Your eyes are not deceiving you. This chic young lady loves men’s fragrances and wears them quite regularly. Quick back-story-Johanna is a fashion stylist that I met when she came to the showroom of one of my clients. Our worlds didn’t really collide until one evening I was at an event that The Sound Of Art held at the Hotel on Rivington with Airwalk. I bumped into her and as we conversed, I remember being enveloped by a familiar scent. I proceeded to ask her what she was wearing and she couldn’t quite remember the name. She said, and I loved this, “it’s from that brand where the bottle doesn’t stand upright.” I immediately knew she was talking about Comme de Garcon. That sparked quite an interesting tale of her love for men’s fragrances. I was blown away. It takes a confident man or woman to get past all the “gender specific” marketing we’re fed by the fragrance industry and Johanna is proof-positive that what smells “manly” changes on a woman. I made no connection between what I smelt and her gender…all I processed was she smelt great and it intensified our conversation. Without further ado, Johanna Laracuente:
What’s your earliest recollection of fragrance?
I grew up in a small town in Puerto Rico. Everything around you had an aroma, a unique scent. The smell of the beach, mountains, and rain, mixed with my mothers cooking was memorable.
What fragrances are currently in your rotation?
Prada Amber, Cannabis Rose from Fresh and my fav Comme de Garcon 2
Tell me a bit about your preference for wearing men’s fragrances?
I used to have a roommate that would spray me with Comme de Garcon or Angel Men by Thierry Mugler on his way out. The way my body reacted was amazing. The smell was a lot warmer, so sexy, I loved it! After he realized how empty his bottle became, he opted to get me a bottle for my birthday and is been in my rotation ever since.
How often do you go out looking for something new? What specifically do you look for?
Not often. I choose scents that are unusual and definitely unexpected; hence, the Homme affair. The other night I went to my neighbors place and stole a bit of L’Artisan’s White Pepper (actual name, Poivre Piquant). It is sensual, light and yet masculine. Everyone loved it and lets just say it was a VERY successful evening. I bought it the next day; hopefully it will get a repeat performance!
Have you ever purchased the same fragrance more than once? If so, what was it and what about it made it worthy of a repeat buy?
I’m a creature of habit in certain things. When it works, it becomes a part of my personal scent. I have been wearing Comme de Garcon for 8 years; it’s always a repeat. The chemistry of it on a woman is totally different, and unique on each one.
If you had to give the guys reading this blog advice about fragrances, what would it be?
Wear it, experiment and don’t be afraid to try new things. Wait… or is this advice for something else?
How would you finish this statement? “My most memorable fragrant moment would be…?
Papi all dressed up for work. He had a massive collection of colognes. He loved to switch them up. Whenever I smell Cool Water or Drakkar Noir, I smile and become a little teary eyed too.
fragrantmoments.net 
I love the fact that she wears “mens” fragrances, this is exactly how it should be. “Gender specific” is a thing of the past, fragrances like all things should be chosen of the basis of personal appeal.
This is so interesting, especially since Johanna is Latina and Latinos are very hung up on gender. You go girl!
In the experiences I’ve had with the women in my life, I noticed they treat men’s furnishings like comfort food, and/or a reminder of good things…..past & present. It’s inspiring to know that there are women out there who have taken that bit of nostalgia and turned it into creating their own memories! Johanna is fresh!
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Barney, that nose of yours should be one of the 7 wonders of the world!
Thank you for opening peoples minds and sinuses one fragrant moment at a time 😉