Kim Taehyung, known to the world as V, has a reputation for taste. He is the BTS member who loves jazz, classic film, old photography and quietly expensive fashion. So it is no surprise that ARMY wants to know what perfume V wears. The tricky part is that his answer has changed over the years, and most online lists only capture one moment of it.
Rather than give you a single bottle and call it done, this guide reads V’s fragrance history as a biography in four chapters. You will see how he went from preferring a calming body lotion to being linked with a leather-and-pepper scent from Celine, what each scent smells like, how reliable each claim is, and how to choose the version of V that matches your own style.
The Summary Page: V’s Scents at a Glance
| Chapter | Product | Scent style | How we know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The comfort years | Aveeno Stress Relief lotion | Lavender, chamomile, soft | V mentioned preferring lotion; widely reported |
| 2. The Korean favourite | W.Dressroom No. 45 Morning Rain | Fresh, dewy, clean musk | Widely reported by fan and beauty sites |
| 3. The reality-show clue | Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur (suspected) | Warm, spicy, sensual musk | Fan-spotted during In the Soop |
| 4. The Celine era | Celine Reptile Eau de Parfum | Pepper, leather, moss, cedar | Fan report from a Celine store, April 2025 |
None of these comes from a sit-down interview where V lists his perfumes, so we would describe all four as likely rather than certain. Chapter four is the most recent and the one fans talk about most today.
Chapter One: The Comfort Years (Lotion Over Perfume)
In early BTS content, V gave fans an unexpected answer about how he smells: he preferred scented body lotion to perfume. The product most often linked to him is Aveeno’s Stress Relief moisturising lotion, which uses lavender, chamomile and ylang-ylang to create a soft, calming scent.
It is a revealing choice. Lotion-based scent sits very close to the skin and never overwhelms anyone, which suits someone who spends long hours in rehearsal rooms, vans and practice studios with six other people. It also says something about V’s personality in those years: gentle, cosy and not interested in making a loud statement.
How to Recreate Chapter One
- Choose a lavender and chamomile body lotion with a light scent.
- Apply after a warm shower when skin absorbs it best.
- If you want a touch more presence, add a light lavender mist. Our list of the best lavender perfumes has gentle options.
Ylang-ylang is a beautiful but often misunderstood note. Our explainer on what ylang-ylang smells like shows why it adds creamy warmth to calming blends.
Chapter Two: The Korean Favourite (W.Dressroom No. 45)
W.Dressroom is a Korean brand best known for “Dress and Living Clear Perfume,” a light spray designed for clothes, bedding and skin. It became famous among ARMY when fans learned that V gifted Jungkook the brand’s No. 97 April Cotton, which is now a must-buy souvenir in Seoul. V’s own pick from the line is widely reported to be No. 45 Morning Rain.
According to retailer Kiokii’s product listing, No. 45 is a fresh, dewy scent built to feel like a morning shower.
| Layer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Top | Lemon, mandarin, peach |
| Heart | Melon, green cucumber, jasmine |
| Base | Whitewood, musk, oakmoss |
Compared with Jungkook’s softer, powdery No. 97, Morning Rain is a little more watery and leans slightly masculine. It is very affordable, which makes it the easiest way for fans to share a scent with V. You can read about the other half of that famous gift in our guide to what perfumes Jungkook wears.
Tips for Using a Fabric-and-Body Spray
- Spray it on clothing, scarves and pillowcases for a clean “fresh laundry” aura.
- On skin, it fades quickly, so treat it as a refresher rather than a full perfume.
- Test on a hidden spot of delicate fabric first.
If this fresh-and-clean style appeals to you, our edit of the best aquatic perfumes and perfumes that smell like soap will feel familiar.
Chapter Three: The In the Soop Clue (Frederic Malle?)
During BTS’s relaxing reality show In the Soop, sharp-eyed fans noticed V using a perfume whose bottle looked like one from Frederic Malle, the respected French niche house. The label was not clearly shown, but many ARMY guessed it was Musc Ravageur.
We list this chapter as fan-spotted only. Still, the guess makes sense, because Musc Ravageur matches the warmer, more grown-up direction V’s style was taking. It opens with bergamot and lavender, moves into cinnamon and clove, and settles into vanilla, amber and musk. It is sensual, spicy and very long-lasting, the opposite of a light body lotion.
