There’s something about winter that makes fragrance feel a little more indulgent. Maybe it’s the cosy knitwear, the crisp morning air or finally having the perfect excuse to wear those rich, delicious scents that have been waiting patiently on your vanity. Just as our wardrobes change with the season, so should our fragrances. Winter is the time to embrace creamy vanilla, comforting musk, rich woods and decadent gourmand notes that wrap around you like your favourite coat.
Few people understand that better than South African beauty and fragrance educator Khanyisile Odigeng, better known to many as Khay Republik. Having built one of South Africa’s most trusted fragrance communities through honest reviews, educational content and immersive fragrance experiences, she has become the go to voice for anyone wanting to elevate their perfume wardrobe.
We caught up with Khanyisile to chat about her exciting new chapter, the fragrance notes dominating winter, and why finding your signature scent should always be a journey, never an impulse purchase.
You’ve built a loyal community as Khay Republik, becoming one of South Africa’s most trusted fragrance voices. As you embrace Khanyisile more fully, what inspired this evolution, and how does it reflect the woman you’ve become?
Growth has really been the driving force behind this decision. Embracing myself fully and wanting to be known by my real name represents that I’m ready to be seen in a more authentic way.
“Khay Republik” came about when I was a teenager because there were always several other Khanyisiles in my class. Back then it bothered me, but today it doesn’t. My name has a beautiful meaning and, as I approach my late twenties, legacy has become incredibly important to me. Every move I make now is intentional, and my name is a powerful part of that.
Authenticity, after all, never goes out of style.
You often describe fragrance as an extension of identity rather than simply a finishing touch. During winter, do you think our choice of fragrance changes with the season? What scents naturally complement the colder months?
Absolutely. I’m a huge advocate for using seasonal changes as an opportunity to explore scents outside your comfort zone.
I’m not usually drawn to vanilla fragrances, but warm, decadent vanilla notes absolutely shine during winter. It’s the perfect time to discover the kind of vanilla that works for me. The same applies to woody fragrances. My personal style leans feminine, so I don’t often wear woody scents in warmer weather, but winter gives me the freedom to experiment and discover which ones complement me best.
Consider this your sign to wear the perfume that’s been sitting untouched on your shelf.
Fragrance can feel intimidating for someone who’s only just beginning to explore it. What advice would you give someone looking to build a collection that feels personal, especially when shopping for winter fragrances?
The first thing I’d recommend is setting a budget. Once you give yourself that boundary, you’ll realise there’s far more within your reach than you initially thought.
Secondly, shop slowly. Spend time sampling fragrances and visiting stores before making a purchase. If you’re tempted to buy something, choose a travel size first. A carefully curated collection of fragrances you genuinely love is far better than owning lots of full-size bottles you’re unsure about.
And remember, fragrances evolve with the seasons. A scent you fall in love with during winter may feel completely different in summer, and that’s perfectly normal. Building a fragrance wardrobe should be enjoyable, not rushed.
Winter is known for warm, comforting scents. Which fragrance notes should people be looking out for this season, and why do they work so well?
The notes we gravitate towards usually mirror how we’re living during the colder months.
We’re drinking hot chocolate, baking sweet treats and spending evenings gathered around a fire. Naturally, fragrances with notes like vanilla, caramel, chocolate, woods and dark berries feel especially comforting this time of year. Fragrance is truly an extension of our everyday lives, and winter makes that connection even more obvious.
If cosy had a scent, it would probably smell like vanilla, musk and a little bit of chocolate.
Many people struggle to make their perfume last throughout a cold winter’s day. What’s your biggest tip for improving longevity and projection?
Winter layering is actually your secret weapon because fragrance loves fabric.
If you’re wearing a jersey or coat, spray your fragrance directly onto your clothing rather than only onto your skin. Fabric holds onto fragrance for much longer, and as you move throughout the day, it naturally projects your scent around you.
If someone only had the budget for one winter fragrance, what qualities should they prioritise?
Take your time before committing. Wear it on different days, try it on your skin and on your clothes, and pay attention to every stage of the fragrance, from the opening to the dry down.
Most importantly, sample first. Just because a fragrance is someone else’s holy grail doesn’t mean it will become yours. Spend time with it before investing in a full bottle. The right fragrance should feel personal.
The best perfume isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. It’s the one that feels unmistakably like you.
Looking ahead, what do you hope your legacy will be within the beauty and fragrance industry, and what can your audience expect from this new chapter as Khanyisile?
I hope my legacy shows that no matter how saturated an industry may seem, there’s always room to create your own lane through value and education.
Teaching has always been at the heart of everything I do. I started with makeup tutorials on YouTube as a teenager, and now I want to introduce more people to South Africa’s thriving fragrance industry. From retail favourites to incredible niche perfume houses, there’s so much to discover, and I want to continue shining a light on it all through educational, relatable content.
Quick Fire Questions
Ultimate winter fragrance?
Narciso Rodriguez Musc Nude
One fragrance note that instantly reminds you of winter?
Musk
Cosy vanilla or smoky oud?
Cosy vanilla
A winter fragrance you’ll never stop recommending?
Vanilla Royal by Eden Perfumes
Finish the sentence: Every winter fragrance wardrobe needs…
“An easy ‘at home’ scent. That’s where we spend most of the season.”
