Rihanna and Lady Gaga: Bold Music Icons and Their Beloved Byredo and Tom Ford Fragrances

How Two Musical Powerhouses Express Their Artistry Through Fragrance

Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to researching celebrity fragrance choices and their connection to personal branding. Through my extensive research and analysis of the fragrance industry, I’ve observed a fascinating phenomenon: the world’s most influential artists don’t just create music—they craft entire sensory experiences. Rihanna and Lady Gaga stand as prime examples of this multidimensional artistry.

Both Rihanna and Lady Gaga have revolutionized not only the music industry but also how celebrities approach fragrance as an extension of their personal brand. According to recent industry data, the global luxury perfume market was valued at USD 13.32 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 21.31 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.09%. Celebrity influence plays a pivotal role in this growth, with fragrance experiencing a remarkable 69% increase in Earned Media Value in 2024, surpassing both skincare and makeup. These two icons have shown particular affinity for Swedish luxury house Byredo and American designer Tom Ford Fragrances—brands that mirror their boldness, sophistication, and refusal to conform to traditional expectations.

Understanding the Art and Science of Luxury Fragrances

The Swedish Revolution: Byredo’s Innovative Approach to Perfumery

I’ve studied Byredo’s unique position in the fragrance world extensively, and what distinguishes this house from traditional perfume brands is its commitment to minimalist Scandinavian design paired with complex, memory-evoking compositions. The brand collaborates with renowned perfumers including Pierre Wulff, Olivia Giacobetti, and Jérôme Épinette to create fragrances that defy conventional categorization. Each scent is crafted with premium ingredients sourced globally, reflecting Gorham’s belief that fragrance can transport you to different places and times—much like music does. This philosophy resonates deeply with artists like Rihanna, who value authenticity and emotional depth in their creative expressions.

Gorham’s journey to perfumery began with a chance meeting with French perfumer Pierre Wulff in 2006. After visiting his mother’s hometown outside Mumbai, India, Gorham found himself surrounded by aromas of incense and spices that evoked powerful memories. “The trip brought back all kinds of memory, largely through smell,” he told Vanity Fair. This experience became the spark for creating fragrances that could take people to specific places and times, establishing Byredo’s signature approach to perfumery.

Tom Ford: The American Luxury Standard

Tom Ford revolutionized the fragrance world when he launched his eponymous brand in 2006, the same year as Byredo. However, his approach differed significantly. Ford brought Hollywood glamour and unapologetic sensuality to perfumery, creating fragrances that make bold statements. His Private Blend collection, launched in 2007, includes some of the most iconic and daring scents in modern perfumery, crafted with rare and expensive ingredients that justify their luxury price points.

According to fragrance industry experts, Tom Ford’s contribution to perfumery lies in his willingness to push boundaries. He introduced scents like Tobacco Vanille and Oud Wood that challenged gender norms and conventional taste profiles. His fragrances often feature rich, opulent notes that command attention—perfectly suited for performers who live their lives on stage. Tom Ford’s Black Orchid, for instance, opens with aphrodisiac black truffle and narcotic ylang-ylang, touched with effervescent bergamot and bitter orange.

Rihanna’s Sophisticated Fragrance Journey

The Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy Revelation

In 2016, the fragrance world experienced a seismic shift when a fan directly asked Rihanna what perfume she was wearing during a video. Her answer—Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy—sparked an unprecedented surge in demand for this luxury scent. Created by master perfumer Calice Becker and released in 2007 as part of Kilian’s L’Oeuvre Noire collection, this fragrance perfectly embodies Rihanna’s complex personality: sweet yet sophisticated, bold yet refined.

What makes this fragrance so perfectly suited to Rihanna is its sophisticated sweetness. The marshmallow and vanilla notes create an approachable warmth, while the floral heart adds complexity and depth. This balance mirrors Rihanna’s own public persona—someone who can transition seamlessly from red carpet glamour to streetwear cool, from vulnerability to strength. Calice Becker, the perfumer behind this masterpiece, is a Vice President Perfumer at Givaudan and Director of the Givaudan Perfumery School, who received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Perfumer Award from The Fragrance Foundation in 2021. Her celebrated creations include Dior’s J’adore, demonstrating her exceptional range and expertise.

Rihanna’s 2024 Fragrance Evolution: Layering for Individuality

My research into Rihanna’s recent fragrance preferences reveals a sophisticated evolution. In October 2024, during an exclusive interview with E! News at the Savage X Fenty preview at Nordstrom, Rihanna disclosed her current signature scent strategy: layering her own Fenty Eau de Parfum with Dior’s iconic J’adore. This revelation demonstrates her mastery of fragrance composition and her commitment to creating a truly unique olfactory signature.