Is Musc Ravageur Easy to Wear?
Honestly, not for everyone. Musc Ravageur is rich and can feel heavy in hot weather or small spaces. It shines on cool evenings, on clothing and in small doses. If you like the idea but want something gentler, explore our guide to musk perfumes and our list of spicy perfumes.
Chapter Four: The Celine Era (Reptile)
V has a long relationship with Celine, attending shows as a guest of creative director Hedi Slimane and later becoming a global ambassador for the house. Celine also makes a respected collection of perfumes called Haute Parfumerie, launched in 2019.
In April 2025, a Japanese fan posted that V had visited a Celine store with friends, actor Park Hyung-sik and singer Park Hyo-shin, and that his perfume was Celine’s Reptile eau de parfum. Sportskeeda reported that the 100ml size then sold out in several countries. V himself did not post about it, so we label this a fan report, but it is the freshest and most talked-about clue.
What Celine Reptile Smells Like
Fragrance databases such as WhatScent describe Reptile as spicy, mossy and leathery.
- Opening: a dry burst of pepper.
- Body: smooth, supple leather.
- Base: green moss, cedarwood and a soft, slightly powdery musk.
Despite the name, it is not harsh. Think of a well-worn leather jacket hanging in a wood-panelled room. It is unisex, polished and quietly confident, which is a fair description of V’s current image. If leather appeals to you, our edit of the best leather fragrances offers more options at different prices.
Reading Between the Chapters: What V’s Scent Journey Says
Lay the four chapters side by side and a clear arc appears.
- Comfort first: lotion and soft lavender, scent as self-care.
- Fresh and clean: an affordable Korean spray, scent as everyday freshness.
- Warm and sensual: a niche musk, scent as mood.
- Luxurious and dry: designer leather, scent as part of a fashion identity.
That arc follows his public image. Early V was playful and boyish; today’s V is a fashion figure known for refined, slightly vintage elegance. His scent choices grew up with him.
Which V Are You? A Quick Scent Personality Test
Pick the description that feels most like you, and you will know which chapter to start with.
| If you… | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want something soothing for bedtime or study | Chapter 1: lavender lotion | Gentle, calming, close to skin |
| Want a cheap, fresh everyday scent | Chapter 2: W.Dressroom No. 45 | Affordable, clean, works on clothes |
| Love warm, spicy evening scents | Chapter 3: a spicy musk | Rich, sensual, long-lasting |
| Dress in neutral tailoring and leather | Chapter 4: a leather-pepper scent | Dry, elegant, fashion-forward |
Wearing V’s Celine-Era Scent: A Practical Guide
Leather fragrances behave differently from fresh scents. Here is how to get the best from a Reptile-style perfume.
- Go light: two sprays are usually enough. Leather and pepper project well.
- Spray on fabric: a jacket lining or scarf holds leather beautifully and softens the opening.
- Choose the season: autumn and winter suit it best. In hot weather, spray once, on clothing.
- Do not layer heavily: it already has a lot going on. If you must layer, a simple cedar or musk works.
For more on how far a perfume carries, read our guide to sillage vs projection.
Inside Celine Haute Parfumerie
To understand why a Celine perfume makes sense for V, it helps to know the collection. Celine creative director Hedi Slimane launched Celine Haute Parfumerie in 2019. Rather than one big “signature” perfume with a celebrity face, the house introduced a library of gender-free fragrances with poetic names, presented in heavy, minimalist bottles with simple labels.
Slimane described the collection as personal, inspired by memories of Paris, music and nightlife. That fits V, who has long been drawn to vintage Paris, jazz clubs and black-and-white photography. Celine’s fragrances are meant to be worn like a favourite coat, not a seasonal trend, which is also how V approaches fashion.
Celine’s perfume line also connects V to his BLACKPINK friend Lisa, who represents Celine’s fragrances. You can read about her picks in our guide to what perfume Lisa wears.
