch of Vanilla and musky notes create an incredibly feminine trail.’
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau de Parfum
The quintessential sun-kissed, tropical blend now offers a more intense hit of sunset in a scent, via creamy coconut, tiare flower, warm amber, and vanilla. They say: ‘More intense. More glow. The unmistakable magic of notes of tiare flower and coconut, paired with notes of amber, sandalwood and vanilla, made even richer.’
‘Play the game of love with Petit Fracas de Robert Piguet eau de parfum. The scent has an audacious air, inspired by our iconic Fracas. Petit is fresh, youthful and feminine, with a playful innocence. Flirtatious and charming, Petit Fracas opens with notes of fresh citrus and pear. At the heart of the scent is a foral with a vintage edge: tuberose and white flowers. Sophisticated, with a touch of whimsy, the base is underscored by the elegance of musk and sandalwood sprinkled with a touch of chocolate.’
AERIN Mediterranean Honeysuckle Soleil (Summer Edition)
This limited-edition 2026 solar floral fragrance is inspired by sun-drenched Mediterranean beach holidays. It features notes of neroli, monoi flower, and coconut milk, offering a warmer, creamier, and more radiant twist on the original. Founder, Aerin Lauder, says: ‘Mediterranean Honeysuckle Soleil is a radiant twist on our signature fragrance. This limited-edition was inspired by memories of sun-drenched beach days I have spent on the Mediterranean with family and friends. The scent reminds me of warm sun-kissed skin after a day by the sea with its notes of monoi flower, neroli and coconut milk.’
Escada Summer Limited Editions
Nicola adored these as a young woman and loves the fact they still bring out limited edition summer scents. Have you tried any?
Reimagining the original fig scent with a brighter, creamier profile this version features top notes of raspberry flower and white currant, a heart of white gardenia, a base of musk and the highly intriguing grape soda-like ‘cassette tape’ accord. Fascinating and resolutely modern!
Founder David Seth Moltz explains: ‘Debaser is a cult favorite D.S. & DURGA fume inspired by my preteen years hanging out with cool older kids. Music was the binding force of the group. I was introduced to many bands, but the Pixies reigned supreme. I remember getting Doolittle on cassette tape. Back then, tapes smelled distinctly of grapey-orange blossom due to a mysterious mixture of polyester, magnetics, and lubricants from which they were manufactured. You would go to your local record shop, get the latest tape, and skate home fast to listen. When you tore off the wrapping, that familiar aroma was like an unconscious precursor to new music.
Playing with a perfume formula is like reworking a beloved song. New elements emerge, this version of Debaser renders beauty from the mundane. The nostalgic aroma of tapes amplified with choice fruit and flower notes. It wears easy and gives a perfect spring-to-summer vibration, not unlike the music that inspired it.’
Don’t forget it’s the brilliant Barnes Fragrance Fair coming up soon! On Saturday 16th May the fragrance lovers will be gathering far and wide (we know four On The Scent Podcast listeners flying in to attend from America this year!) to sniff their way through the best independent fragrance houses in the U.K. With more stalls than ever where you can meet the founders / perfumers, there’s also a whole timetable of fascinating talks to attend…
Why not grab the last tickets for ‘Scent, Style & Self-Expression: Exploring how men can show up with confidence’ with an expert panel hosted by friend of the pod, Haydn Williams @yousmellgreatwhatisit. Looking at how scent and style can enhance self-expression - and help leave a lasting impression - expect practical advice and insider secrets from the panel of experts…
Robin James - 'Man for Himself' men's grooming, fragrance and lifestyle creator and Founder of Anforh. @manforhimself
Phill Tarling - 'The Image Coach', menswear stylist @philltarling
Jimi Oketunji - 'Aromajayy' - fragrance & fashion content creator @aromajayy
Or listen to our Editor, Jo Fairley, in ‘From Dream to Bottle – The Story of Scented Start-ups’, chatting to NISSABA founder Sebastien Tissot and MANE perfumer Cristiano Canali…
All remaining tickets for talks are available here…