“I smell like Fenty,” she stated in the interview. “I enjoy blending it a bit and incorporating body oils and some mists.” She explained that currently she wears J’adore layered with Fenty, creating a combination where “no one realizes that I’m wearing both… they can’t pinpoint it, which I appreciate”. This approach to fragrance reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and creative independence—she’s not content to simply wear someone else’s creation; she makes it her own.

Fenty Eau de Parfum, launched in August 2021, sold out within hours of its release. I’ve researched its development extensively, and what makes it remarkable is its collaboration with LVMH master perfumer Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud. Cavallier-Belletrud, who was born in Grasse into a fragrance dynasty and has been Louis Vuitton’s in-house perfumer since 2012, brought his exceptional expertise to create this unisex fragrance. The fragrance features notes of magnolia, musk, tangerine, blueberry, Bulgarian rose absolute, and patchouli. Rihanna designed it as a unisex fragrance that defies categorization, describing it as neither traditionally feminine nor masculine, but simply “Fenty”.

Tom Ford Fragrances in Rihanna’s Collection

While Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy and Fenty remain her most famous fragrances, industry insiders and fragrance community discussions indicate that Rihanna also appreciates Tom Ford’s creations, particularly Lost Cherry from the Private Blend collection. This luscious, fruity fragrance features black cherry and bitter almond opening notes, followed by Turkish rose and jasmine sambac. The base reveals Peru balsam, roasted tonka, sandalwood, vetiver, and cedar.

The scent opens with an almost liqueur-like sweetness from the cherry and almond notes, then evolves into a sophisticated floral heart before settling into a warm, woody base. This complexity and evolution throughout wear time demonstrates why Rihanna, known for her layered artistic expression, would be drawn to such a multifaceted fragrance. Created by perfumer Louise Turner of Givaudan in 2018, Lost Cherry represents what fragrance experts describe as a “gourmand chypre full of charm, elegance and enticement”.

Lady Gaga’s Bold Olfactory Statements

The Revolutionary Lady Gaga Fame Perfume

In August 2012, Lady Gaga launched Fame, a fragrance as unconventional and theatrical as the artist herself. Through my analysis of this groundbreaking release, I’ve come to understand that this wasn’t merely another celebrity perfume—it was a conceptual art piece that challenged perfumery conventions. The most striking innovation was its visual presentation: Fame was the first-ever black eau de parfum that sprayed clear and became invisible once airborne. This transformation served as a powerful metaphor for fame itself, as Gaga explained: “It’s black like the soul of fame, but invisible once airborne”.

The fragrance was developed by synesthete perfumer Dawn Goldworm, who led a team including Richard Herprin, Honorine Blanc, and Nathalie Lorson. Goldworm, who founded olfactive branding firm 12.29 with her twin sister Samantha, possesses a unique neurological condition called synesthesia that allows her to perceive scents in colors and textures. In an exclusive quote to CaFleureBon, Goldworm revealed her creative process: “Lady Gaga speaks in music when she discusses her perfume desires, so I listened to her album over and over and I translated the colors and textures that I saw in her ballads into the construction of the perfume”.

The inclusion of belladonna (Atropa belladonna) was particularly controversial and symbolic. While the actual fragrance didn’t contain toxic amounts of the poisonous plant, its inclusion in the ingredient narrative emphasized fame’s dark side—its potential to intoxicate, seduce, and ultimately destroy[3][6]. This conceptual depth elevated Fame beyond typical celebrity fragrances, positioning it as a commentary on celebrity culture itself. The scent profile combined sweet fruitiness (apricot, honey) with scorched florals (orchid, jasmine), smoky incense, and exotic saffron, creating an oriental fragrance that was simultaneously gourmand and mysterious[9][15].

Wearers of Fame reported that the fragrance could be dramatically altered by rubbing it into the skin rather than allowing it to dry naturally—another unconventional feature that Gaga encouraged[9]. This interactive element meant each person could customize their experience with the fragrance, reflecting Gaga’s belief that fame is perceived differently by each individual. Within six months of its release, the perfume earned $30 million in revenue in the United States alone[3].

