Fragrance Wardrobe
Your perfume isn’t just how you smell—it’s how you feel when you get dressed in the morning, for a night out, for a boardroom meeting. It’s just as much of an accessory to how you present yourself to the world as your clothing (and let’s not forget its close ties to memory and emotion). With that in mind, we’re launching Fragrance Wardrobe, a new scent series in collaboration with The Fragrance Foundation that highlights the rotating perfume “wardrobes” of our favorite tastemakers through key points in their life. Get to know them better via the scents they choose to wear.
Kahh Spence devoted over a decade of his life to the celebrity hairstyling world, working with everyone from Kehlani to Jhené Aiko and inking partnerships with the most prominent hair care brands (think: OGX, Carol’s Daughter, and the like). Now, he’s making a name for himself in a completely different category—fragrance. Spence debuted his fine fragrance brand, Samir Grey, in August, and this launch is deeply personal. Inspired by his late mother, Spence is shaping Samir Grey to be a brand that centers on self-care, intentionality, and softness. Ahead, Spence opens up more about his lifelong connection to fragrance, the brand’s first scent “One,” and the legacy he hopes to leave in the beauty industry.
His Earliest Fragrance Memory
“My earliest fragrance memory takes me back to the salon days with my mom. The air was always a mix of hot combs and relaxers—layered with the scents of women who’d come in wearing everything from DKNY Be Delicious and White Diamonds to my mother’s favorite, Victoria’s Secret Love Spell. It was this beautiful blend of heat, perfume, and presence—women taking care of themselves, claiming space, and smelling unforgettable.”
How His Fragrance Wardrobe Has Evolved
“My fragrance wardrobe has definitely matured over the years. When I was younger, I gravitated toward playful, light scents—something easy and fun. But as I’ve grown, I’ve developed an appreciation for depth and complexity. Younger Kahh didn’t love those richer notes, but now I crave them. They tell more of a story and feel more aligned with who I’ve become.”
Kahh Spence / Samir Grey
How He Developed Samir Grey’s First Fragrance
“The process of creating One was deeply emotional. It began with a story—my last memory (in a dream) with my mom, walking along a beach in Hawaii. It was just us, laughing, talking, being fully present in that one moment. That dream became the foundation for the fragrance, and ultimately, its name. Working with my perfumer, Cécile Hua, we went through many iterations to get it just right. I wanted One to feel timeless, emotional, and long-lasting, while also being mindful of ingredients and sensitivities. That was always my number one priority—creating a scent that didn’t compromise on quality or safety. After witnessing my mother’s battle with cancer and seeing so many women close to me face their own health challenges, I wanted One to honor them. It’s for anyone who desires a beautiful, sensorial experience that feels good and does good.”
How He Layers Fragrances
“I don’t usually layer One with other fragrances, but my full body care routine definitely enhances it. I start with Necessaire’s Olibanum Body Wash, followed by Josie Maran’s Golden Hour Body Scrub and L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil. After that, I layer on pure jojoba oil, Necessaire’s Olibanum Body Lotion, and TPH by Taraji’s Body Butter. For deodorant, I use Saltair’s Santal, and depending on my mood, I’ll reach for Phlur’s Vanilla Skin Body Mist or Touchland’s Mango Mist. I love finishing with Nemat’s White Musk before sealing it all in with my baby, One. It’s a fragrance that stands beautifully on its own—it’s already layered in a way that tells a full story.”
Kahh Spence / Samir Grey
The Fragrance That Brings Back Good Memories
“Every time I visit my grandmother, I notice the same bottle of Daisy by Marc Jacobs sitting on her dresser. It always reminds me of my mom, so I give it a spritz—it’s my way of keeping her close in those small, familiar moments.”
The Fragrance That Makes Him Feel Powerful
“Rossopompeiano by Agatho Parfums instantly makes me feel powerful. I’m naturally confident, but that scent? Whew. It amplifies everything—presence, mood, energy. It’s bold, refined, and unforgettable.”
His Favorite Candle
“I still light my Spence candle from my former brand—it’s a reminder of where I started and still one of my favorites. But I’m always on the lookout for new scents, so if you have a go-to, send it my way on IG.”
Kahh Spence / Samir Grey
The Fragrance Notes He Thinks Are Underrated
“Peach and almond are two notes I feel deserve way more recognition. I live for a juicy peach note—it brings this warmth and brightness that feels alive. That’s actually why One features it, even though the fragrance wasn’t created entirely with me in mind.”
The Fragrance Trend That Excites Him
“I love that more people are realizing fragrance isn’t just about smelling good—it’s about feeling good. It may not be a ‘trend,’ per se, but it’s exciting to see this perspective grow, and it’s exactly what we aim for at Samir Grey: a sensorial experience that shapes your day and mood.”
What He’s Most Proud Of
“Right now, I’m most proud of my perseverance despite all the odds. At the height of my career, I lost my mother, father, great-grandmother, and even some relationships with people who are still alive. Through it all, God has held me up, and I’m a testament that His word is the only one that truly matters. I’m also proud of my heart. No matter what I’ve faced, I’ve remained kind, thoughtful, and selfless. That’s something I want to carry with me forever, and I hope others carry that with them too. Recently, I sat in my car, so emotional, seeing people all over the world connect with the work God is doing through me—it’s surreal, humbling, and truly everything.”
His Hope For Samir Grey
“My hope for Samir Grey is that we continue to grow in the way and at the pace God intends. I want us to lead with love and remind the world that, despite what life tells you, it’s okay to pause, be still, and savor the moment. Ultimately, I hope Samir Grey reaches the hearts—and senses—of many. Amen.”