86 West: Redefining Fragrance, Style, and Possibility

Written by Wynn Wilder for NFM Magazine

As 86 West marks its third anniversary, the gentlemen behind the brand, Michael Garrett and Christopher Chambers, celebrated their journey in style. Known for their bold, unisex fragrances and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, the duo has not only carved out a niche for themselves in the fragrance world but are also poised to expand their reach with the launch of Michael Christopher, a lifestyle company that reflects their unique taste and vision. With an anniversary party held on December 7th—complete with cocktails inspired by their scents, immersive experiences, and the debut of their latest collection—it’s clear 86 West is just getting started.

The Origins of 86 West

For Michael and Christopher, 86 West wasn’t just about fragrance—it was about creating a platform to challenge industry norms and redefine what luxury truly means. “What ignited the inception of our brand was a shared passion for fragrance, deeply rooted in the profound experiences they evoke,” they explain. “We recognized a gap in the industry—a lack of diversity and inclusivity.”

This foundation of inclusivity is woven into every aspect of their business. “We established 86 West to be a unisex fragrance company to challenge gender norms in the fragrance space,” they share. “It’s about educating and undoing misconceptions about how fragrances are viewed.”

Their journey began without industry experience, a challenge that became an opportunity. “Neither of us were in the fragrance industry outside of being passionate consumers,” they admit. Michael brought his expertise in CPG, fashion retail, and marketing, while Christopher leveraged his background in fashion, sourcing, and program management. Together, they overcame pandemic-era obstacles like remote development and launched a brand that would soon make waves.

Milestones and Moments

Starting a fragrance company during a global pandemic wasn’t just ambitious—it was groundbreaking. “The biggest milestone was simply starting,” they reflect. But their achievements didn’t stop there. From being featured in New York Magazine’s The Strategist to participating in Amazon’s Black Accelerator Program, 86 West has quickly garnered acclaim. Their products are now featured in eight boutiques, with year-over-year sales increasing by over 25%.

Yet, their favorite milestones often come from the feedback of their community. “One customer’s feedback about wanting our fragrances in a safer, pet-friendly form led to the development of our Electronic Oil Diffuser,” they reveal. “It was an unexpected but rewarding expansion into home goods.”

Fragrance with a Purpose

For 86 West, fragrance is more than a product—it’s an experience. “We built our approach on two pillars,” they explain. “First, we empower consumers with knowledge about how and when to wear fragrances, which boosts their confidence. Second, we see fragrance as a companion to every experience—it’s an icebreaker, a memory, and a way to connect.”

Their latest collection, *The Unnamed Connection*, exemplifies this ethos. Launched at their anniversary event, it features two new SKUs designed to evoke intimacy, warmth, and connection. “This collection taps into your senses—taste, smell, and even touch—because you’ll be drawn into the arms of another,” they tease.

Expanding Horizons: Michael Christopher

As if revolutionizing the fragrance industry wasn’t enough, Michael and Christopher are now venturing into the lifestyle space with their company, *Michael Christopher*. “Michael Christopher is a Lifestyle Company without limitations,” they share. “Clothing was a desired starting point due to both of our interests in fashion, but the brand encompasses so much more.”

While Michael Christopher won’t mirror 86 West’s ethos exactly, it carries the same core values of authenticity and inclusivity. “This isn’t about competing with other brands,” they explain. “It’s a creative outlet for us to express our taste across multiple industries. Fashion just happened to be the perfect starting point.”

Their fragrance collection even inspired their broader lifestyle vision. “The Unnamed Connection campaign guided the initial offerings for Michael Christopher,” they say, hinting at a synergy between the two brands that’s both organic and intentional.

Looking Ahead

When asked about the future, the gentlemen of 86 West exude the same ambition that has driven them from day one. “We envision becoming a highly sought-after brand in bigger markets, with a global footprint,” they share. Their goals include expanding into big-box retailers, growing their fragrance house, and continuing to innovate in home goods and personal care.

For their supporters, they have one heartfelt message: “This milestone isn’t just a celebration of us—it’s a celebration of everyone who’s championed us from the beginning. You’ve shown us that this is a space for us, and we’ll continue to channel your support to build a brand reflective of endless possibilities.”

The Celebration

On December 7th, 86 West hosted an unforgettable anniversary party at the elegant House of Eve. Guests were treated to cocktails inspired by their new fragrances, an immersive sensory experience, and an elevated atmosphere made possible by the support of sponsors like Suntory Global Spirits and Laidback Allure. The evening was a beautiful celebration of their journey, the debut of The Unnamed Connection, and a showcase of 86 West products that continue to redefine luxury.

As 86 West celebrates three years of breaking barriers, they’ve proven that this is just the beginning of their story. For Michael and Christopher, 86 West isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. And with Michael Christopher, they’re showing the world that style, like scent, has no boundaries.