Smell Bent. Do you remember? – Undina’s Looking Glass
Hey there Crew. The gorgeous Brent Leonesio created a perfume house called Smell Bent. I’m not sure when but the first perfume I can see released on the web is 2009. He was well known for creating uber niche, fun packed fragrance that punched well above their cost but in really simple packaging. Brent would take an idea or note and push it about as far as it could go. Then he’d do a new version and push it in a completely different direction. All came with crazy images, often hand drawn. Back in the days when it was easier and cheaper to send internationally I bought loads. His sample packs were extremely affordable and in searching my decant boxes I’ve found some doozies. So today I thought we could look back at a house closed in 2021 that helped form my love of fragrance outside the obvious choices.
These are just a few of the sample decants I have from the brand.
Smell Bent. Do you remember? 2009-21
Bollywood or Bust: Rose, sandalwood and a shit tonne of spices. Also un-noted is a whisper of ripe melon and a hint of white floral. This must have had only one spray before I bought a bottle (now long empty)
Franken Smellie S12#599: It’s a musk melange apparently but I also smell some white floral stuff swilling around in there. Yes, it’s a crazy mess but I love it and wish there was MORE!
Liberty for All: This was created as a fundraiser for Liberty Wildlife in Arizona. Loads of citrus and then a forest background underpinned by a very Australian smelling sandalwood.
Tokyo Mama Fizzzzz: All the citrus drizzled lovingly over some very dark woods. It’s sharp and as the name says, fizzy. With only a little bit of fine tuning I could imagine this being part of the Tom Ford line.
Werewolf Lumberjack: Sharp woods, green, just sawed and a slew of musky humanity mixed with wet dog. Sounds ghastly, wears so sexy. Can’t believe I didn’t buy a bottle.
I’m pretty sure some of you perfumistas must have had a Smell Bent moment?
What are your favourite memories?
Portia xx