You always want to stand out. Being dressed the same as someone makes us feel part of a crowd. And just as with clothing, fragrances make a difference in a first impression.
As Adolfo Domínguez says: "There is nothing worse than finding yourself at a party and someone wearing the same perfume as you."
Perfume is that something that stands out and differentiates you from others, that is why it is always key to have your own aroma, that represents you.
Master perfumer and one of the best-known noses, Bertrand Duchaufour, responsible for the creation of many of the world's favorite niche perfumes, states that his greatest challenge in creating perfumes is originality.
Bertrand and many other master perfumers try to apply personal experiences with professional skills to go beyond the standard, evoke memories and places, and thus provide an unforgettable olfactory experience.
What is a niche fragrance?
Niche fragrances are perfumes created by brands that are dedicated exclusively to producing fragrances.
These fragrances are produced in smaller quantities than designer perfumes and typically contain high-quality raw materials and luxurious oils.
Unlike design houses, niche perfume brands also tend to be smaller than large fragrance houses, so all of their products, services and interests appeal to a smaller audience.
Some of the best niche houses sell their products in a few stores per region to maintain their exclusivity. If you are interested in knowing more about the differences between designer brands vs. niche brands I leave you the link to the post on the subject .
Niche perfume brands: The list
1. Believe
The House of Creed is an authentic luxury perfume house dedicated to the creation of very original artisanal fragrances for men and women, made with the best perfume ingredients the world can offer.
This story began in 1760, when a new London tailor shop gave King George III a pair of scented leather gloves. Founded by James Henry Creed in the same year as the young King's ascension, the House of Creed began life as an exquisite tailor shop based in Mayfair, London. Since then, for over 260 years, the House of Creed has created some of the finest clothing and fragrances for the most discerning, growing from its tailoring heritage to become one of the world's leading niche perfume houses.
Today, a seventh-generation descendant of founder James Henry Creed, Olivier Creed continues this great tradition. Accompanied by his son Erwin, Olivier travels extensively to source, research, inspect and order the best materials from around the world.
Why Creed is one of the best niche perfume brands: Creed is currently near the top among the most outstanding niche perfume brands.
It is impossible to ignore that Creed has the most exceptional fragrances. From the majestic Green Irish Tweed, through the savory masterpiece Millésime Impérial, to Aventus, which sets trends around the world.
Creed fragrances that you have to try
Creed Royal Oud – A spicy woody fragrance launched in 2011. Top notes include cedar, pink pepper and sandalwood. The duration is 8 to 10 hours with a moderate projection.
Creed Original Santal – A spicy woody fragrance launched in 2005. Top notes are sandalwood, cinnamon and lavender. Its duration is 8 to 10 hours with a moderate projection.
Best Creed fragrance
Why we chose Aventus by Creed : Without any surprise, Aventus is Creed's best fragrance and the fragrance that shaped the fragrance industry across the board.
At the time of its launch in 2010, nothing smelled like it, and it even created a whole new genre in perfumery: Chypre Frutal.
The importance of Aventus cannot be ignored, even with thousands of designer clones, dupes and other niche brands.
Fruity, fresh, light and dark at the same time. Aventus is to the niche world what Acqua di Gio was to designer perfumery circa 1996.
2. Nishane
Nishane is the first and only Istanbul-based niche perfume brand that is celebrated worldwide with a differentiated point of view on artistic perfumery. This can be easily recognized by the uniqueness of the olfactory creations.
Nishane is proud to present her collections to the world and is delighted to see the relentless appreciation from perfume lovers around the world who have made the brand one of the most celebrated, widespread and best-selling niche perfume brands in the world. .
Nishane means sign or symbol. The brand is ready to be the symbol of the value you give to yourself and your loved ones with unique and sophisticated fragrances and the elegant touch of its artistic collections designed with great care.
Why Nishane is one of the best niche perfume brands: Born in 2010 and inspired by traditional perfumery and Turkey, Nishane's sophisticated perfumes quickly gained the appreciation of many enthusiasts.
No other niche brand created as many great niche fragrances in such a short time as Nishane. If you are looking for something easy to wear, deep and rich, Nishane is your winner.
