Slumberhouse

[NYCBoomBoom]

Yep. Because, ultimately, fragrance is a subjective thing, and my subjective experience is that that is not the case. I have received more compliments in a few months of wearing Slumberhouse, like Octavarium, than in my entire lifetime before -- not that I was wearing any expansive range before, but nothing else I've ever worn has drawn this much positive attention. It has come from people who have never expressed any interest in fragrance whatsoever; from people who have openly stated their dislike of most fragrances; from people who wear the name-brand scents of mall stores.

Fragrances are subjective, and when wearing quite a few of the samples I received I was met with revulsion. Granted, that's happened with a few other niche samples as well (and I would say the same about them as I've said about Slumberhouse), my subjective experiences are as telling as yours. But I'm not saying everyone will be repulsed by what Slumberhouse has to offer, I'm simply saying that due to the high concentration and strength of the product, many will think it too risky to wear when they have plenty of safer alternatives to turn to for a fraction of the price.

[Diogenes65]

First, logical fallacies are a part of philosophy. Hence why college courses have it in PHL 101, like I took.

Second, your argument is invalid because you could input literally any other niche fragrance house and have the same conclusion. Thus, they are not meant to "appeal to mainstream" people, which you said they are before.

Third, when you quoted someone who said they'd describe them as beautiful, how does that mean they don't smell good? How? I use "beautiful" when a fragrance smells so good it is literally a thing of beauty. Or for that matter stunning?

Forth and most importantly, the point of the fragrances is, to my understanding, be interesting and unique, not something a million people want to wear. If you want to wear a fragrance day to day, don't buy one of these (which you clearly won't). The reason people are so passionate around here is because they DO want to smell interesting and "avante-garde," even though I hate that term. I forget who mentioned it in the past, maybe it was Brian Chambers, but they are meant for those who are interested in things that are NOT mainstream, even as far as niche is concerned.

I want to mention that I hold no animosity toward you or anyone who dislikes the fragrances I like, especially slumberhouse ones. I personally enjoy them, get complimented on them, and could care less if I smell "good" to others. I'm not that egocentric.

EDIT: It may also be worth noting my 54 year old mother has 2 fragrances, and has worn really only 1 her who life. Yet, when she wore Pear and Olive, she immediately told me she wanted a bottle for her birthday (which I am in the process of getting for her). I think that proves that, in yet another instance, fragrance novices can like at least that fragrance from the house.

I've followed this argument...and it is played out. Move on... You are arguing semantics in an artistic thread. I have found houses that I disliked everything I tried. I have found houses (Bond no 9) that I tested 15 different perfumes before finding one I would buy...Some people would have given up saying "there is nothing in this house which I like" But down around bottle 12 I found New York Amber, which I love. Wear what you like, knowing others will hate it. I can't wear ANYTHING by Slumberhouse. I tried hard with the Jeke again last night, but I keep getting that ONE note that kills it...In Jeke it is dill pickles!!!! It is funny, the other house that does the same thing (in my opinion( IS Bond no 9. I tried Bleeker st., Riverside Drive, and several others, loved them except for ONE note in each that projected out like a beacon in the night. With them it was an artificial grape/plum chemical that killed the otherwise great fragrances. WIth projection monsters, the creator has to be extra careful, b/c any discordant note will show up strong.

[OctaVariuM]

I've followed this argument...and it is played out. Move on... You are arguing semantics in an artistic thread. I have found houses that I disliked everything I tried. I have found houses (Bond no 9) that I tested 15 different perfumes before finding one I would buy...Some people would have given up saying "there is nothing in this house which I like" But down around bottle 12 I found New York Amber, which I love. Wear what you like, knowing others will hate it. I can't wear ANYTHING by Slumberhouse. I tried hard with the Jeke again last night, but I keep getting that ONE note that kills it...In Jeke it is dill pickles!!!! It is funny, the other house that does the same thing (in my opinion( IS Bond no 9. I tried Bleeker st., Riverside Drive, and several others, loved them except for ONE note in each that projected out like a beacon in the night. With them it was an artificial grape/plum chemical that killed the otherwise great fragrances. WIth projection monsters, the creator has to be extra careful, b/c any discordant note will show up strong.

