American Horror Story: exploring darkness and glamour in an iconic series
In the broad landscape of television series, very few have reached the level of impact and sustainability as American Horror Story (AHS). Launched in 2011 under the leadership of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, this series has redefined the horror genre by combining bold storytelling with stunning visual design and memorable performances.
Each season offers a standalone story, allowing the creators to explore different fears, eras, and styles. All of this while a recurring cast of stars remains, including Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, Evan Peters, and Kathy Bates. This unique approach has consolidated AHS as an evolving artwork, where each chapter offers something new to analyze and admire.
Unlike traditional series with continuous storylines, American Horror Story opted for an anthology format, where each season tells a complete and autonomous story. Although there are small connections between the seasons — such as recurring characters or locations — this format allows viewers to dive into each season without having to follow a strict order.
"This also gave the creators the freedom to experiment with different eras, from the 1950s in Freak Show to the 1980s in 1984, and with different genres, from psychological horror in Asylum to political thrillers in Cult."
Horror in glamour: the perfumes that define American Horror Story
1. Murder House (2011)
The opening season introduced the Harmon family, who move into a haunted house full of secrets and tragedies. With vengeful spirits, passionate crimes, and impossible loves, Murder House set the tone for the series: dark, elegant, and deeply human.
Constance Langdon (Jessica Lange): Manipulative and ambitious neighbor who tries to hide her family's secrets while controlling everything around her.
- DIVAIN-063: A refined and feminine perfume that radiates sensuality and elegance. Versatile and balanced, ideal for women who want to stand out with a perfect scent for everyday use and special occasions.
Tate Langdon (Evan Peters): Disturbed young man with a dark past, caught between love and his sinister side.
- DIVAIN-013: A perfume that combines darkness and seduction with an unexpected hint of sweetness. The scent balances between intense and cozy, just like a mysterious figure hiding secrets behind a charming facade.
2. Asylum (2012-2013)
Set in a sanatorium in the 1960s, Asylum is considered one of the best seasons due to its intense storyline and unforgettable characters like Sister Jude, masterfully portrayed by Jessica Lange. The season explored themes such as faith, sanity, and redemption, while confronting the characters with both human and supernatural horrors.
Sister Jude Martin (Jessica Lange): Strict director of Briarcliff, struggling with her own demons while trying to maintain order.
- DIVAIN-163: Its scent evokes authority, restrained passion, and a mysterious past, leaving an unforgettable impression.
Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson): A journalist determined to uncover the truth, whose courage makes her a survivor of the unimaginable.
- DIVAIN-076: An elegant and mysterious perfume. Delicate yet powerful, with a seductive appearance that reflects her resilience, ambition, and complexity. A perfect harmony of softness and determination.
3. Coven (2013-2014)
With a gothic and glamorous style, Coven followed the story of a witch coven in New Orleans. Full of drama, rivalry, and iconic moments such as the "Supreme Test," this season shone with its focus on female empowerment and elegant aesthetics.
Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange): Supreme of the coven, ambitious and glamorous, willing to do anything to maintain her power.
- DIVAIN-124: Reflects her unparalleled charisma, her overwhelming ambition, and the mystery that accompanies a woman who dominates every scene with elegance.
Misty Day (Lily Rabe): Nature-loving witch, deeply connected to life and music, especially Stevie Nicks.
- DIVAIN-766: A fragrance that celebrates the connection with nature and the free spirit. Fresh, enveloping, and full of contrasts, it reflects her mystical, creative, and authentic essence.
4. Freak Show (2014-2015)
A freak show in the 1950s explores the struggle for acceptance and individuality. Elsa Mars leads a cast of poignant characters who face social rejection. With memorable antagonists like Twisty the Clown and Dandy Mott, this season uniquely combines beauty and horror.
Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange): Charismatic leader of the show, obsessed with fame and marked by a tragic past.
- DIVAIN-625: Delicate yet full of character, it reflects her quest for perfection, her glamorous nostalgia, and her unwavering desire to leave an indelible impression.
Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock): Wealthy young man and psychopath whose obsession with perfection drives him to horrific deeds.
- DIVAIN-420: Extravagant, elegant, and provocative. Reflects its theatrical and hedonistic character and leaves an unforgettable impression of luxury and eccentricity.
5. Hotel (2015-2016)
In the decadent Hotel Cortez, the Contessa (Lady Gaga) leads a vampiric group full of romantic tragedies and revenge. With her luxurious and dark style, Hotel revitalized the series, featuring a refined atmosphere and an award-winning performance by Lady Gaga as the glamorous and deadly Contessa.
De Contessa (Lady Gaga): Glamorous and seductive vampire, obsessed with eternal love and luxury.
- DIVAIN-856: A lush and seductive perfume. Dark, intense, and mysterious. Evokes decadent luxury, restrained passion, and an immortal aura that fascinates and envelops.
Liz Taylor (Denis O’Hare): Elegant and authentic, she discovers her true identity in Hotel Cortez, becoming a symbol of resilience.
- DIVAIN-611: Bold, magnetic, and full of elegance. Its scent radiates luxury and power, leaving an unforgettable impression that celebrates the ability of authenticity.
6. Roanoke (2016)
In a pseudo-documentary style, Roanoke reconstructs the horrors of the lost colony through interviews and reenactments. An ancient force haunts the Miller family and reveals dark secrets. Experimental and controversial, this season offers storylines full of unexpected twists that keep the audience captivated.