Lady Gaga and Tom Ford Private Blend Collection

Lady Gaga’s affinity for Tom Ford fragrances, particularly the Private Blend series, reflects her appreciation for bold, theatrical scents that command attention[21][27]. The Private Blend collection represents Tom Ford’s most personal and luxurious creations, featuring rare ingredients and daring compositions that push olfactory boundaries[43][52]. These fragrances are the olfactory equivalent of haute couture—wearable art designed for those who want to make unforgettable impressions.

Black Orchid, one of Tom Ford’s most iconic creations, has been associated with Lady Gaga in various media reports and fragrance community discussions[21][27]. Launched as Tom Ford’s debut signature fragrance, Black Orchid revolutionized perfumery when it was released. The scent opens with the distinctive aroma of black truffle and ylang-ylang, combined with fresh bergamot and blackcurrant[21][33]. The heart reveals the titular black orchid alongside spicy notes and lotus wood, while the base features rich patchouli, dark chocolate, vanilla, incense, and sandalwood[21][30][33].

This complex, opulent fragrance creates what perfumers call a “gourmand oriental” profile—simultaneously edible and mysterious, sweet and dark[39]. The fragrance has been described by reviewers as “smelling like luxury tastes,” with its chocolate and vanilla notes balanced by earthy patchouli and exotic florals[39]. For Lady Gaga, whose aesthetic embraces contradiction and drama, Black Orchid provides the perfect olfactory accompaniment. It’s a fragrance that announces your presence before you speak, lingering in memory long after you leave—much like Gaga’s own performances[21][39].

The Psychology Behind Celebrity Fragrance Choices

Fragrance as an Extension of Personal Brand

Through my analysis of celebrity fragrance preferences, I’ve identified that scent selection serves as a sophisticated form of personal branding. According to Dr. Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist at Brown University and author of “The Scent of Desire,” fragrance choices communicate personality traits, values, and aspirations more directly than visual cues because scent bypasses cognitive processing and speaks directly to our emotional centers[23][29][32]. Dr. Herz has been conducting research on the psychological science of smell, emotion perception, and cognition since 1990, and has published over 90 original research papers on olfactory psychology[23][38].

For Rihanna, her fragrance evolution from Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy to her custom Fenty-J’adore blend represents her journey from music superstar to business mogul[1][5]. Her early adoption of Kilian demonstrated refined taste and access to insider luxury knowledge. Her subsequent creation of Fenty Eau de Parfum showcased entrepreneurial ambition and creative control[2][17]. Finally, her layering technique reveals mastery-level understanding of fragrance composition—she’s not just a consumer but a creator, much like her approach to fashion with Fenty and beauty with Fenty Beauty[1][8].

Lady Gaga’s Fame perfume represented something entirely different: a conceptual art statement about celebrity culture itself. By creating a black perfume that becomes invisible, she made a meta-commentary on fame’s ephemeral nature and dark allure[3][6]. This approach positioned her not just as a celebrity lending her name to a product, but as an artist using fragrance as a medium for cultural critique. The fact that Fame has been discontinued adds another layer to its narrative—like fame itself, it was temporary, leaving only memories and the occasional bottle on resale markets[12].

The Role of Olfactory Memory in Artist Identity

Research published in academic journals demonstrates that olfactory memories are among our most powerful and enduring[32][38]. When celebrities consistently wear specific fragrances, they create olfactory signatures that become inseparable from their public identity. Multiple celebrities, including Jennifer Lawrence, Cardi B, and Ryan Seacrest, have publicly commented on how incredible Rihanna smells, with some describing her scent as “heavenly”[1]. This consistent feedback reinforces her brand as someone who pays attention to every detail of her presentation.

For performing artists like Rihanna and Lady Gaga, fragrance serves an additional psychological function: it helps them transition into their performance personas. Just as costume and makeup transform them for the stage, a specific fragrance can trigger the mental shift into performer mode[23][32]. This psychological anchoring through scent is a technique used by many professionals, from athletes to public speakers, to access peak performance states[29].

The Cultural Impact of Celebrity Fragrance Choices

How Rihanna and Lady Gaga Influenced Fragrance Trends

The influence of Rihanna and Lady Gaga on fragrance trends extends far beyond their personal preferences. When Rihanna’s love for Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy became public knowledge in 2016, the fragrance experienced unprecedented demand, with bottles selling out globally[1][7][13]. This phenomenon demonstrated the power of authentic celebrity endorsement—Rihanna wasn’t being paid to promote Kilian; her genuine affection for the fragrance made the endorsement more powerful than any advertising campaign[42].

