For Akingbohungbe Akinbayode, perfume is far more than fragrance, is identity, artistry, mood & a language of its own.
His fascination began in 1990 with an uncle, a few memorable bottles and an instant appreciation that has grown into a remarkable collection once exceeding 1,000 bottles. Today, with about 600 + carefully curated fragrances, his journey has evolved from collecting to a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship, storytelling and cultural expression behind great perfumery.
In this engaging conversation, the lawyer, fragrance connoisseur, Formula 1 enthusiast and automotive aficionado takes us into his scented world, sharing his perfume DNA, favourite notes and houses, the art of building a thoughtful collection, fragrance etiquette, and what makes a truly exceptional scent.
Q- How did you discover your love for perfumes?
My uncle introduced me to perfumery as far back as 1990. I remember my first encounter with fragrances like Photo by Lagerfeld and Polo Green, and I was instantly fascinated. That interest followed me all through secondary school, where I wore scents like CK Eternity for Men and others.
Q- What has helped to nurture it? I mean your love for perfumes!
Over time, I’ve come to understand the skill and artistry involved in pushing water and ingredients into a state of olfactory excellence. Perfumery allows you to tell stories, create photorealistic experiences, and even interpret cultures.
Q- How many perfumes do you have in your collection presently?
At a point, I owned over a thousand bottles (1,000). I’ve since curated my collection down to about 600.
Q- What does perfume mean to you?
It is identity, fashion, mood enhancement, and art all bottled into one.
Q- Do you have a favourite brand or are you open to all?
That is a difficult one. I have so many brands I love, especially Indie and Niche houses. Ultimately, I am driven by the quality and character of the fragrance profile.
Q- What would you say is your perfume DNA?
Chypre floral, boozy, gourmand, spicy aromatic, dark smoky, and oud DNAs. I recently tried Tart Oud, and it is easily one of the best oud fragrances I’ve ever experienced.
Q- What is your favourite note?
Initially, I was drawn to oud (animalic), leather, smoky notes, and tobacco. Lately, I’ve gravitated toward boozy, floral, spicy, and ambery notes.
Q- Which brands, whether mainstream or niche, have consistently impressed you and why?
Ensure Oud, Roja, Electimuss, Ramon Bejar, Savoir Faire, Lorenzo Pazzaglia, Comporta Perfumes, Bella Bellissimo, Calaj, Azman, Marc Antoine Barrois, Tauer Parfums, Areej Le Dore, Frédéric Malle, Sarah Baker, Christian Provenzano, Guerlain, Boadicea, and Papillon Artisan Perfumes.
The list is long and far from exhaustive. As a collector and enthusiast, I constantly discover new releases that impress me. These brands stand out for their quality, creativity, and the ability to craft something for everyone.
Q- What is the most extreme thing you’ve done to get a perfume?
Hahaha. I have been lucky enough not to fall into that trap.
Q- Are there fellow collectors whose selections have inspired or impressed you?
Absolutely. Many in Nigeria and beyond. Names that come to mind include Mr. Seinde Olushola, Black Kaftan, Mr. Cologne76, Kisscent, Lanirex, Perfume Minder, Scented Enigma, Joescentme, The Perfume Guy, Scentpriest, Lunes Perfum, and Ellascents.
I mean, there are soooo many of them, and over the years, many of these relationships have grown into genuine friendships. This list is by no means exhaustive because I’ve met some truly amazing people through this fragrance journey, and that sense of community and friendship has become an important part of the experience for me.
Q- How do you typically source your perfumes?
Directly from the brands or from authorised and trusted dealers. Some also come in as PR packages.
Q- Are there rules of engagement for getting the best out of a fragrance?
Not exactly! But there are a few practices I follow. I often allow new fragrances to sit for a while after spraying them initially; some improve with maturation. Keep your perfumes away from excessive light and heat.
Q- Are there particular notes you tend to avoid?
I tend to shy away from overly heavy white florals.
Q- Are there guidelines for building a thoughtful perfume collection?
Yes, absolutely!
First, understand your personal taste. Explore different fragrance families: woody, floral, spicy, oriental, and so on, and identify which ones resonate with you. Don’t just follow trends or hype. Buy what speaks to you.
Second, test perfumes yourself whenever possible. Fragrances perform differently on every individual’s skin due to body chemistry, climate, and even diet. Blind buys can be fun, but they can also miss the mark. It is always best to experience a fragrance firsthand.
Third, while influencers can offer great exposure to new fragrances, only rely on those whose taste aligns closely with yours. Learn who you connect with and take recommendations accordingly.
And finally, choose quality over quantity. A few well-loved, well-crafted fragrances are more meaningful than shelves full of fleeting interests. A thoughtful collection is built not just on scent but on intention, connection, and appreciation for the artistry.
Q-Someone once said, “Perfumes have a voice,” a way of communicating. Do you agree?
Absolutely! Some fragrances announce your presence while others create an aura around you. That said, fragrance is not a substitute for good hygiene, and it does not manufacture confidence. It merely showcases the elegance the person already possesses.
Q- What is the most expensive fragrance in your amazing collection and why?
Roja Parfum De La Nuit 1 and 2 and Diaghilev. They are bold, luxurious, and uniquely crafted. Absolute haute creations.
Q- Are there major don’ts when it comes to wearing a fragrance?
Definitely!
Keep your fragrances away from heat and direct light.
Never leave them in your car.
When you spray, do not rub; let it settle naturally on the skin.
Oils can be rubbed in, though.
I am also not a fan of using Vaseline or petroleum jelly to boost performance… lol.
Q- Niche or designer and what is the difference to you?
I personally lean heavily towards niche, although there are some designer fragrances I love unapologetically.
Niche fragrances are crafted by specialised perfume houses focused exclusively on perfumery. They emphasise uniqueness, artistry, and premium ingredients, often produced in limited batches.
Designer fragrances come from fashion brands and are more commercial. They usually aim for mass appeal, often with safer and more conventional scent profiles.
Q- Who are you, what do you do and what are you best known for?
My name is Akingbohungbe Akinbayode. I am a lawyer with decades of experience in telecoms, banking, real estate, and corporate governance.
I am also a diehard Formula 1 fan, fragrance connoisseur, and enthusiast of automotive engineering.
Q- If you could create your own signature fragrance, what would it smell like?
It would be a floral spicy chypre or an oriental woody scent with animalic, balsamic, and ambery undertones.
Provocative, rich, and unapologetically bold, a fragrant exhibitionist.
Akinbayode has since put his money where his mouth is, by creating 5 exceptional range of perfumes, which he will be launching pretty soon. It’s an extraordinary labour of love in 5 variants that are fantastically good.
They are his personal creations, & his thoughts in 5 expressive ways. Made in France with awesome quality. Ready to launch in the next few weeks.
Salute.
Interview conducted by yours truly.
-Omoba Rare Abiola Olatunde Aloba
