Unveiling the Summer Fragrance That Captures the Spirit of Kat Stratford from 10 Things I Hate About You

If you’re anything like me, fragrance creates vivid imagery. A single whiff of a solar perfume transports me to the vibrant cafes lining the coast of Portofino, while a marine scent evokes the feeling of sailing on the open waters of Maine, with sea spray refreshing the air. However, my first spritz of this popular TikTok brand’s newly released perfume unexpectedly brought to mind a character from a beloved ’90s rom-com, and honestly, it makes me want to wear it even more.
As someone who grew up in the 2000s, I spent my childhood watching iconic films featuring stars like Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, and Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You. While I’ve never before associated a scent with a specific character, this perfume has an adventurous quality that makes me want to revisit the 1999 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. To understand why this fragrance conjures memories of a movie released before my time, I delved into the plot, reminiscing about the protagonist’s edgy, cool-girl style and her heartwarming journey as the bad boy Patrick Verona (played by Heath Ledger) uses his undeniable charm to break through her tough exterior.
Then it struck me—the breathless moment when Patrick serenades Kat on the school football field, her tawny blonde waves casually styled and her sharp wit on display. Their late-night drives together are charged with the electricity of a budding romance. Once I learned the inspiration behind this captivating scent, everything clicked into place. Detour, the latest addition to the perfume brand Noyz’s impressive collection, embodies unpredictability, boldness, and adventure.
“With Detour, I aimed to capture the freedom of driving with the windows down, with no destination in mind,” explains Jérôme Epinette, the brand’s perfumer. This sense of carefree vitality permeates the nostalgic blend of pink pepper, Spanish mandarin, and jasmine, anchored by a comforting mix of skin musk, vanilla, and Indian papyrus. Gardenia and tiare blossom add depth to the heart notes, flourishing as the scent interacts with your skin, leaving a confident, warm, and vibrant aroma—much like your favorite rom-com heroine.
“Some of life’s best moments happen on the detours, and we wanted this scent to embody that energy,” says founder Shaun Neff. “Life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s perfectly fine. Detour is that deep breath you didn’t know you needed.” Noyz is built on the belief that fragrance can tell stories, so it’s no surprise that this new scent, which celebrates reckless abandon in the pursuit of happiness, reminds me of this cult classic film. Its bottle features an illustration of a vintage car parked in a woodland clearing, symbolizing freedom, while its warm, earthy aroma evokes a sense of unrestrained joy.
“Detour is the floral scent for those who think they don’t like florals,” Neff adds. “We recognized a need in our collection for the ideal floral—a fresh take that feels warm enough to embody sunshine.” With warmer weather on the horizon, this fragrance is eager to become your signature scent for the summer. “[It’s] perfect for spring but designed to carry you through summer, especially during festival season,” Neff notes, referencing the upcoming Coachella and Stagecoach events.
While Detour can stand alone to channel the essence of a modern-day Kat Stratford, fragrance influencer Paul Fino shares tips on how to layer it for an enhanced experience. “I’d suggest pairing Noyz’s 12:00 solid fragrance with Detour Eau de Parfum,” Fino advises. “You’ll create a delicious blend of spun sugar and amber that complements the fruity floral notes of Detour. Just thank me later and make sure to apply generously!”
I’m ready to embrace my main character summer with this new scent that I adore—without a doubt, it resonates with me completely.
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