A perfume aficionado since he was seven, 24-year-old Muhamad Lukman Nur Hakim Rosmizan gravitates towards rare and unconventional fragrances. These include strong scents based on agarwood and animalic notes, which can mimic odours like animal fur, sweat, and even faeces.

Interestingly, the fusion of animalic elements – such as civet cat musk – with floral, musky, oud, spicy, and powdery notes produces smells that are often described as repugnant, evoking sweat, vomit, or pus.

However, for Lukman, these aromas hold a distinctive charm.

“Growing up, my father and grandfather sold attar perfumes, so I was exposed to strong fragrances from a young age. Over time, my nose became ‘immune’ to regular perfumes, and I started seeking out unique scents that intrigued me and made me feel comfortable.

“During secondary school, I started wearing perfumes with strong oud-based scents, then transitioned to tobacco fragrances. Now, I am captivated by animalic aromas. While many people consider them unpleasant, I find them uniquely fascinating,” Lukman, who hails from Sungai Petani, Kedah, told Bernama.

Spending between RM350 and RM1,800 per bottle, Lukman believes that selecting a fragrance is a form of personal expression that offers unique satisfaction and, at times, serves as a source of inspiration.

While he still enjoys regular fragrances such as refreshing citrus, his collection of unique scents – including those obtained from perfumers in Thailand, Oman, and other countries – holds a special place in his heart.

“Perfume is not just about the scent; it carries artistic value and its own storytelling through the aromas created. It offers a different experience. Sometimes scents that seem unpleasant at first evolve into something fresh and captivating over time,” he opined.

He further elaborated that perfumes have three stages of scent: top, middle, and base notes. “When sprayed, the initial scent may be strong or unpleasant but, after some time, it transforms into something fresher and more appealing.”

For Lukman, who works at a perfume shop in Kuala Lumpur, each fragrance in his collection symbolises a journey of exploration and experimentation. He remains unfazed by others’ views regarding his preferences.

“Many are skeptical at first, but once they try, some end up liking it and want to learn more,” he said.

He added that one scent he is still pursuing is that of a credit card, which he has yet to smell – or even imagine.