Pair of Kings
Hosted by Sol Thompson and Michael Smith, Pair of Kings is a fashion podcast exploring streetwear culture, designer pieces, and the relationship we have with our clothing through themes of identity, sustainability, and collective affinity. Each weekly episode dives into streetwear outfits, emerging designer brands, archive fashion, and the stories behind Grailed finds that define modern menswear.
The podcast exists between legacy fashion media and new-age influencer coverage, highlighting creatives who push the envelope—from streetwear hoodies designers to luxury sneaker collaborations. We cover everything from techwear essentials to vintage band tees, Rick Owens shoes, Japanese denim to Chrome Hearts jewelry, examining their distinctive impact on the fashion world.
Whether you're into Yeezy Gap drops, Archive Raf Simons, Nike Tech Fleece,
Patagonia Baggies, Salomon Sneakers, Arc'Teryx Jackets, Helmut Lang vintage, CP Company Google Jackets, or just building your personal style uniform, Pair of Kings focuses on what's new, invigorating, and notable in contemporary menswear—from Stone Island technical pieces to thrifted gems, New Balance 550s to Balenciaga runway analysis.
Pair of Kings
The Best Fragrances for Men, The Modern Master of Perfume, and Honestly Reviewing the Hottest Niche Fragrances of 2026: The PoK Scentacular | 13.15
What's the best men's cologne in 2026? Is Orto Parisi worth the hype? What does "grassy" mean? How do you actually describe how something smells without sounding pretentious?
In the 2026 Scentacular, Sol and Michael sit down with over 50 fragrance samples (thank you, ScentSplit!) to answer these questions and more to create the ultimate 2026 fragrance guide for men. The duo dive deep into niche perfume houses like Orto Parisi, Serge Lutens, Frederic Malle, and Amouage—reviewing cult classics like Megamare, Jubilation XXV, Cowboy Grass, and Carnal Flower.
They discuss why the fragrance industry is booming right now (hint: lipstick theory), how TikTok perfume influencers are changing the game, and dive deep into the trendy ingredients (like ambroxan) that give modern fragrances their smell and insane longevity. Further, Sol shares his new favorite daily wear from Story MFG's collaboration with master perfumer Joseph, and Michael finally reveals what that mysterious "plastic" note is that he's been chasing for years.
We also discuss Chergui and Ombre Sultan by Serge Lutens, Osang and Reliqvia by Mendittorosa (the "Catholic guilt" church scents), Viride and Terroni by Orto Parisi, Targo by Blackbird, Milk by Commodity, Cowboy Grass by D.S. & Durga, Bois de Babylone by Welton London, Camutra by Attar Al Has, Macanudo by Maison Datto, La Fille de Berlin by Serge Lutens, and Anarchist A by Toskovat. The hosts also shout out emerging niche houses like Clue Perfumery, House of Mammoth, St Clair Scents, Pearfat Parfum, and January Scent Project. Whether you're looking for your signature scent, a date night fragrance, or just want to understand why your Sephora is suddenly packed with guys in the perfume aisle—this episode has you covered.
For a chance to win $250 of ScentSplit credit, subscribe to the HeroHero!
We hope you enjoy!
Lots of love!
Sol
Episode Tags
best men's cologne 2026, niche fragrances, Megamare, Orto Parisi, fragrance review, men's perfume guide, Serge Lutens, Amouage Jubilation XXV, D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass, Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, cologne recommendations, niche perfume 2026, ScentSplit, scentbar, date night cologne, Mendittorosa Sang, grassy cologne, Toskovat, Blackbird Targa, lipstick theory economics, Story MFG perfume, Commodity Milk, Byredo, Attar Al Has, Another 13, compliment getter cologne, streetwear fashion, men's grooming 2026, archive fashion fragrance
Sol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.
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Links:
Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All)