Contre Culture
EDT
FAKOSHIMA
Statement
FAKOSHIMA
Design-led niche perfumes from a Russian creative brand with a highly conceptual, limited-edition approach.
About FAKOSHIMA
FAKOSHIMA began in 2013 as a Russian optics brand founded by Konstantin Shilyaev, and the perfume line came later as an extension of that visual identity. The brand positions itself around a minimalist, contemporary-classic aesthetic that combines experimental design language with a more conceptual approach to scent.
Its first trial fragrance, Tear You Apart, was created with Yaroslav Simonov, a graduate of the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, and only 30 bottles were produced in 2020. That origin story points to a very small-scale, niche start rather than a mass-market launch. Current fragrance discussions around the house emphasize bold, distinctive compositions such as Contre Culture, described as a neo-chypre built around smoky mezcal and spicy Bengali pepper.
FAKOSHIMA is best understood as a design-led niche project where visual identity and perfume are treated as part of the same concept. The line is still small, but the brand’s public presentation suggests a move from eyewear into collectible perfumery with an intentionally limited, idea-driven profile.
At a Glance
The Brand
Founded
2013
Founder
Konstantin Shilyaev
Country
Russia
Category
Niche
Scent Personality
Worth It?
Scent DNA
woody
spicy
smoky
chypre
abstract aromatic
- FAKOSHIMA scents read as deliberately unconventional rather than crowd-pleasing
- The house appears to favor sharp contrasts, unusual materials, and a conceptual structure that reflects its design background
- Limited production and small-batch positioning reinforce an exclusive, collector-oriented feel
Typical Performance
Longevity
Long
Projection
Strong
Positioning
A niche, luxury house known for woody compositions.
How It Compares
- → More experimental than Byredo
- → More conceptual than Diptyque
- → Less mainstream than Maison Francis Kurkdjian
- → More avant-garde than Tom Ford
Who It's For
Best For
- Collectors
- Fans of avant-garde niche perfumery
- People who like smoky spicy scents
- Unisex wearers seeking statement fragrances
- Evening wear
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Strong conceptual identity
- Memorable and unusual scent direction
- Clear niche positioning
- Small-batch exclusivity
Weaknesses
- Very limited accessibility
- Likely too challenging for mainstream tastes
- Small catalog compared with established houses
- Lower value for buyers seeking versatile everyday perfumes
Brand Evolution
FAKOSHIMA appears to have evolved from a Russian eyewear concept into a fragrance project without abandoning its design-first identity. The move into perfume started with very limited production, which suggests an incremental and selective expansion rather than a broad retail rollout. Recent activity shows the brand leaning further into niche fragrance storytelling and individual scent launches.
Quick Verdict
FAKOSHIMA is a legitimate niche curiosity, not a safe blind buy. Its appeal is strongest for fragrance users who value concept, rarity, and visual-aesthetic coherence over easy wearability.
