Robert Pattinson Reveals 'Olfactory Dyslexia'

Robert Pattinson sits down with master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian to discuss the latest evolution of Dior Homme fragrance and admits to what he calls "olfactory dyslexia," a self-diagnosed condition where he perceives scents differently from others.

The actor, who has been the face of Dior Homme since 2013, brings his signature self-deprecating humor to the launch of Dior Homme Parfum, a modern reimagining of the iconic scent. "I think I might have olfactory dyslexia, where I think things smell like other things. No one else thinks they smell the same way I think they smell," Pattinson confesses during the interview.

Kurkdjian, Dior's perfume creative director, has stripped down the fragrance to its essential elements while preserving its iconic notes of iris, patchouli, amber, and vetiver. The result is less woody than its predecessors, with a subtle sweetness that marks a significant departure from earlier versions.

The new interpretation draws unexpected inspiration from architecture, particularly New York City's glass buildings. This abstract concept resonated with Pattinson, who found it easier to relate to the fragrance in conceptual terms. "Francis was talking about it being like a glass building. That is something I can really smell in it," he says. "I can relate more to abstract things. It smells very singular."

Kurkdjian explains that the evolution reflects changing notions of masculinity: "Men have changed because society has changed. Masculinity has changed so much. The younger generation of men acknowledge their feminine side more easily, easier than I did." This shift is reflected in the fragrance's composition, which balances tradition with modernity.

For Pattinson, the new formulation stands out for its ability to blend seamlessly with the wearer's natural scent. "I'm just always really surprised when something can coalesce with your own scent so easily. It's very, very quick to feel organic on you," he notes. The actor also detects what he describes as "something kind of athletic about it," contrasting with the static nature of woodier fragrances.

The launch coincides with a new campaign that presents a different visual aesthetic from the 2014 version. "The shoot, the stills especially, felt very, very different from the first one," Pattinson observes. "All the imagery was a lot harder [before]. This time, I was quite surprised because it was so different."

During the conversation, Pattinson also reflected on the changing landscape of male self-expression, particularly in fashion. At 38, he admits to feeling some generational FOMO about current fashion freedoms: "My desire to be more experimental is so strong, and I find it deeply unfair... I might've missed the boat a little bit."

The new Dior Homme Parfum represents a significant evolution for both the brand and its longtime ambassador, marking a modern interpretation that speaks to changing definitions of masculinity while maintaining the DNA of the original fragrance.