33: Why Are We Still Describing Fragrances As OriEnTaL?

You may have noticed how the co-hosts of this podcast audibly cringe every time we talk about a fragrance that is marketed as an "oriental" scent. It feels icky and wrong and way tone-deaf. Because it is. But why does the fragrance industry continue using such an outdated term in such a blasé matter-of-fact way? It's not like there aren't a ton of other more accurate descriptors that could be used to better explain a fragrance. It remains a mystery, however, one that more and more people are starting to rightfully question, ourselves included. While there isn't much discourse on this problematic topic, we reference this flare dot com article by Madelyn Chung for its in-depth research—a perfect springboard for your co-hosts to bounce off of and, as the kids say, go awf.

[Fragrances mentioned: Kilian Intoxicated, Black Phantom; Kayali Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper, Maison Margiela Replica Matcha Meditation]

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