It’s no surprise that vacation-inspired perfumes have become one of this summer’s biggest fragrance trends. Amid rising inflation, why blow your savings on a plane ticket when a single spritz can transport you to your favorite beachside getaway? While recent launches channel destinations from around the globe, Miami scents in particular are gaining a devoted following.
“It’s not just the gorgeous weather and beach; it’s the culture and energy of the place that is so captivating,” says Bee Shapiro, founder and CEO of Ellis Brooklyn. “The glamour of Miami is so unique to that city.”
So, what does Miami actually smell like? According to Shapiro, it’s “joyful, tropical, and sophisticated.” That vibe is perfectly captured in Ellis Brooklyn’s Miami Nectar, which is widely credited with kickstarting the Miami perfume trend last year. Inspired by the winters Shapiro spent escaping cold New York in Miami Beach, it stars notes of fresh pineapple, coconut water, jasmine, vanilla, amberwood, and moss.
“Miami Nectar is loaded with white florals and delicious fruity notes that make your mouth water, not gourmand sweetness that feels heavy in the heat,” says Cosmo beauty editor Beth Gillette. “It’s wet, hot, and juicy—like pool floats and piña coladas on Miami Beach, or dancing at a club until 4 a.m., or grabbing a Cuban coffee and empanada before looking at art in Wynwood.”
The Miami perfume moment officially reached cult status when Juliette Has a Gun released Miami Shake in late March. The gourmand fragrance features standout notes of whipped cream, wild strawberry, and ice cream cone—which the label’s founder and creative director, Romano Ricci, says “add a playful, indulgent touch.” He likens the base note of vanilla absolute to the “warmth of the sun setting over Ocean Drive,” the iconic South Beach strip known for its Art Deco architecture and vibrant nightlife.
“Miami is a sensory experience,” adds Ricci. “The sun, the sea, the nightlife—everything feels amplified. It’s vibrant and magnetic. People are craving escapism and optimism—Miami delivers that, both in reality and in scent.”
Of course, Miami isn’t the only destination you can visit via the fragrance aisle right now. Kayali’s new “vacay in a bottle” collection transports you to Capri, Maui, Marrakesh, and the Maldives. Meanwhile, Tom Ford nods to Portofino, D.S. & Durga whisks you away to the Yucatán peninsula, Bond No. 9 channels the Hamptons, and Henry Rose takes you straight down the Pacific Coast Highway.
“Every city has its own unique essence, so I always choose a specific fragrance for every trip,” says Gilette. “It makes me feel like I fit the vibe of the location and helps the vacation stick in my brain better. Later, when I’m home, I’ll wear the same scent whenever I want to channel the energy of that particular trip.”
So, which city will inspire the next big perfume trend? Shapiro says she’d love to see Malibu in the spotlight after the devastating wildfires, while Ricci has his eye on Tokyo, Tulum, and Mykonos. “People are drawn to destinations that evoke emotion, culture, and a different rhythm of life—perfect inspiration for fragrance creation,” he notes.
Sarah Maberry is a fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level, helping readers determine what’s worth buying. When she’s not writing for ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.
→ Continue reading at Cosmopolitan
