Josh MeyerThe nose · 37 fragrances · also made Blend No.83 (2023)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Imaginary Authors · Sold as unisex
Slow Explosions
The moment when you step into a dimly lit room filled with the rich scent of aged leather and warm spices, where every breath feels like an unexpected discovery.
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Slow ExplosionsPremium · $100–250
48%Similar accords, often for lessDavidoff Leather Blend · DavidoffBudget tier, under $40 · shares leather, saffron and rose8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
The story behind the bottle.
Slow Explosions by Imaginary Authors, launched in 2016, is an Oriental fragrance crafted by perfumer Josh Meyer. This composition begins with a burst of fresh and fruity notes that quickly give way to the warmth of leather and spicy accords, creating a dynamic tension between brightness and depth. The heart introduces rose and ambery tones, adding layers of complexity before settling into an animalic and metallic base that grounds the entire experience in a subtle yet powerful presence.
Apply Slow Explosions in moderation — its fresh top notes fade quickly, but the warm and spicy heart notes build over time. The moderate longevity means it's best suited for daytime wear when you can enjoy the evolving layers throughout your day.
Fig. 01 — Slow Explosions, Imaginary Authors
Where to buy.
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Josh Meyer
Scent as literary provocationJosh Meyer is an American perfumer who developed refined tastes early in life around whiskey, literature, cuisine, and music before deciding in 2010 to pursue perfumery.
Designer Imaginary Authors
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Imaginary AuthorsThe Cobra and The CanaryEDP · ★ 3.68Loved by the same people
FlorisLeather OudEDP · ★ 4.21Similar notes and accords
Frederic MallePortrait of a LadyParfum · ★ 4.06Loved by the same people
Carolina HerreraSaffron Lazuli★ 4.23Similar notes and accordsStill deciding?Try the Scent Finder →Love it, not the $100–250 price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalSlow ExplosionsImaginary Authors · Premium · $100–250Davidoff · 2014Davidoff Leather BlendShares Leather, Saffron and Roseunder $40★ 4.38 (474)45%Match
Rasasi · 2020Oudh AL Boruzz Atheer CambodiaShares 4 of its 10 notesunder $40★ 4.57 (49)
With Montblanc Emblem
Adds aromatic, ozonic and cinnamon; shares two accords.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Respected, if divisive: loved by 31%, disliked or hated by 23%.