See, the way you explain your dislike is totally respectable. I personally don't like it when people have 10 points they are trying to make, then make none of them clear and just keep refuting everything said stubbornly because of it. At least you've realized you don't like anything right now, and that's perfectly fine. Slumberhouse fragrances have never been intended for mass appeal, like some niche houses "could" claim. At least it sounds like you are open to trying any new things he is coming out with.

It's probably also worth reiterating that he is planning on making a few more "wearable" fragrances in the future for spring and summer. I'd think those that can't wear anything from the house would benefit from checking those out when they come to the surface.

[Marais]

Slumberhouse fragrances have never been intended for mass appeal, like some niche houses "could" claim.

It's probably also worth reiterating that he is planning on making a few more "wearable" fragrances in the future for spring and summer.

Sounds like the 'never intended for mass appeal' bit has gone out the window. Or at least been diluted (along with the fragrances!). That's commercial reality for you.

[CMcG]

I've never tried a niche fragrance, but I've been thinking about ordering a Slumberhouse sample pack. Are these scents really THAT far out? Or is their niche-ness more indicative of a small operation and high quality ingredients?

When people are saying Slumberhouse does not have mass appeal, I think there are a group of complex factors involved. Price and wearability are being cited as the two main ones, but some of the arguments around these seem a bit shaky...

Dollar for dollar, Slumberhouse isn't more expensive than some designer fragrances at my local mall. Yes, the size of the bottle is smaller, but the concentration is higher. I think even the most uneducated fragrance buyer can quickly learn the difference in %/vol between an aftershave, cologne, eau de toilette, and perfume, so it does not seem unreasonable for people to understand that the value of Josh's "extrait" fragrances are to be measured in a smaller bottle -- of equal price -- lasting the same amount of time as a bigger, less concentrated bottle of something else.

As for mass appeal, I don't think that is a determining factor in wearability, because taste varies by individual, time period, and location, among other factors. There are fragrances at the mall that I find un-wearable, but have the brand power to achieve wide distribution, which helps them to find the people who will appreciate them. Kouros is just one example. There are also older scents that have their devotees, but perhaps appeal less to the next generation. This is the classic "old man/woman" fragrance that has mass appeal to a certain age range, but is less popular or wearable to another cohort. By location, I mean different cultures consider different scents to be fragrance worthy; I was wearing Old Spice in Hong Kong and got asked by my friend if I was using herbal medicine...

Furthermore, in periods of high market homogeneity (like most new releases of designer/celebrity frags these days), it does not follow that all people will just buy what is available. If demand for something is not sated, consumers drop out of the market until something different comes along. Marketing can go a long way towards encouraging people to buy something, but fragrances are a luxury product, so taste is a deciding factor.

Basically, "mass appeal" is difficult to determine because masses of people are heterogeneous. There may be a current mainstream of new fragrances, but these trends are just a grouping in the much larger range of what is available from even the average mall.

That being said, I don't want to waste my money on a Slumberhouse sample pack (currently Norne, Jeke, Sova, Pear + Olive) if they aren't wearable. Being outside the current mainstream is OK, strong is OK (I like powerhouses!), different is OK, but are these fragrances really that weird or beyond the pale? If they were available at the mall and people understood just how concentrated they are (re: value), would they sell or would they sit there until some devoted Bassnoter came in?

[gtsb]

In my opinion they are not just wearable, but belong to the most complimented of my collection (I wear Sova and Jeke and get compliments every time).

But really only you can judge what is or isn't "wearable"... at any rate I would say they are definitely worth a try if your curiosity is piqued.

[OctaVariuM]

I've never tried a niche fragrance, but I've been thinking about ordering a Slumberhouse sample pack. Are these scents really THAT far out? Or is their niche-ness more indicative of a small operation and high quality ingredients?