Nishane fragrances that you have to try
Nishane Ani – A spicy oriental fragrance launched in 2019. Top notes include vanilla, ginger and bergamot. The duration is 10 - 12 hours with great projection.
Nishane Wulóng Chá – An aromatic citrus fragrance launched in 2015. Top notes include tea, bergamot and fig. Its duration is 10 to 12 hours with a moderate projection.
Best Nishane Fragrance
Why we chose Hacivat : We chose what could be called "a variation of Creed's Aventus" as the best Nishane fragrance. Because?
Hacivat is what Aventus was but on steroids. The difference between Aventus and Hacivat is in the overdose of oakmoss that we find in Hacivat and that takes it out of the territory of classic perfumery.
A long-lasting perfume with a sensational and refreshing pineapple accord and a fresh forest smell thanks to oakmoss.
3. Maison Francis Kurkdjian
The Maison Francis Kurkdjian was born in 2009 from the meeting between Francis Kurkdjian (renowned perfumer with dozens of successful creations behind him), and Marc Chaya, co-founder and president of the fragrance house.
Together, they fulfilled their desire to create a sensual, generous and multifaceted landscape of free olfactory expression, creating a new emblem of French know-how and lifestyle.
The Maison Francis Kurkdjian collection is worn like a wardrobe of fragrances, with many facets of emotions. Designed in the tradition of luxury French perfumery, it champions a contemporary vision of the art of creating and wearing perfume.
The Maison is guided by charming but precise codes: purity, sophistication, timelessness and the audacity of a reinvented classicism. They continually write a series of sensory adventures, in which perfume is, naturally, "the hero."
Why Maison Francis Kurkdjian is one of the best niche perfume brands: Francis Kurkdjian has done it all. From the creation of one of the most loved perfumes in history, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male , to the establishment of one of the most loved niche perfume brands of all time.
Easy to wear even for beginners, and complex enough to satisfy the most demanding fragrance enthusiasts.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrances that you have to try
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir – An amber fragrance launched in 2016. Top notes include amber, Siamese benzoin and vanilla. The duration is more than 24 hours with great projection.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood – A woody oriental fragrance launched in 2015. Top notes include Turkish and Bulgarian rose, vanilla and oud. Its duration is more than 24 hours with great projection.
The best fragrance from Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Why we chose Baccarat Rouge 540 : After Aventus, Baccarat Rouge 540 is the most popular niche fragrance in the world.
Strangely enough, it wasn't an instant hit in 2015 when it was released, and it started to reach hype in 2018.
This sweet, spicy and sparkling fragrance is a masterpiece and all the color they have given it is well deserved. The top notes start off very sweet and warm, and for some it will take a couple of uses to get a full idea of what this fragrance is about and how it behaves on the skin.
An addictive infusion of saffron, ambroxan and fir resin will fill any space. Like a seductive superpower, you will feel overwhelmed by the luminous and sophisticated amber, floral and woody breeze.
4. Roja Parfums
Roja Parfums is widely recognized as the most luxurious fragrance house in the world.
This luxury perfume brand ensures that each creation is made using the best quality raw materials the world can offer.
Whether you are new to the world of fine fragrances and looking for a unique fragrance, or you are a perfume expert, this brand was created so that there is something for you in any situation.
This is the spirit of the creator, Roja Dove.
Why Roja Parfums is one of the best niche perfume brands: They call their brand "High perfumery", based on the use of high-level ingredients.
Suffice it to say that if you look back at the perfume awards from the last two years, you can be sure that at least one or two Roja Parfums fragrances have been in the top three.
The enthusiasm and anticipation that each Roja fragrance arouses before the launch of each new fragrance is the same that Tom Ford had in the early days of his Private Blend fragrances.
Roja Parfums fragrances that you have to try
Roja Parfums Danger Parfum Cologne – An aromatic woody fragrance launched in 2011. Top notes include lavender, ambergris and woody notes. The duration is 10 - 12 hours with great projection.
Roja Parfums Enigma Parfum Cologne – A spicy oriental fragrance launched in 2019. Top notes include cognac, vanilla and benzoin. Lasting power is 8 - 10 hours with great projection.
