Fragrance has the power to evoke memories, stir emotions, and reveal places both real and imagined. At the heart of this olfactory magic is Kismet Olfactive, an independent fragrance studio founded by Shabnam Tavakol, a New York-based perfumer whose creations embody a seamless blend of artistry, heritage, and serendipity. With every scent, Tavakol crafts a sensory portal—where fate, tradition, and innovation intertwine, distilling deeply personal narratives into wearable form.
Rooted in both Iran and California, Tavakol’s journey into perfumery is as layered as her compositions. The name Kismet—meaning fate—reflects not just grand, cinematic twists of destiny but also the quiet synchronicities that shape our lives. Her fragrances draw inspiration from a kaleidoscope of influences: the rebellious spirit of 1960s music, film, and fashion, the allure of psychedelia, and the bittersweet nostalgia of a world both lost and rediscovered.
Blending classic French perfumery techniques with bold, unexpected elements, Tavakol creates unisex fragrances designed to stir something deep within. The brand’s aesthetic—modern, grounded, and holistic—mirrors Tavakol herself, radiating both strength and sensitivity. Creative director Melia Tandiono curates the visual language of Kismet Olfactive, shaping a clean, contemporary identity that extends from art direction to the sleek, minimalist packaging.
Each fragrance feels like a manifesto—bold, unrestrained, and deeply personal. With names like The Poet, Wedding in Oaxaca, and Tuberose Tantra, Tavakol crafts scents that carry a sense of rebellion, a quiet defiance against the conventional. Her creations possess an enigmatic quality—rooted in tradition yet pushing boundaries, effortlessly sensual with an underlying intensity.
Discover Kismet Olfactive at www.skins.nl
Photography by the author, courtesy of Skins Cosmetics.