When people are saying Slumberhouse does not have mass appeal, I think there are a group of complex factors involved. Price and wearability are being cited as the two main ones, but some of the arguments around these seem a bit shaky...

Dollar for dollar, Slumberhouse isn't more expensive than some designer fragrances at my local mall. Yes, the size of the bottle is smaller, but the concentration is higher. I think even the most uneducated fragrance buyer can quickly learn the difference in %/vol between an aftershave, cologne, eau de toilette, and perfume, so it does not seem unreasonable for people to understand that the value of Josh's "extrait" fragrances are to be measured in a smaller bottle -- of equal price -- lasting the same amount of time as a bigger, less concentrated bottle of something else.

As for mass appeal, I don't think that is a determining factor in wearability, because taste varies by individual, time period, and location, among other factors. There are fragrances at the mall that I find un-wearable, but have the brand power to achieve wide distribution, which helps them to find the people who will appreciate them. Kouros is just one example. There are also older scents that have their devotees, but perhaps appeal less to the next generation. This is the classic "old man/woman" fragrance that has mass appeal to a certain age range, but is less popular or wearable to another cohort. By location, I mean different cultures consider different scents to be fragrance worthy; I was wearing Old Spice in Hong Kong and got asked by my friend if I was using herbal medicine...

Furthermore, in periods of high market homogeneity (like most new releases of designer/celebrity frags these days), it does not follow that all people will just buy what is available. If demand for something is not sated, consumers drop out of the market until something different comes along. Marketing can go a long way towards encouraging people to buy something, but fragrances are a luxury product, so taste is a deciding factor.

Basically, "mass appeal" is difficult to determine because masses of people are heterogeneous. There may be a current mainstream of new fragrances, but these trends are just a grouping in the much larger range of what is available from even the average mall.

That being said, I don't want to waste my money on a Slumberhouse sample pack (currently Norne, Jeke, Sova, Pear + Olive) if they aren't wearable. Being outside the current mainstream is OK, strong is OK (I like powerhouses!), different is OK, but are these fragrances really that weird or beyond the pale? If they were available at the mall and people understood just how concentrated they are (re: value), would they sell or would they sit there until some devoted Bassnoter came in?

You have a number of good questions and great points, CMcG. I'll try and answer them to the best of my ability.

From what you said, you are fine with powerful fragrances, and these are certainly powerful. How powerful tends to depend on the person, as I have seen people say that they cannot wear these, or only wear them when they spray their wrist or behind the leg or something. Me, I wear one spray right on the neck, and I do fine.

As for the sample pack, I say you get it. I should mention that I am friends with Josh to an extent, so I'm a little biased since I want to support him, but realistically this is an experience any fragrance lover shouldn't miss. What is interesting to me is that almost everyone who tries them that dislikes the scents says that they respect what Josh is doing, but that they just can't see themselves wearing one frequently enough to buy a bottle. I totally get that! I bought Sova for myself, but I wear that a lot (at least once every other week), and Sova is really mesmerizing to me, as it seriously gets better the longer you let it sit on your skin (which is generally true of all of his fragrances). Hours 1 and 2 can be harsh, but don't give up, as hours 5-10 are great, and hours 15-∞ (I say that because I tend to wash up before it's done lasting on my skin, I've gotten well over 24 hours from it) are the best! That's how Josh intended the fragrances to be. I remember him mentioning in an interview once that he designs fragrances for the five hours after application, which is why he doesn't use top notes.

As for weirdness, yeah some are a little odd compared to mainstream fragrances, both designer and the more popular niche. Still, some of them are really unique and quite interesting, like Jeke.

As I've mentioned several times, Josh loves getting emails from people, be they new to the brand or people just inquiring about something. So, if you want to talk to him directly just use the email listed on the site, and I'm sure he'd answer any questions you have.

[timdoeswell]

I'm not sure they'd sell at the mall to your typical fragrance shopper, but they're definitely not that far out.
I find them more wearable than Andy Tauer's fragrances that are held in very high esteem here, and I feel for the most part Slumberhouse's fragrances have more depth and density than many fragrances available today (niche or otherwise).