Leather Perfume 101: What You Are Really Smelling
Many people are nervous about leather fragrances, imagining a car seat or a new handbag. In perfumery, “leather” is an accord, a blend of materials that suggests the texture and warmth of leather rather than copying it exactly.
| Leather style | What it smells like | Where Reptile sits |
|---|---|---|
| Smoky leather | Birch tar, campfire, dark and intense | Not Reptile; too heavy |
| Suede leather | Soft, powdery, like a suede glove | Close; Reptile has a powdery finish |
| Spicy leather | Pepper, saffron or clove over leather | Yes; pepper leads the opening |
| Green leather | Moss, leaves and leather together | Partly; moss sits in the base |
If leather makes you hesitant, start with suede-style scents, which are the softest. Our guide to leather fragrances marks which are easiest for beginners.
Pairing V’s Scents With His Music
V’s 2023 solo album Layover leaned into soft R&B, jazz and late-night moods. Matching scent to sound is a fun way to choose which “chapter” to wear.
- “Rainy Days”: the dewy, fresh W.Dressroom No. 45 Morning Rain is almost a literal match.
- “Slow Dancing”: a warm, spicy musk for an evening in, in the spirit of Musc Ravageur.
- “Love Me Again”: the moody, elegant leather of Celine Reptile.
- “For Us”: a soft lavender lotion, gentle and sincere, like his early lotion days.
Scent and music are both powerful memory triggers. Our article on how perfumes trigger nostalgic memories explains why a fragrance worn while listening to a favourite album can stay linked to it for years.
Dressing the Part: Outfits for Each Chapter
V is as much a fashion figure as a singer. Here is how to match each scent chapter with an outfit mood.
| Chapter | Outfit mood | Scent placement |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort years | Oversized knit, soft trousers | Lotion on arms and neck |
| W.Dressroom | White T-shirt, denim, sneakers | Spray directly on the shirt |
| In the Soop | Linen shirt, relaxed holiday style | One spray at the base of the neck |
| Celine era | Black tailoring, leather jacket, loafers | Jacket lining and wrists |
How to Test a Niche Leather Scent Before Buying
- Always test on skin, not paper. Leather and musk develop with body heat.
- Wait at least two hours. The peppery opening is very different from the powdery dry-down.
- Test in the right weather. A leather scent tried on a hot afternoon may feel heavier than it will in autumn.
- Buy a decant first. A few millilitres lets you wear it for a week before committing. See our guide on decanting.
- Compare with a cheaper cousin. Wearing two leather scents on different wrists shows you what the higher price is buying.
V, Celine and Cartier: Fashion Versus Fragrance
V is also associated with Cartier, and fans sometimes assume that means he wears Cartier perfume. Being a fashion or jewellery ambassador does not necessarily mean wearing that brand’s fragrance. The Reptile link is interesting precisely because it ties his fashion house to his personal scent, which is not always the case with idols.
If you want a gift that nods to his style without guessing about his bottle, a Celine accessory, a classic jazz record or a vintage-style film camera might say “V” just as well as perfume.
Budget Guide: Smelling Like V Without Overspending
- Under a small budget: W.Dressroom No. 45 is the obvious pick, and it has the clearest story behind it.
- Mid-range: look for leather-and-cedar designer scents or a peppery woody unisex fragrance. Our list of men’s perfumes under $50 includes a few.
- Luxury: Celine Reptile or Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur, ideally after trying a sample. Learn how decants work before you commit.
Common Myths About V’s Perfume
Myth: V does not wear perfume at all.
That was close to true in his early years, when he preferred lotion. Later evidence points to him using fragrance regularly.
Myth: V uses Paco Rabanne Invictus.
Some older lists mention Invictus for V, but the stronger links for that scent point to Suga’s shelf. See our guide to what perfume Suga wears.
Myth: V’s perfume is a Gucci scent.
V earned the “Gucci boy” nickname from his love of the brand’s clothing years ago, but we have not found a reliable link to a Gucci fragrance.
Gift Ideas for a Taehyung Fan
For a younger fan or a smaller budget, a bottle of W.Dressroom No. 45 with a handwritten note about the famous No. 97 gift is affordable and meaningful. For a bigger occasion, a sample set of leather and woody unisex scents lets the recipient discover their own “Celine-era” favourite. For more gift ideas, browse our list of unisex fragrances.
Shopping for the whole group? See our guides on Jimin’s perfume, Jin’s perfume and RM’s perfume.