Similarly, Lady Gaga’s Fame challenged industry conventions about how celebrity fragrances should look, smell, and be marketed[3][9]. Prior to Fame, most celebrity fragrances followed predictable formulas: sweet, accessible, mass-market friendly. Gaga proved that consumers were ready for conceptual, artistic fragrances from celebrities willing to take risks[6][9]. Although Fame has been discontinued, its legacy lives on in the increased willingness of celebrities to create unconventional fragrances that challenge industry norms.

Both artists have also contributed to the normalization of unisex and gender-fluid fragrances. Rihanna’s Fenty Eau de Parfum was explicitly designed as unisex[2][17], while Lady Gaga’s Fame, though marketed toward women, attracted a diverse audience who appreciated its artistic vision regardless of gender[3]. This reflects broader cultural shifts toward gender fluidity in fashion and beauty, trends that both artists have championed throughout their careers.

The Business of Luxury Fragrances

Understanding the Luxury Perfume Market

The luxury fragrance market represents one of the most profitable segments of the beauty industry. According to recent market research, the global luxury perfume market was valued at USD 13.32 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 21.31 billion by 2033, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 5.09%[41]. Another study estimates the market at USD 22.65 billion in 2023, projecting growth to USD 34.39 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.2%[44]. Brands like Byredo and Tom Ford occupy the “prestige” and “ultra-prestige” categories, where fragrances retail from $150 to over $500 for standard sizes[41][44].

What distinguishes these luxury brands from mass-market alternatives is their use of high-concentration formulas (typically 20-30% fragrance oil compared to 10-15% in mass-market perfumes), rare natural ingredients (oud, iris, jasmine sambac), and artistic freedom to create unconventional compositions that might not appeal to everyone—which is precisely the point[44][47]. Luxury fragrances are designed to be distinctive, memorable, and exclusive.

Celebrity Influence Drives Market Growth

Celebrity endorsements and authentic celebrity fragrance preferences have become major drivers of luxury perfume sales. According to industry analysis, fragrance experienced a remarkable 69% increase in Earned Media Value (EMV) in 2024, surpassing both skincare (54%) and makeup (41%)[45][48]. This surge indicates a significant shift in consumer curiosity and emotional connection to fragrances, largely driven by influencer and celebrity endorsements[45].

Research shows that approximately 86% of U.S. marketers are expected to collaborate with influencers by 2025, with 26% allocating over 40% of their marketing budgets to influencer partnerships[45]. In the fragrance category specifically, 83% of Gen Z women are open to purchasing fragrance products based on celebrity and influencer recommendations[45]. Successful celebrity fragrances can generate extraordinary revenue—Ariana Grande’s perfume line has surpassed $1 billion in sales since 2015[48][51], while Britney Spears’ debut scent “Curious” reached $100 million in sales in its first year[48].

The Rise of Accessible Luxury Alternatives

The popularity of luxury fragrances worn by celebrities like Rihanna and Lady Gaga has created significant demand for more affordable alternatives. Brands like imixx perfume have emerged to meet this need, offering high-quality inspired fragrances that capture the essence of luxury scents at accessible price points. These alternatives use similar fragrance families and note structures, allowing fragrance enthusiasts to experience luxury-inspired scents without the ultra-premium price tags.

The fragrance alternative market has grown substantially, driven by consumers who appreciate the artistry of luxury perfumery but seek better value[45][58]. Quality fragrance alternatives can offer 70-85% similarity to luxury originals while costing a fraction of the price. For consumers inspired by Rihanna’s fragrance choices but unable to invest $300 in a bottle of Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy, inspired alternatives provide an accessible entry point into luxury-style fragrances.

How to Choose Fragrances Inspired by Rihanna and Lady Gaga

Identifying Your Fragrance Preferences

If you’re drawn to the fragrances favored by Rihanna and Lady Gaga, understanding your own preferences is essential. Both artists gravitate toward complex, sophisticated fragrances that tell stories and evoke emotions[1][3][9]. Here are the key characteristics to consider when selecting fragrances in their style:

Professional Testing and Selection Guide

When exploring fragrances inspired by these artists, proper testing is crucial. Fragrance interacts with your unique skin chemistry, producing different results on different people[23][32]. Based on my research and industry best practices, here’s my professional recommendation for testing fragrances effectively:

The Future of Celebrity Fragrance Influence

Evolving Trends in Luxury Perfumery

As we move into 2025 and beyond, the fragrance industry continues to evolve, influenced by celebrities like Rihanna and Lady Gaga who approach scent as an art form rather than merely a beauty product[1][3][45]. Several key trends are shaping the future of luxury perfumery:

Personalization and Layering: Rihanna’s approach to layering Fenty with J’adore represents a growing trend toward fragrance customization[1][8]. More consumers are learning to layer scents, creating unique combinations that serve as truly personal signatures. According to industry research, 69% of Millennial and Gen Z consumers actively layer their scents[48]. Brands are responding by creating “layering lines” designed to work together in various combinations.