It's a good thing you like powerhouses, as these scents are very strong indeed. Even Pear and Olive, which has the lightest, least wintery feel of the line (most of them are very thick and resinous), lasts and projects all day.

I say try the sample pack - out of sova, P&O, norne and jeke there's only one I've not thought to buy a full bottle.
They're a great way to see just what Josh does with his fragrances, and the 2mL atomisers each provide you with enough juice for at least 7 wears; that way you might be able to recoup a few bucks by onselling them at a discount if you decide they're not for you.

I find it interesting to try houses like Slumberhouse, Kerosene and Paul Kiler.
Not only are they small, often single-operator companies (almost more artisan than niche, if a distinction can be drawn), but they're American based, and they come to the table with different influences and a new take on fragrance.

I hear people say they'll only buy French perfumes, and that seems silly to me. Just like you wouldn't stick to the one cuisine forever, nor should you buy fragrance from one country to the exclusion of all others.

I assure you, a sample pack won't be a waste of money if you're looking for something different from the usual mall fragrances.

[OctaVariuM]

Building on what Tim just said, it's worth noting that each 2mL spray vial should only really be sprayed once per wearing. You seriously don't need any more, otherwise you'll choke yourself out and you'll probably hate the fragrances. Considering each mL tends to give you 7-10 sprays, that's enough for a LOT of wearings (give or take a few) if you want to really figure them out before ordering. I only needed to wear Sova 3 or so times before I bought it, same with my mom with P+O. Now I use those sample vials if I go on the road, or if I am at school.

[CMcG]

Thanks for the replies, folks. I'm definitely looking for something different, but had been given pause by some of the replies to this thread.

The comments about potency and application technique are duly noted. I wonder how many people are turned off these scents by failing to respect the concentration? Or by a fragrance pyramid that is lacking in top notes (I think I remember reading the interview with Josh that OctaVarium mentioned), but can stretch the longevity into a olfactory marathon?

I'm ready to try something interesting and further from the mainstream, but am not quite at the level where I can appreciate perfumery for art's sake alone. It still needs to be wearable, which is of course subjective, but if people are wearing them, then it can be done. I'll probably order the sample pack later today, unless some of the naysayers are still following this thread and can weigh in compellingly in the against column...

[NYCBoomBoom]

Dollar for dollar, Slumberhouse isn't more expensive than some designer fragrances at my local mall. Yes, the size of the bottle is smaller, but the concentration is higher. I think even the most uneducated fragrance buyer can quickly learn the difference in %/vol between an aftershave, cologne, eau de toilette, and perfume, so it does not seem unreasonable for people to understand that the value of Josh's "extrait" fragrances are to be measured in a smaller bottle -- of equal price -- lasting the same amount of time as a bigger, less concentrated bottle of something else.

I don't know if I would agree. If we go by some simple math, that is due to the higher quality of Slumberhouse scents you only need 1 to a generally (lets say) accepted 3 sprays of a designer fragrance, we can cut the price of Slumberhouse ($125) by two thirds leaving us with $41.6 for 1oz or 30ml of fragrance. Kouros, your example in the next paragraph, goes for around $40-50 (depending on where you look) for 100ml. Keeping the prices where they are, I can buy some 3 Kouros, 300ml, for the price of one 30ml Slumberhouse Fragrance. What will last longer? And many, if not most, designer fragrances can be found in the $40-50 price range. I could even go with a comparison to Creed, a house I have tried numerous times and do not own a single bottle of today (sold my SMW; although I do have some decants of Aventus and VIW, which I enjoy). And I would say that I'd rather buy a Creed creation than Slumberhouse because I see them as more wearable. That is, if I had a Slumberhouse bottle and one from Creed, the latter would be used a lot more often than the former on a day-to-day basis. But, the real question is, are there fragrances worth the money Slumberhouse is asking? The answer is, yes. Tom Ford's Private Blend is a perfect example and I can only stand two of the available offerings today (and own both, although I would also say I only find one to be worth its pricetag and only just).

