In this Fragrance Friday episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Hamed Arefian, co-founder of House of Dastan, to explore how fragrance can serve as both a bridge between cultures and a vessel for storytelling. Blending Persian heritage, Parisian craftsmanship, and New York edge, House of Dastan has quickly become one of the most compelling new voices in the niche fragrance world.
A Heritage of Poetry and Perfume
The name Dastan translates to “stories” in Persian — an apt reflection of the brand’s origin. For Hamed and his sister, who co-founded the house, fragrance was a way to honor their family’s roots and share the poetry, depth, and sensory richness of Persian culture.
“Growing up, I remember our grandmother using rosewater and cardamom in the kitchen,” he recalls. “Those aromas—mixed with tea, warmth, and storytelling—became the foundation of what we wanted to capture.”
Each scent in the collection is a chapter in their story: an homage to tradition, emotion, and artistry. Their father’s love for Persian poetry also inspired the brand’s narrative-driven ethos, reminding Hamed that every scent should evoke a memory or tell a story.
The Fusion of Three Worlds
House of Dastan’s identity is built on the harmonious coexistence of three cultural pillars — Persian soul, Parisian mastery, and New York modernism. The brand’s partnership with acclaimed perfumer Richard Herpin (known for creations such as Tom Ford’s Oud Wood) brought that vision to life.
Herpin’s intuitive ability to translate emotion into scent made him the perfect collaborator. “Richard turned abstract emotions into olfactory form,” says Hamed. “He brought heart and sophistication to every formula.”
You — A Fragrance That Becomes You
One of the brand’s standout scents, You?, exemplifies the House of Dastan philosophy. Designed to adapt to the wearer’s chemistry, it becomes uniquely personal on each individual. “It’s like a mirror,” Hamed explains. “It reacts differently to everyone’s skin, creating a one-of-a-kind signature every time.”
This concept of individual resonance underscores the brand’s mission: to craft fragrances that are lived, not just worn.
Redefining Luxury in 2025
When asked about the evolving definition of luxury in fragrance, Hamed’s answer is simple yet profound. “Luxury is about care — attention to detail, integrity, and emotional artistry,” he says. For House of Dastan, true luxury is approachable yet refined—never remote or unattainable.
The brand’s craftsmanship is evident in every bottle, from the quality of ingredients to the long-lasting compositions that evolve gracefully on the skin. Each scent undergoes years of development and refinement, ensuring originality and depth in a market crowded with replicas and trends.
A Global Movement Rooted in Heritage
Hamed also reflects on the growing global fascination with Middle Eastern perfumery — a world defined by oud, rose, and resinous complexity. “In our culture, scent is part of daily life,” he says. “It’s not just perfume—it’s identity, emotion, and intimacy.”
This wave of renewed appreciation, he adds, is helping global audiences rediscover one of the oldest traditions in fragrance.
What’s Next for House of Dastan
Looking ahead, House of Dastan is preparing to launch three new fragrances in the coming months — including two limited-edition collector’s releases, each capped at 1,000 bottles. The brand is also opening its first boutique in SoHo, New York this November, marking a new chapter in its journey from cultural narrative to modern luxury.
Listen to the full episode of Skin Anarchy to hear more about how Hamed and his sister are redefining the boundaries of niche perfumery — blending legacy, artistry, and emotion into every bottle of House of Dastan.