No. 45 vs No. 97: The Famous W.Dressroom Pair
Because V gifted Jungkook No. 97, the two numbers are forever linked in ARMY culture. Here is how they compare.
| No. 45 Morning Rain | No. 97 April Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Linked to | V (widely reported) | Jungkook (gift from V) |
| Mood | Dewy, fresh, after-shower | Soft, powdery, fresh cotton |
| Key impression | Citrus, melon, cucumber, musk | Clean laundry, powdery musk |
| Leans | Slightly masculine, aquatic | Gentle, unisex |
| Best for | Summer, gym bags, shirts | Bedding, sweaters, cosy days |
Buying both is a sweet way to celebrate the friendship between the two members, and they are inexpensive enough to make a lovely shared gift for two friends.
A Closer Look at Musc Ravageur
Even though the In the Soop link is a fan guess, Musc Ravageur is worth understanding because it is one of the most admired musks in niche perfumery. Created by perfumer Maurice Roucel for Frederic Malle, it is often described as warm, sensual and slightly spicy.
| Stage | Notes | Feeling |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Bergamot, lavender | Brief freshness |
| Heart | Cinnamon, clove | Warm spice |
| Base | Vanilla, amber, sandalwood, musk | Rich, enveloping, long-lasting |
It is the most “grown-up” scent in V’s story and the furthest from his lotion years. If you enjoy it, our list of vanilla perfumes includes several warm, musky cousins.
Caring for Leather and Musk Fragrances
Richer perfumes like Reptile or Musc Ravageur are an investment. Protect them:
- Store bottles in their boxes, away from light and heat.
- Avoid keeping them in the bathroom, where steam and temperature changes speed up ageing.
- Keep the cap on tightly to prevent evaporation.
- Do not shake the bottle; it adds air and serves no purpose.
- Use within a few years of opening for the best experience.
Spraying perfume on clothing? Our guide on getting perfume smell out of clothes is handy if a leather scent lingers longer than you want.
Who Should Skip Celine Reptile?
Reptile is beautiful, but it is not for everyone. You may prefer a different chapter of V’s story if:
- You love sweet, fruity or sugary perfumes; Reptile is dry and has almost no sweetness.
- You live somewhere very hot and want one scent for every day; leather is easiest in cooler weather.
- You want a scent that strangers notice from across a room; Reptile is elegant rather than loud.
- You are on a tight budget; W.Dressroom No. 45 gives you a genuine V connection for a fraction of the price.
A Note on Respecting Privacy
Some of V’s scent clues come from fans who spotted him in shops or on holiday. It is natural to be curious, but it is worth remembering that idols are people with private lives. The healthiest way to enjoy idol perfume stories is to rely on what artists share publicly, treat sightings as light-hearted rumours, and never follow or photograph anyone without permission. Choosing a scent because it reminds you of someone you admire is lovely; the scent can be yours without the hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What perfume does V from BTS use now?
The most recent report, from April 2025, links him to Celine Reptile Eau de Parfum. It came from a fan, not from V himself.
What does V smell like according to fans?
Over the years, fans have described him as smelling soft and clean (lotion and W.Dressroom era) and, more recently, warm and woody.
Which W.Dressroom does V use?
No. 45 Morning Rain is the number most often linked to him. No. 97 April Cotton is the one he gifted to Jungkook.
Is Celine Reptile a men’s perfume?
It is unisex. Its pepper, leather and moss notes suit anyone who likes dry, elegant scents.
Is Celine Reptile worth the price?
It is a high-end niche-style fragrance. Try a sample first; leather scents can smell different on each person.
Did V really wear Frederic Malle on In the Soop?
Fans believe so based on the bottle’s shape, but the label was not clearly shown. Treat Musc Ravageur as a likely guess.
The Final Chapter (For Now)
V’s fragrance story is still being written. From a calming lavender lotion to a peppery leather scent from his favourite fashion house, each chapter reflects the person he was at the time. Whether you start with an affordable Korean fabric spray or save up for Celine, the most “V” thing you can do is choose a scent that feels like your own taste, not a trend.
Find more celebrity scent stories in our guide to what perfumes celebrities wear, or visit the Giftexo shop.
Disclaimer: This article draws on fan reports and media coverage. Giftexo is not affiliated with V, BTS, BIGHIT MUSIC, Celine, Frederic Malle or W.Dressroom.