[CompassRose]

Yeah, I don't really agree either. When I did the math per mL, Slumberhouse is going for $4.30, which is at the high end of almost anything I looked at, EDT, EDP, anything, except for a very few of the natural perfumers I've been browsing, at the top of the price bracket. By contrast, my bottle of NK Incense, at $500, was only $2.50 per mL, and it definitely matches Slumberhouse for sheer power, AND is rare and vintage to boot. Not that I consider what I've paid for Slumberhouse wasted, not at all.

As for wearability -- might as well just try it. I can say I find Slumberhouse super-wearable and not at all challenging, while my friend NYCBoomBoom above can say the opposite till the day is done, but only you can answer for yourself!

[OctaVariuM]

I mean, the whole value for money thing is kind of a separate argument. The other day when I went to Sephora, bottles were much more expensive than what you find online. So, if you say the whole "average person walking into a store" thing, I'd say people would buy Slumberhouse stuff if they like them. Hell, 100mL of Hermes Jardin series was over $100!

7-10 sprays per ml x 30ml=210 to 300 wearings for Slumberhouse. I'm not going to do the same for every designer fragrance in the world, but you do need 3 sprays generally for most of them (I know there are plenty of exceptions), so the overall value does go down some.

[CMcG]

Yes, value for money is a bit of a different argument than wearability, but both have been related to the general appeal -- or perceived lack of appeal -- of Slumberhouse fragrances.

If one knows where to look, they can certainly find inexpensive or discounted designer fragrances and one could also wait for Slumberhouse to have a sale My comparison about Slumberhouse being in the same value ballpark as some designer scents is based on regular price at the mainstream malls in my area or regular price from Josh.

For example, I could easily spend $140 ($125 + tax) on 100mL of some of the more expensive designer fragrances or $132 ($125 + shipping) on 30mL of a Slumberhouse fragrance, and if one needs 3 sprays of the designer frag vs. 1 of Slumberhouse, then they work out to approximately the same value. The price per wearing is relatively expensive, but not outside the range of mainstream fragrances, even if it is on the upper end.

Wearability is different and is partly based on personal preference, but also on social perception. Considering that I'm only thinking of getting a sample pack to start, it is also more important at this point than value.

I see that CompassRose is in my area, so it is reassuring to see a vote for super-wearable I've read some posts about people having to scrub their Slumberhouse samples off after a short while and I still wonder if that isn't from over application... I don't, however, recall anyone having posted about negative reactions from other people when wearing Slumberhouse?

[NYCBoomBoom]

I don't, however, recall anyone having posted about negative reactions from other people when wearing Slumberhouse?

When testing out a few of his 'heavier' scents I got negative reactions from friends/family.

[CMcG]

When testing out a few of his 'heavier' scents I got negative reactions from friends/family.

Hmmmm, that ain't good. Would you mind expanding a bit? Which fragrances, how much were you wearing, and how bad was the reaction?

[NYCBoomBoom]

Hmmmm, that ain't good. Would you mind expanding a bit? Which fragrances, how much were you wearing, and how bad was the reaction?

I think the heaviest were Jeke, Rume, and Norne. I was testing out one spray from the sample set that I received for them all. How bad were the reactions? 'Get it away', I had it on the back of my hand. But I've heard the same from some of them while wearing A*Men .

[CMcG]

I think the heaviest were Jeke, Rume, and Norne. I was testing out one spray from the sample set that I received for them all. How bad were the reactions? 'Get it away', I had it on the back of my hand. But I've heard the same from some of them while wearing A*Men .