The best fragrance from Roja Parfums
Why we chose Elysium Parfum Cologne : There could only be one, and that is the house's best-selling fragrance and the third most popular niche fragrance today.
Infused with grapefruit, vetiver and sparkling ambroxan, Elysium takes the best of the "blue style" of designer perfumery and takes it to another level.
An unbeatable summer freshness. Absolutely citrusy and aromatic, with a touch of powdery sweetness from vanilla, the magic of this fragrance lies in the heat of summer.
5. Frederic Malle
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle was born in 2000, the fruit of Frédéric Malle's determination to defend perfumery and return it to its former glory.
Guiding the world's best perfumers to the pinnacle of their art, he grants them complete freedom to create, provides them with exceptional raw materials and imposes no time or budget limits.
Born in the world of perfume, with more than thirty years of experience, Frédéric Malle is today the greatest expert in perfumery. It offers artists the opportunity to improve themselves, encourages them to develop their own language and celebrates their creativity. And so, from each collaboration a masterpiece is born, a perfume whose creator feels proud enough to sign it with his own name, for the first time.
This unique approach results in an eclectic range of perfumes with the most diverse personalities, a collection that embraces all styles and olfactory families, revolutionizes them, revisits the classics with a modern touch and boldly ventures into unexplored territories.
Entering the world of Frédéric Malle is to cultivate your freedom and your style, to find the fragrance that expresses your uniqueness, resonates with your most intimate self and becomes a signature of your identity.
Why Frederic Malle is one of the best niche perfume brands: Frederic Malle has probably two of the most loved fragrances in the global perfume community, Musc Ravageur and Portrait of a lady.
Frederic Malle fragrances that you have to try
Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady – A spicy floral fragrance launched in 2010. Top notes include rose, raspberry and sandalwood. The duration is 6 to 8 hours with a moderate projection.
Frederic Malle Promise – An oriental floral and woody fragrance launched in 2017. Top notes are apple, rose and patchouli. Its duration is around 8 hours with a moderate projection.
The best fragrance by Frederic Malle
Why we chose Musc Ravageur : Musc Ravageur opens warm and citrusy. From the beginning, clove and cinnamon announce the spicy heart, while bergamot and mandarin orange dance with a somewhat medicinal lavender.
Entering the dry phase, Golden Amber with a hint of leftover spice and musky vanilla play and remind me of drinking a well-crafted tea as the day's Golden Hour gently bids farewell to another great day.
6. Xerjoff
Xerjoff was created by Sergio Momo and Dominique Salvo with the aim of combining the most luxurious materials to complement the most affluent lifestyles in the world.
As enriching as what is contained within, each Xerjoff perfume bottle is a jewel to be appreciated, a creation of artistic glassware in a luxury packaging that contains the rare and refined ingredients that ignite unique olfactory dimensions.
Why Xerjoff is one of the best niche perfume brands: With their elegant bottles and artistic packaging, both Xerjoff and its sister company Casamorati have something to offer all perfume enthusiasts.
In Xerjoff's launches, many have found their favorite perfume of all time due to the wide variety of fresh and oriental compositions.
Xerjoff fragrances that you have to try
Xerjoff Erba Pura – An oriental fruity fragrance launched in 2019. Top notes include Sicilian orange and fruits. The duration is 12 to 18 hours with great projection.
Xerjoff Alexandria II – A woody aromatic fragrance launched in 2012. Top notes are rosewood, rosewood, lavender and oud. Its duration is more than 24 hours with a fantastic projection.
The best Xerjoff fragrance
Why we chose Naxos : Naxos celebrates Sicily and its beauty, and accentuates its Mediterranean character with the composition. A refreshing take on the well-known DNA of tobacco and honey fragrances with additional notes of lavender and citrus.
The aroma is dominated by notes of honey, tobacco and lavender. It is undoubtedly one of the most optimal fragrances for the cold. Luxurious, elegant, daring, durable and spectacular.
