Scent of Macbook Pro: Fragrance based on Apple unboxing is art

A one-of-a-kind fragrance based on the scent of Apple packaging has been created in Australia, giving dedicated technophiles an aroma to remember.  

Melbourne-based artists Gavin Bell, Jarrah de Kuijer and Simon McGlinn devised the idea and commissioned fragrance maker Air Aroma to create the scent, which will feature in an offbeat exhibition.

To create that Apple boxfresh scent Air Aroma asked its suppliers to provide it with fragrance samples of glue, plastic, rubber and paper, which were then blended and tested until it smelt authentic.

An Air Aroma spokesman said: “The scent…encompasses the smell of the plastic wrap covering the box, printed ink on the cardboard, the smell of paper and plastic components within the box and of course the aluminum laptop which has come straight from the factory where it was assembled in China.”

The company announced that the fragrance will not be available for personal use and will only feature in an exhibition opening in Melbourne on Friday.  

Here are five of the oddest fragrances to hit the shelves:

1)    Scent of Burger King

Just can’t beat that fast food smell? Burger King released a tongue in cheek fragrance in 2008 called ‘Flame by BK’. Costing just £2.50 ($4), the fragrance was said to capture “the essence of that love”.

Parodying perfume adverts, Burger King cryptically announced: “Behold ... now you can set the mood for whatever you're in the mood for”.

2)    Kiss Her and Him

With just about any Tom, Dick or Harry releasing their own fragrance, why not a rock band renowned for big hair and outlandish costumes?  Eighties rockers Kiss unveiled their own fragrance in 2006, taking advantage of a name which has sold more than a hundred million albums worldwide.  

The masculine product was touted as “spicy-warm, modern oriental fusion that is distinctive, boldly masculine and lasting”. Odd, but not quite as strange as Kiss branded condoms available online.

3)    Play-Doh

Plasticine has an unmistakable odour which instantly evokes memories of sculpting figures as a child. Play-Doh is the most recognisable of all sculpting moulds and though it might bring back sweet memories of youth it is a rather strange fragrance to have in one’s cupboard.

Nonetheless a Play-Doh perfume was produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the product. “As big, bold, and boisterous as your youth, the fragrance is fun, fanciful, and intriguing,” said perfume-maker Dementer.

4)    Funeral Home

Again from Dementer, this somewhat morbidly-based fragrance mimics the odours found in funeral homes. The scent is a mix of white flowers; lilies, carnations, gladiolus and chrysanthemums with stems and leaves.

“When a friend first smelled this one and exclaimed: 'it smells like my Grandfather's funeral... call it Funeral Home', we did,” said Dementer.

5)    Campfire

The stench of sitting round a campfire can stay with you all day long thanks to Canadian company Mythical Matters, who created the “Smells Like A Campfire!” spray. 

Mythical Matters warns: “May attract people holding marshmallows on sticks, do not use if allergic to Kumbaya”. The 240ml fragrance is yours for £15 ($25).