In the world of luxury fragrances, few brands can match the close-knit connection that Zaharoff has created with its dedicated fans. This brand’s community-driven approach has not only propelled Zaharoff’s success but has also shaped its creative direction and product offerings.
In this Fragrances with Friends interview, I chat with Josh Lichtenfeld, a Zaharoff superfan, about what drew him to the brand and what keeps him fascinated. He shares his top three favorites from the Zaharoff and discusses how he uses his perfume choices to start his work days off on the right foot.
What initially drew you to Zaharoff perfumes, and what were the first fragrances you tried?
Ross Carlos from TLTG Reviews was my introduction to Zaharoff. His enthusiasm, interesting reviews, and the positive things he said about the owner, George Zaharoff, sparked my interest. At that time, my perfume collection was very small, focused mostly on designer scents like Prada Luna Rossa and Dolce & Gabbana The One.
I decided to try Zaharoff when I found a great deal on three partial bottles on eBay: Signature Pour Homme, Signature Royale, and Business Over Pleasure, which was a collaboration with Ross from TLTG Reviews. Signature Pour Homme is still one of my favorites. I consider it the definition of old-world class, done in a modern way. It feels like something Don Draper from Mad Men would have worn.
Zaharoff fragrances have a distinct emotional quality. They’re not just about scent; they’re about experience and passion. The longevity and quality of the perfumes are also impressive. Most of them were created by perfumer Claude Dir, who’s extremely talented.
How would you describe Zaharoff’s approach to perfume?
George Zaharoff isn’t a perfumer, and he doesn’t pretend to be. What he is is a heck of a designer. Each of Zaharoff’s perfumes is infused with George’s approach to life. He likes to say “movement is life” and that it’s important to always maintain forward momentum. You can sense that in his perfumes. In addition, he travels the world to find inspiration and source materials for the brand.
Zaharoff fragrances are more than just scents; they’re experiences. George is of Greek heritage, and he often incorporates an aspect this family background in his perfumes. Each one feels like a piece of George’s soul, inviting us to share his personal journey.
Zaharoff launched its first perfume in the 1990s. Have you ever tried it? How has the brand and its perfume aesthetic evolved over the years?
I started following the brand in the last few years and have not yet had a chance to try that 1990s release. In my view, Zaharoff has maintained a consistent focus on high-quality ingredients and a luxurious aesthetic. I like the faceted bottles they use with those satisfying click-in-place caps. Where I see the brand evolving the most is in the small details, such as unique packaging. Signature Tabac, launched in 2021, had a label that reminded me of old-fashioned cigar labels. Signature Halfeti Black Rose and Seraphim Blue, both released in 2024, feature playful textures on the bottles and labels. I’m curious to see what they do next.
Zaharoff is known for its strong relationships with its fan community. How do you think this engagement contributes to the brand’s success or to the creative choices it makes?
I think Zaharoff’s commitment to engaging its fan community is a key factor in its success. Zaharoff actively interacts with its customers, seeking feedback and incorporating it into their creative process. On more than one occasion, I’ve reached out with a question and received a response directly from George! You would never expect that from a big brand like Creed or Dior. George makes it clear that he wants to “wow” the community, and he collaborates with the fans to make that happen. When his releases come out, it feels that much more like a gift from him to us.
Zaharoff has a history of collaboration with fragrance influencers. Have there been any that you particularly enjoyed?
What I most enjoy about the Zaharoff influencer collaborations is the opportunity to watch the process of a perfume being imagined and created. The influencers usually create content documenting the entire journey.
I’ve tried a few of Zaharoff’s collaborations. Brass & Soul, created with Justin Copeland from Stay Fresh Productions, is a standout. It’s a fresh scent with notes of juniper and gin, perfect for those looking for a confident and clean fragrance.
The limited production of Zaharoff collaborations often creates a sense of hype. While I appreciate the exclusivity, it can be challenging to obtain these fragrances. I’ve been fortunate to acquire some through swaps or decants.
Tell me about your top 3 perfumes from Zaharoff. For someone new to the brand, where should they
- Signature Pour Homme: George Zaharoff’s passion and dedication shine through in this perfume’s carefully sourced ingredients and expertly blended composition.
- Signature Halfeti Black Rose: This might be my new signature fragrance. It’s a dark and mysterious fragrance featuring a unique interpretation of the rose note, balanced with a blend of herbal and woody elements. It’s not dominated by incense, unlike many popular rose perfumes on the market today.
- Seraphim Blue: A refreshing and uplifting scent, Seraphim Blue is perfect for hot weather. It evokes the feeling of being on a beach, with its salty marine notes and cooling eucalyptus. Seraphim inspires confidence, standing out without overpowering a room. It pairs perfectly with a polo shirt.
If you’re new to the brand, I would advise you to start with a sample set. Zaharoff offers a wide range of options and I would never recommend purchasing without sampling.
I hear you’re a watch lover as well as a perfume lover. Do you ever coordinate the watches you wear with your perfume selections?
In addition to perfume and watches, I’m also a coffee lover. I enjoy combining my enjoyment of all three into a daily ritual. Leaving for work, it makes each day feel like a new adventure.
My Zaharoff fragrance collection allows for a wide range of watch pairings. Depending on the occasion and my mood, I might choose a vintage timepiece or a more modern option.
In hot summer weather, I might pair Signature CoCoLoCo with a 1970s-inspired watch, like the Citizen by Tsuyosa and a mug of Saugatuck Summer—a citrusy, jammy, chocolaty blend—from Uncommon Coffee Roasters in Michigan.
During the fall, I might pair Signature Pour Homme with a classic a 1965 Omega Seamaster De Ville, similar to the one Don Draper wore in the later seasons of Mad Men. With that, I’d enjoy a dark roast, small batch coffee called Angelitos roasted by Smalltown Coffee Company. It tastes of vanilla, walnut, and savory dark chocolate.
Feature Image from Pixabay. Other images provided courtesy of Josh Lichtenfeld.
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Fragrances With Friends 