The Intriguing World Of Flanker Colognes And Their Scents

In the world of fragrances, a flanker is a newly created scent that shares some attributes with an already existing perfume. It is a spin-off of a popular fragrance, often with a similar name, bottle design, or notes, but brings something new to the series. Flankers are an easy way for brands to build on the success of an existing fragrance while offering something novel to customers. They are also a cost-effective way to launch a new scent, as they require less investment in advertising and product development. However, some critics argue that flankers are merely a marketing strategy, with little connection to the original fragrance, and that they can dilute the impact of the original.

Flankers are fragrances within a franchise, sharing attributes with an existing perfume

Flankers are fragrances that are part of a franchise and share attributes with an existing perfume. They are often created as a way for brands to build upon the success of a popular fragrance, known as a "pillar", by offering something new while still shining a light on the existing franchise.

Flankers can vary in their similarity to the original fragrance. Some flankers may share a name, packaging, or notes with the existing fragrance, while others may be completely different scents that are only connected through branding. The creation of flankers allows brands to save money on advertising and launching new scents by rehashing the same idea over and over.

Some examples of flankers include Dior's Poison franchise, which includes Tendre Poison, Hypnotic Poison, Pure Poison, Midnight Poison, and Poison Girl, and Issey Miyake's "L'eau d'Issey", which was followed by "L'eau d'Issey Pour Homme" and "L'Eau d'Issey Florale".

There are different types of flankers, such as traditional flankers that amplify key facets of the original fragrance, innovative flankers that twist and subvert the original scent, and standalone flankers that feel like their own entity.

While flankers can be a way for brands to easily capitalise on the success of an existing fragrance, they can also offer consumers more options and variety, allowing them to find tweaks or variations on a fragrance that they like.

They are a way for brands to build on an original fragrance

Flankers are a way for brands to build on an original fragrance. They are a variation on the theme of the main fragrance, often with a few twists or alterations that make it an interesting accompaniment to the original without overshadowing it or deviating too far.

A flanker is a fragrance within a franchise, an offshoot of a popular fragrance that brings something new to the series. For example, if we think of Marc Jacobs' Daisy as a pillar, then Daisy Dream would be a flanker.

Creating a flanker is a way for brands to shine a light on an existing franchise while offering something new. It is also a way to save money on launching a new scent and advertising, by rehashing the same concept over and over. Brands can tweak the fragrance slightly, churn out a sequel every year, and get fans of the original to buy the new version.

Some flankers are very similar to the original, while others are quite different. Sometimes a flanker will be a lighter, more casual, more sporty scent, or a darker, more nocturnal version of the original. Chanel, for example, treats flankers as a way to build on the original fragrance, creating a more polished or accomplished version.

Flankers can be useful for consumers, offering more options and variety, and allowing them to choose according to their exact preferences. If a person likes a certain fragrance but wishes it had a slight tweak, a flanker might provide just that.

However, some people find flankers confusing, especially when there are many with similar names. It can also be frustrating when a flanker is released that has nothing to do with the original. Some feel that the original loses something when too many flankers are created.

They can be a lighter, more casual, sporty scent

Flankers are a new version of an existing perfume, often called a "sequel" fragrance. They are designed to bring something new to an already popular fragrance (known as the pillar) while shining a light on the existing franchise. They are an easy way for brands to build on the success of a fragrance and encourage customers to buy more.

Flankers typically come in the form of Light, Sport, or Cologne versions of the original scent. They are usually lighter, more casual, and sporty, providing an option for those who want to wear fragrances outside of work or special occasions. For example, Polo Sport was a flanker released many years after the original Polo fragrance. These types of flankers are often designed to appeal to men who would otherwise only wear fragrances for work or formal events.

The light, fresh, and sporty nature of these flankers makes them ideal for daily wear and gives consumers an option to alternate with their more formal fragrances. They are typically similar to the original fragrance, with a few twists or alterations that make them interesting without deviating too far.

However, it is important to note that not all flankers are lighter versions of the original. Some flankers are designed to be darker and more intense, intended for evening wear or special occasions. These flankers provide a contrasting option to the original fragrance, giving consumers a choice between different variations of the same theme.

Flankers are a marketing tactic, saving money on advertising and launching new scents

Flankers are a marketing tactic used by perfume companies to save money on advertising and launching new scents. They are variations on an existing fragrance, often with a similar name, bottle design, or scent profile to the original. By creating flankers, companies can capitalise on the success and brand recognition of a popular fragrance while offering something new to customers. This strategy allows them to launch new products with minimal additional promotional costs and build on the success of their established fragrances.

Creating a flanker is often cheaper and less risky than developing an entirely new fragrance from scratch. Companies can reuse existing bottle designs, marketing materials, and distribution channels, saving time and resources. Flankers also benefit from the built-in audience and brand loyalty of the original fragrance, making it more likely that fans of the original will try the new variation. This strategy can be particularly effective for reaching customers who may have been put off by the original fragrance but are willing to give the flanker a chance.

While flankers share some attributes with the original fragrance, they also bring something new to the series. They may offer a lighter or more casual version of the original, or they may explore darker and heavier variations. Sometimes, flankers are released as limited editions or seasonal offerings, creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency for customers. However, some customers may find the proliferation of flankers confusing, especially when there are numerous variations of a single fragrance, such as in the case of Marc Jacobs' Daisy.

In recent years, the perfume market has evolved, and the function of flankers has changed. Traditionally, flankers were often lighter, more casual, or sportier versions of the original fragrance. However, today, flankers may have little to no connection to the original scent beyond the branding. Some customers view this as a cynical marketing tactic, while others appreciate the opportunity to explore new variations of their favourite fragrances.

Overall, flankers are a strategic choice by perfume companies to leverage the success of existing fragrances while offering new options to customers. By creating flankers, companies can save on advertising and launch costs while capitalising on brand recognition and customer loyalty.

They can be a way to get men to wear fragrances more casually and frequently

Flankers can be a great way to get men to wear fragrances more casually and frequently. Typically, a flanker is a lighter, more casual, and sporty scent that men can wear outside of work or special occasions. For example, Polo Sport is a flanker of Polo, released many years after the original. This flanker offers men a more laid-back option to alternate with their formal fragrances.

Flankers are also a way to provide men with a scent for different occasions, such as something to wear in the evening to a dinner or date, rather than doubling up with their everyday fragrance. They can be darker or more intense versions of the original, designed for nighttime or evening wear. For instance, Chanel's BdC flankers offer a more polished and accomplished version of the original, while Dior's Sauvage EDPs and Parfums are a step away from the original scent.

Additionally, flankers can appeal to men who want a carefree and dressed-down fragrance for their downtime. They can be designed to be less work-safe or traditional, giving men a chance to express their personality outside of formal settings. This strategy can encourage men to buy more than one fragrance and wear them more frequently, as they have a variety of options to suit different moods and occasions.

Furthermore, flankers can be a way to introduce men to the world of fragrances casually. By offering variations on popular fragrances, brands can attract men who may be hesitant to try something new. Men can explore different scents without feeling overwhelmed by the vast array of options available. This approach can lead to men becoming more interested in fragrances and incorporating them into their daily routines.

Overall, flankers provide an opportunity to encourage men to wear fragrances more casually and frequently. By offering variations on familiar scents, flankers can bridge the gap between special occasions and everyday wear, appealing to men who want to express their sense of style beyond formal settings.

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