Shelby Miller (Lily Rabe): An artist trapped in a nightmare in her country home, confronted by ancient horrors.
- DIVAIN-180: Combines vulnerability and strength with a touch of mystery. Her essence reflects powerful femininity, with a refined and irresistible charm.
The Butcher (Kathy Bates): Haunting leader of the lost colony of Roanoke, ruthless and obsessed with protecting her territory.
- DIVAIN-165: Mysterious, imposing, and full of character. Its scent evokes ancient power, unyielding authority, and a dark elegance that leaves a lasting impression.
7. Cult (2017)
"After the 2016 elections, Cult explores political fear and psychological manipulation. Kai Anderson leads a cult that feeds on chaos, while Ally Mayfair-Richards confronts her inner fears. A provocative and relevant season that examines collective hysteria and ideological division."
Kai Anderson (Evan Peters): Charismatic and manipulative leader of a cult that feeds on chaos and political division.
- DIVAIN-224: Intense, dominant, and charismatic. Reflects his persuasive leadership, challenging energy, and ability to fascinate with an unforgettable presence.
Winter Anderson (Billie Lourd): Father of Kai, mysterious and gloomy, entangled in the machinations of the cult.
- DIVAIN-090: Soft, ethereal, and full of sensitivity. Her scent reflects a melancholic purity that perfectly combines vulnerability and strength, leaving a captivating trail.
8. Apocalypse (2018)
A crossover between Murder House and Coven, in which Michael Langdon, the Antichrist, tries to bring about the end of the world. The witches try to stop him and face chaos with hope. Apocalypse is a tribute to the fans and wraps up several storylines from previous seasons.
Michael Langdon (Cody Fern): Charismatic and powerful Antichrist, destined to bring about the end of the world.
- DIVAIN-386: Powerful, complex, and seductive. Its essence reflects contained chaos, boundless ambition, and a mystical aura that attracts and enchants.
Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts): Sarcastic and glamorous witch who rediscovers her purpose while facing the Apocalypse.
- DIVAIN-564: Combines rebellion and elegance with a provocative touch. Her scent reflects magnetic charisma, unwavering self-confidence, and a modern femininity that stands out.
9. 1984 (2019)
Inspired by 80s slasher films, follows 1984 a group of young people being pursued by a murderer at a summer camp. With a nostalgic style and archetypal characters, this season pays homage to classic horror films, blending fun and blood.
Brooke Thompson (Emma Roberts): Survivor of a serial killer, sweet but with a fighting spirit.
- DIVAIN-186: Youthful, optimistic, and full of life. Its scent radiates innocence and joy, with a hint of sweetness that brightens every moment.
Mr. Jingles (John Carroll Lynch): A man with a dark past, seeking redemption while being haunted by his demons.
- DIVAIN-036: Powerful, mysterious, and full of contrasts. Its scent reflects raw strength, a dark past, and an unyielding determination that makes an impression.
10. Double Feature (2021)
Split into two parts, this season combines coastal horror and science fiction. In Red Tide, a writer takes a drug that enhances his talent with horrific consequences. In Death Valley, a group is confronted with alien abductions. The duality between human and alien horror creates an intriguing story.
Harry Gardner (Finn Wittrock): Ambitious writer, willing to sacrifice everything for success, trapped in a dark spiral.
- DIVAIN-039: Modest, introspective, and refined. Its scent connects with nature and creativity, reflecting a balance between artistic sensitivity and inner strength.
Ursula Canaan (Leslie Grossman): Ruthless literary agent with a calculating and manipulative attitude.
- DIVAIN-683: Elegant, ethereal, and full of grace. Its scent evokes purity and transcendence, reflecting a sublime femininity and deep connection with natural beauty.
11. NYC (2022)
Set in 1980s New York, this episode follows a journalist investigating a series of murders linked to a looming threat. By exploring themes such as identity, the LGBTQ+ community, and social anxieties, NYC combines thriller and horror in a tense and poignant setting.
Gino Barelli (Joe Mantello): Dedicated journalist trying to uncover the dark secrets of a city under fear.
- DIVAIN-296: Bold, mysterious, and seductive. Its scent reflects intense passion, refined rebellion, and a lasting presence with a hint of danger.
Adam Carpenter (Charlie Carver): Sensitive and empathetic artist who confronts the darkness of New York while fighting for his ideals.
- DIVAIN-593: Elegant, introspective, and balanced. Its scent reflects a refined soul, a subtle charm, and a calm strength that leaves a lasting impression.
12. Delicate (2023)
An emerging actress, Anna Alcott, struggles with paranoia as she tries to protect her career and pregnancy, surrounded by dark secrets and manipulations. Set against the glamour of New York, the season explores control, obsession, and vulnerability in an intriguing psychological thriller.
Siobhan Walsh (Kim Kardashian): Powerful and enigmatic publicist, obsessed with success and absolute control.
- DIVAIN-852: Playful, challenging, and full of charm. Her scent reflects a bold femininity, with a rebellious touch that defies rules and leaves a lasting impression.
Anna Alcott (Emma Roberts): Vulnerable actress who faces dark secrets while trying to protect her life and career.
- DIVAIN-643: Elegant, curious, and full of life. Her scent reflects a constant quest for authenticity, deep connection, and the freedom to explore new horizons.
AHS is more than a series; it is a cultural phenomenon that combines the macabre and the sublime, the human and the supernatural. With its mix of horror, drama, and style, it continues to set the standard for the genre and prove that terrifying stories can also be deeply moving works of art.
