Smells like Teen Anemoia: How Nostalgia is Shaping Fragrance

Smells like Teen Anemoia: How Nostalgia and Wanderlust Shape Our Fragrance Choices

Fragrance has always had the power to transport us—whether to a cherished memory, a dream destination, or even an imagined time we've never lived in. Two emotions that beautifully capture this sensory journey are anemoia and fernweh.

What is Anemoia?

Anemoia describes a wistful longing for a time you’ve never known. It is an experience that is being lived right now by many GenZ and Gen Alphas, who feel like this missed out on a simpler time.

The term nostalgia was first introduced in the 17th century to describe the profound homesickness felt by mercenaries stationed far from home. The term captured the emotional weight of being far removed from one’s roots.

Today, the word has evolved to encompass a wistful longing for the past, whether it’s places you’ve been, people you’ve known, or experiences you’ve cherished. However, the yearning for a past you’ve never actually lived—a phenomenon called anemoia, as coined by the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows—is something distinct.

What is Fernweh?

The German word fernweh also describes the feeling of longing for a place you've never been. It can also be translated as "farsickness" and is closely related to the concept of wanderlust. The type of place that inspires fernweh can vary from person to person. For example, someone might feel fernweh for a faraway country they've always wanted to visit, or for a fictional place like Middle-Earth. It can also refer to a longing for a time, place, or person that feels like home but may no longer exist.

The longing for faraway places has always been rife within the world of perfumery. These scents might feature zesty citrus notes reminiscent of Mediterranean coastlines, exotic spices inspired by bustling Middle Eastern bazaars, or aquatic accords that capture the feeling of standing on a windswept shore. Modern creations like Tom Ford’s Costa Azzurra or Amouage’s Journey Woman/Man are perfect examples of this wanderlust-in-a-bottle phenomenon.

Perfumes that evoke distant lands and cultures have gained popularity as people seek to bring the spirit of travel into their everyday lives. Tropical and coconut scents transport us to beach holidays, whilst cranberry, cinnamon and ginger take us back to Christmases long since passed.

But the idea of perfumes taking you to a place in time that you have never visited is a relatively recent concept.

The Revival of Old-School Fragrances: A Scented Anemoia

In recent years, there’s been a growing trend for vintage-inspired fragrances. As society leans into nostalgia—this is evident in everything from fashion to music. We have seen classic scents making a comeback in a big way.

More recently this has been seen in the rebirth of fragrances made popular in the 80's and 90's.

Gen Z trend are chasing the scent of nostalgia as part of their pursuit of a perceived simpler era. Not only have baggy jeans and various other throwback fashions made a comeback, retro fragrances have too. The Times reported Joop! Homme has flown off the shelves with a 381% increase in sales. Similarly Calvin Klein's 1990 Eternity for Men is up by 228% over the same time period.

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What Nostalgia means for Fragrance Trends

In a fast-paced, digital age, our desire to connect with emotions like anemoia and fernweh reflects a deeper need for meaning and escapism. For some, wearing a fragrance that smells like an antique boutique brings a sense of rootedness and calm. For others, a scent inspired by tropical islands or snowy peaks provides the thrill of adventure.

Wanderlust Fragrances to Watch for

Calvin Klein's 1990 Eternity for Men

Launched in 1990, Calvin Klein's Eternity for Men quickly became a defining fragrance of its era, embodying the sophisticated yet accessible masculinity that the brand is known for. Designed to reflect timeless values of love, commitment, and family, it resonated with a generation that sought authenticity and connection amidst the shifting cultural landscape of the early 1990s.

Joop! Homme

Joop! Homme, launched in 1989, is an unmistakable fragrance that helped define bold, unapologetic masculinity in the late 20th century. Known for its striking pink hue and daring composition, it broke conventions by blending traditionally masculine and feminine notes in a unique and unforgettable way. The scent opens with a bright burst of citrus—bergamot, orange blossom, and lemon—before diving into a sweet, spicy heart of cinnamon and jasmine. Its base, a rich blend of vanilla, tonka bean, and patchouli, creates a warm, seductive finish. Joop! Homme’s intense, sweet-spicy aroma makes it an iconic choice for those who want to stand out and leave a lasting impression. Even decades after its release, it remains a bold statement of individuality and confidence.

*Please note: The contents of this ebook are correct at the time of writing. The opinions and suggestions within this ebook are predictions only. Before committing to any fragrance decisions, we suggest you conduct your own market research and seek the advice of a knowledgeable fragrance and perfumery specialist. The perfumes and products mentioned within our ebook are purely examples of products that contain particular fragrance notes. These are for reference only. We do not receive any commission for affiliated links/advertising.