7. Love
Amouage is an international luxury fragrance house renowned for creating some of the most finely crafted perfumes in the world. Founded by a member of the royal family of Oman in 1983 to be 'The Gift of Kings', the House has redefined the Arabic art of perfumery and has earned a global reputation for bringing innovative modernity and true artistry to all its creations.
Today, an independent board oversees the house, but the jar caps are a tribute to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat.
Masterfully paying tribute to its heritage, Amouage is a unique fusion of East and West that defines avant-garde opulence. It expresses the contemporary majesty of Oman - a historic center of frankincense and myrrh trade - around the world, with captivating and seductive collections that speak to a sophisticated, self-confident and well-travelled clientele who search every day for something irresistibly precious, extraordinary and personal.
Using only the finest and most special ingredients from around the world, Amouage perfumes are composed by world-renowned perfumers in Paris, Grasse, Geneva and New York. Each creation is carefully crafted by hand and tastefully blended to present an enveloping patina and an elegant, long-lasting trail. The florals are multifaceted, the spices and woods are harmoniously juxtaposed and the rare ingredients create intriguing contrasts.
Why Amouage is one of the best niche perfume brands: Bold, creative and different from everything else on the market, Amouage has set the bar high.
What makes Amouage stand out from the rest is bringing Middle Eastern perfumery to the Western world and, more importantly, making those fragrances wearable for anyone who has spent even a little time in the niche world.
Amouage is known for its spices, woods, resins and balms. But don't let the heavy notes scare you. With over a dozen fantastic releases, Amouage is a must-have niche brand.
Amouage fragrances that you have to try
Amouage Interlude Black Iris – A woody oriental fragrance launched in 2020. Top notes include violet, rosemary and orris. The duration is 10 to 12 hours with great projection.
Amouage Guidance – A woody fruity fragrance launched in 2023. Top notes include pear, jasmine and rose. Lasting power is 24+ hours with great projection.
The best Amouage fragrance
Why we chose Reflection Man : With so many great fragrances found in the Amouage catalog, we chose Reflection Man.
Because? Because it has body, it is easy to wear in different environments and depending on the season, a powerful floral-aromatic and woody fragrance.
8. Mancera
Mancera offers a typically French aesthetic of eccentric and extraordinary perfumery, the result of its luxurious inspirations and perfectionism.
Pierre Montale dreamed of creating a line that evoked the purity of the fragrance's shape, the stylization of the prints and the richness of the bottle's materials.
Order, color and geometry: for a modern look, gold plating, macassar wood, mother-of-pearl inlay or metal (gold, leather, brass) to embrace the luxurious oriental colors of the bottle.
A tribute of French refinement for a man who travels between the distance and his homeland.
Why Mancera is one of the best niche perfume brands: Mancera offers a wide variety of products and more fragrances in stock than many of the fragrance brands mentioned above.
Mancera fragrances that you have to try
Mancera Instant Crush – A floral oriental fragrance launched in 2019. Top notes include saffron, vanilla and woods. The duration is more than 24 hours with great projection.
Mancera Red Tobacco – A spicy woody fragrance launched in 2017. Top notes include cinnamon, tobacco and nutmeg. Its duration is more than 12 hours with great projection.
The best Mancera fragrance
Why we chose Cedrat Boise : The fruity opening gives off those familiar Aventus vibes, with blackcurrant and bergamot taking center stage.
Bright, sunny citrus lingers throughout the rest of the fragrance and is joined by a hint of woods, soft leather and a quirky watery quality without veering into aquatic territory.
When the fragrance has dried down after a couple of hours, the scent is warmer and creamier, becoming more serious as the oakmoss becomes more present.
Cedrat Boise is in a league of its own, and differs enough from Aventus to have value on its own. Keep in mind that even more than a decade after its release, Cedrat Boise remains a fan-favorite niche fragrance.
Conclusion
These are some of what we consider to be the best niche brands of the moment. This, however, could change in the future.
Other niche perfume brands that we suggest you know are:
Ramon Monegal
Clive Christian
Marly Parfums
Home Parfums Privés
Kajal Perfumes
Penhaligon's
BDK Parfums
Kilian Paris
Juliette has a gun
What are your favorite niche perfume brands? Let's start a conversation in the comments section below.