Unisex fragrances: Breaking stereotypes with Arabian Nights perfume

Here's a fragrant odyssey that transcends time and gender. Entrancing as the Thousand and One Nights, a sillage of longing is left behind. The tradition of Arabian perfumes is thousands of years old. Infused with oils and pure ingredients for deeper concentration, they stay on endlessly. Arabian Nights perfume evokes a magical past, transporting you through the bustling markets of Marrakech, the serene gardens of Persia, and the opulent palaces of ancient Arabia. Man or woman, it weaves an exotic sensuousness into your skin. Find out why we can't get enough of it.

What is a unisex perfume?

A unisex perfume is a gender-neutral or gender-inclusive fragrance designed to be appealing and suitable for individuals of any gender. Unlike traditional perfumes, often marketed as masculine or feminine, unisex fragrances are versatile and can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender identity. Unisex perfumes typically have compositions that avoid gender-specific notes. They often incorporate a balanced fragrance profile, containing citrus, floral, woody, herbal, fresh, spicy, gourmand, and musk notes. They are not overly floral, fruity, spicy, musky, or leathery.

The history and evolution of perfume

The history of perfume dates back to antiquity. The earliest recorded use of perfume dates to ancient Mesopotamia. A cuneiform tablet even names a woman called Tapputi as the first perfume maker. Incense was the first form of perfume, made by the Mesopotamians about 4000 years ago. Ancient cultures burned various resins and fragrant woods at their religious ceremonies.

Perfumes had a special place in Egyptian society. The Egyptians even took them to their graves. Cleopatra greeted Marc Antony on a ship with perfumed sails. Persian and Arab perfumers helped codify the distillation of perfume, and its use spread through trade routes. They refined the extraction of fragrances through steam distillation and introduced new raw materials. Arab and Persian traders had wider access to spices, resins, herbs, precious woods, oud, roses, ambergris, and musk. The oldest perfumery was discovered in Cyprus, dating back to 4,000 years.

Knowledge of perfumery came to Europe with the Crusaders and Moorish influence. However, the Hungarians were the first to ultimately create the first modern perfume, with scented oils blended in an alcohol solution, in 1370 at the behest of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary. It became known throughout Europe as Hungary Water.

During the Renaissance, perfume was reborn, and France became the epicentre of fragrance culture, a position it has retained ever since. By the 16th and 17th centuries, the craze of perfuming everything was so extensive that even pets and jewellery got daubed with scent. The court of Louis XV became 'the perfume court', where everything from furniture to gloves to clothing was perfumed.

The 18th century saw the invention of the eau de Cologne, invented by an Italian barber in the German city of Cologne. It is still the world’s oldest continuously produced fragrance. Modern perfume, as we know it today, was born in the 19th century with the development of synthetic fragrance compounds. First crafted by Guerlain, Jicky is the first modern perfume to incorporate synthetic ingredients and natural extracts. The 20th century saw the emergence of iconic fragrances like Chanel No. 5 and the growth of the global perfume market.

Gender norms and fragrances

You will see perfumes known as 'for women' or 'for men'. The categorisation of perfumes into "male" and "female" scents is a longstanding practice in the fragrance industry. However, it is important to note that these distinctions are largely a result of marketing and societal conventions rather than any inherent gender-related qualities in the fragrances themselves. Perfumes do not have a biological or gender-specific basis; instead, they are a matter of personal preference and cultural influence.

Male fragrances have woody, citrus, spice, aquatic, leather, tobacco, and oriental accords. Female fragrances have floral, fruity, gourmand, green, fresh, and oriental notes and powdery accords. Floral notes are a hallmark of many women's fragrances. Roses, jasmine, lilies, and ylang‑ylang are popular floral ingredients, each offering a distinct character. Oriental notes, such as sandalwood, amber, musk, vanilla, tonka bean and patchouli, are found in both types.

Rising popularity of unisex fragrances

The rising popularity of unisex fragrances reflects a significant shift in the perfume industry and consumer preferences. Unisex fragrances allow individuals to choose scents based on personal preference rather than gender-specific stereotypes. They challenge preconceived notions of what scents are traditionally considered masculine or feminine.

Unisex perfumes offer freedom of expression, empowering individuals to select fragrances that authentically represent their personalities and moods rather than based on societal expectations. Fragrance brands are crafting intricate and innovative scent compositions for unisex fragrances. These blends often incorporate a wide array of notes, appealing to a diverse audience with varying scent preferences. Arabian perfumes are often unique and do not make gender distinctions. They are universally suitable for all those who love oriental notes.

Arabian Nights - Redefining Gender Norms

Arabian Nights is a luxury fragrance as enthralling as the romance of the ancient Middle East or as captivating as Scheherazade's stories. Its exotic top notes of saffron and cardamom are harmonised with patchouli, rose, and olibanum at the heart for a velvety and subtly smoky sweetness. The base is heavy with the accords of oud, amber, and sandalwood, culminating in an oriental masterpiece. It is indulgent and exquisite - for daily wear or cherished occasions. The ingredients form a symphony of scents full of mystery, promise, and intrigue. No one who has had a whiff of it has ever rejected it. They have only been obsessed with it.

Unisex perfumes like Arabian Nights bring you ingredients straight from the original fragrances of the ancient world. Balanced perfectly, they liberate you from gender labels. Unique and never mundane, they make you feel good and dazzle those interacting with you. Peacock Bazaar is the home of designer and classic perfumes. Handpicked for their timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship, we cater to discerning tastes. Would you wear Arabian Nights?