Well, fragrances can get bad reactions if they are too intense, even when they smell good, eh? There is an article about that on the Basenotes mainpage:
http://www.basenotes.net/content/156...ed-by-the-nose

One day I tested a single spray of Eau des Baux, which is a fairly mainstream and accessible fragrance. Several hours later, I was chatting with my mother and she told me it was overpowering her. Perhaps the source was too direct because I sprayed it on my hand, particularly because I gesticulate when I talk and they must have been fanning it in her face. Anyway, I thought someone was kidding about wearing a 1/2 spray of Slumberhouse fragrances behind the knees, but maybe there is some metaphorical truth to it!

Potency aside, if there is nothing so weird about the current Slumberhouse frags as to make dogs howl, babies cry, and get me kicked off public transportation, then I'm leaning towards giving the sample pack a try.

[rynegne]

Most in the line are heavier fragrances, couple that with the fact that they're now extrait strength. Keep it to one spray each wearing...as with anything that's of extrait strength. This is not unique to Slumberhouse.

Hmmmm, that ain't good. Would you mind expanding a bit? Which fragrances, how much were you wearing, and how bad was the reaction?

[rowan-]

One day I tested a single spray of Eau des Baux, which is a fairly mainstream and accessible fragrance. Several hours later, I was chatting with my mother and she told me it was overpowering her. Perhaps the source was too direct because I sprayed it on my hand, particularly because I gesticulate when I talk and they must have been fanning it in her face. Anyway, I thought someone was kidding about wearing a 1/2 spray of Slumberhouse fragrances behind the knees, but maybe there is some metaphorical truth to it!

Potency aside, if there is nothing so weird about the current Slumberhouse frags as to make dogs howl, babies cry, and get me kicked off public transportation, then I'm leaning towards giving the sample pack a try.

Give them a try. I think Slumberhouse frags are unusual chiefly because few other scents these days are made with quite the same depth and density. But they're comfortable to be with. Very wearable. In fact, I find them much more wearable than some other niche houses. There's nothing weird about these frags. They can be potent, yes, but if they're too strong on your hand, wear them under your shirt and let the scent waft out by degrees. They are complex little things and bear trying again and again. And if you still don't like them, I'm sure you can hawk them off quite easily around these parts. But most of all I would be interested to hear your thoughts on them after all this.

[CMcG]

Give them a try.
...
But most of all I would be interested to hear your thoughts on them after all this.

My order is in and I look forward to reporting back!

[juanderer]

First I tried Pear + Olive and I got an eggy vibe from it (?). I'm sure something went wrong with our interaction, so I'll have to try it again and see.

Jeke was next and it was like smelling barbecue sauce. I ended up getting a compliment on it at the end of the day, so that's good.

Wearing Norne now, and my impression is almost exact as that with Jeke.

All in all, I am impressed and looking forward to giving these more wears and try Sova, which is the fourth and last one in my sample pack.

[rynegne]

Do you live in a McDonald's or something lol? Eggs from Pear + Olive, BBQ sauce from Jeke? Needless to say, I didn't encounter any sort of notes that you're referring to. Additionally, I found Norne to be completely different than the prior two mentioned. What I got more from Norne was an incense vibe that the other two most definitely do not have.

First I tried Pear + Olive and I got an eggy vibe from it (?). I'm sure something went wrong with our interaction, so I'll have to try it again and see.

Jeke was next and it was like smelling barbecue sauce. I ended up getting a compliment on it at the end of the day, so that's good.

Wearing Norne now, and my impression is almost exact as that with Jeke.

All in all, I am impressed and looking forward to giving these more wears and try Sova, which is the fourth and last one in my sample pack.

[juanderer]

Do you live in a McDonald's or something lol?

Yes.

[rynegne]

Well that explains it all Seriously though, I haven't noticed such notes. Are you sampling the recently reformulated stuff? I only have Slumberhouse's EDPs except for Sova which has always been an absolute to my knowledge. I am wondering if Josh's new developments have something to do with this.

Yes.

[mikeperez23]

...All in all, I am impressed and looking forward to giving these more wears and try Sova, which is the fourth and last one in my sample pack.

Sova is my favorite. Lightly apply that one - just a tiny bit is necessary for crazy longevity. Post your impressions once you do.