Sustainability and Transparency: Modern consumers, particularly those who admire socially conscious celebrities, demand transparency about fragrance ingredients and sustainable sourcing practices[44][47]. The demand for natural and organic perfumes is increasing due to heightened health consciousness and environmental awareness[47]. Luxury brands are increasingly emphasizing natural ingredients, ethical sourcing, and environmentally friendly packaging—areas where both Rihanna through Fenty and innovative brands like Byredo are leading[2][40].

Gender-Fluid Fragrances: The traditional division between “men’s” and “women’s” fragrances continues to dissolve, with more brands creating unisex scents[2][3]. This trend, championed by both Rihanna and Lady Gaga, reflects broader cultural shifts toward gender fluidity and personal expression over prescribed categories[17]. By 2024, the natural and organic segment of luxury fragrances demonstrated a CAGR of 9.44%, indicating strong consumer preference for authentic, boundary-breaking products[47].

Artistic Collaborations: Following Lady Gaga’s example of working with synesthete perfumer Dawn Goldworm, more celebrities are engaging deeply in the creative process, viewing fragrance creation as legitimate artistic expression[9][64][67]. This results in more innovative, conceptual fragrances that push industry boundaries and create memorable consumer experiences.

The Democratization of Luxury Fragrance

One of the most significant developments in fragrance is the democratization of luxury scents through high-quality alternatives. While ultra-premium brands like Tom Ford and Kilian will always have their place, the growth of accessible luxury brands like imixx perfume allows more people to experience sophisticated, well-crafted fragrances inspired by celebrity favorites. This democratization doesn’t diminish luxury brands; instead, it expands the overall fragrance market by introducing more consumers to the artistry of fine perfumery[45][48].

The success of Rihanna’s Fenty Eau de Parfum—which sold out in hours despite being more affordable than many luxury fragrances—demonstrates that consumers value authenticity, quality, and connection to the celebrity’s genuine vision more than simply wearing an expensive label[2][14][17]. This shift empowers consumers to make choices based on personal preference and value rather than purely on price point or brand prestige.

Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Rihanna and Lady Gaga’s Fragrance Influence

Through my extensive research and analysis of celebrity fragrance trends, I’ve come to appreciate how Rihanna and Lady Gaga have fundamentally transformed the relationship between celebrities and perfume. They’ve elevated fragrance from a mere beauty product to an essential component of personal branding and artistic expression[1][3][42]. Their choices—from Rihanna’s sophisticated gourmands to Lady Gaga’s conceptual oriental compositions—demonstrate exceptional olfactory taste and deep understanding of how scent communicates identity[1][9].

What makes their influence particularly significant is their authenticity. Rihanna genuinely wears and loves the fragrances associated with her, from Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy to her own Fenty creation[1][7]. Lady Gaga conceived Fame as a genuine artistic statement about celebrity culture, not just a commercial product[3][6]. This authenticity resonates with consumers who seek meaningful connections with the products they choose and the celebrities they admire.

Their impact extends beyond their personal preferences to shape industry trends: gender-fluid fragrances, artistic collaborations, layering techniques, and the acceptance of unconventional compositions[2][3][45]. They’ve shown that fragrance can be as bold, creative, and boundary-pushing as any other art form—and that the most memorable scents come from those willing to take risks and stay true to their unique visions.

Whether you’re drawn to Rihanna’s sophisticated sweetness or Lady Gaga’s dramatic intensity, exploring Tom Ford Fragrances and Byredo-inspired scents offers an accessible entry point into the world of luxury perfumery. The key is finding fragrances that resonate with your personal story, evoke emotions you want to feel, and create the impression you want to leave[23][32]. As both artists demonstrate, the perfect fragrance isn’t about following trends—it’s about finding scents that express your authentic self.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rihanna and Lady Gaga’s Fragrances

Explore More: For additional information on luxury fragrances and high-quality alternatives, visit Fragrantica, the world’s largest online fragrance database, or consult the Fragrance Foundation for industry insights and trends.