[rynegne]

Rume is my favorite. I'm wearing Sova for only the second time today. Sova is definitely a monster in terms of longevity. I keep it to one spray on the wrists and dab the side of my neck with this stuff. About 4 hours in right now and I'm smelling all beeswax and honey with a hint of hay.

Sova is my favorite. Lightly apply that one - just a tiny bit is necessary for crazy longevity. Post your impressions once you do.

[OctaVariuM]

Rume is my favorite. I'm wearing Sova for only the second time today. Sova is definitely a monster in terms of longevity. I keep it to one spray on the wrists and dab the side of my neck with this stuff. About 4 hours in right now and I'm smelling all beeswax and honey with a hint of hay.

I love that honey/beeswax combo that happens. Just wait for hours 15+! I swear Sova gets better and better the longer you allow it to stay on your skin.

And yeah, I never got eggs from P+O. Coconut, sure, but eggs? No.

[stanmar]

I've never tried a niche fragrance, but I've been thinking about ordering a Slumberhouse sample pack. Are these scents really THAT far out? Or is their niche-ness more indicative of a small operation and high quality ingredients?

When people are saying Slumberhouse does not have mass appeal, I think there are a group of complex factors involved. Price and wearability are being cited as the two main ones, but some of the arguments around these seem a bit shaky...

Dollar for dollar, Slumberhouse isn't more expensive than some designer fragrances at my local mall. Yes, the size of the bottle is smaller, but the concentration is higher. I think even the most uneducated fragrance buyer can quickly learn the difference in %/vol between an aftershave, cologne, eau de toilette, and perfume, so it does not seem unreasonable for people to understand that the value of Josh's "extrait" fragrances are to be measured in a smaller bottle -- of equal price -- lasting the same amount of time as a bigger, less concentrated bottle of something else.

As for mass appeal, I don't think that is a determining factor in wearability, because taste varies by individual, time period, and location, among other factors. There are fragrances at the mall that I find un-wearable, but have the brand power to achieve wide distribution, which helps them to find the people who will appreciate them. Kouros is just one example. There are also older scents that have their devotees, but perhaps appeal less to the next generation. This is the classic "old man/woman" fragrance that has mass appeal to a certain age range, but is less popular or wearable to another cohort. By location, I mean different cultures consider different scents to be fragrance worthy; I was wearing Old Spice in Hong Kong and got asked by my friend if I was using herbal medicine...

Furthermore, in periods of high market homogeneity (like most new releases of designer/celebrity frags these days), it does not follow that all people will just buy what is available. If demand for something is not sated, consumers drop out of the market until something different comes along. Marketing can go a long way towards encouraging people to buy something, but fragrances are a luxury product, so taste is a deciding factor.

Basically, "mass appeal" is difficult to determine because masses of people are heterogeneous. There may be a current mainstream of new fragrances, but these trends are just a grouping in the much larger range of what is available from even the average mall.

That being said, I don't want to waste my money on a Slumberhouse sample pack (currently Norne, Jeke, Sova, Pear + Olive) if they aren't wearable. Being outside the current mainstream is OK, strong is OK (I like powerhouses!), different is OK, but are these fragrances really that weird or beyond the pale? If they were available at the mall and people understood just how concentrated they are (re: value), would they sell or would they sit there until some devoted Bassnoter came in?

The Slumberhouse sample set at around 20 bucks is not that great of a risk to take. In fact, my collection would have been entirely designer based if it was not for the advent of Slumberhouse. Now. after countless niches samples and decants, I feel I have a fragrance house that is genuinely satisfying and wearable. Very often in the past, I like many others would be drawn to a poplular niche brand of the day, only to tire of it with time and wonder what the hell was I ever thinking. Not so with Slumberhouse. The only issue remains with erratic availability and limited runs of their creations. But as in art, the temperament of the artist or designer has to forgiven in light of the magic they produce.

[killerloop]

Pretty excited to receive my sample pack and try these out.. Who doesn't like a sample pack?!