Niche fragrance brands you may not have heard of

Over the past few years the interest in niche fragrances has increased. Niche in perfumery tends to mean a smaller brand that specialises in creating unique fragrances that will appeal to specific people rather than mass appealing scents.

Niche fragrances also come with a higher price point due to the craftsmanship and higher quality of ingredients used. Niche fragrances have always been sought-after by fragrance lovers, yet lately, the lure of having something special and smelling unique is filtering down to those who aren’t as involved in the industry.

This is proven by the likes of Dior, Tom Ford and YSL creating more exclusive lines to appeal to those looking for a more distinctive scent that is still designer. Whereas more well-known niche brands such as Parfums de Marly, Roja Dove, Frederic Malle and Maison Francis Kurkdijan have benefited from this interest.

With that, here’s some niche fragrance brands that you may not have heard of but are well worth exploring.

Shalini Parfums

After a history working in haute couture, Shalini Kumar took her love for fragrance and created a haute perfumery brand. With the help of Master Perfumer Maurice Roucel, the pair only use the finest natural ingredients in their fragrances. Shalini believes in the healing powers fragrances can have on people, their mood and emotions; the brands scents empower the soul through their lasting beauty on the skin.

Fragrance of choice: Jardin Nocturne

Notes of: Saffron, Jasmine and Oud.

Birkholz Perfume Manufacture

Founded in 2017, Birkholz is a family-run, German brand that understands the impact fragrance has. The Birkholz family are self-described perfume sommeliers that select the most precious perfume oils and travel the world to gain inspiration. With the belief that perfumes enhance individuality, the brand offers an array of fragrances in a variety of collections, along with candles and scented flowers. Birkholz also creates bespoke fragrances that are handmade in Berlin, from the juice to the hand-stitched leather bottle caps.

Fragrance of choice: Iconic Oud

Notes of: Geranium, Rose, Jasmine, Musk, Vanilla, Saffron Oud, Sandalwood and Leather.

Vilhem Parfumerie

Vilhem Parfumerie’s collection is an ode to early 20th century glamour. After venturing into fragrance, founder Jan Ahlgren created a line of deeply personal scents that stemmed from memories or places he holds dear. Named after Jan’s grandfather, the brand has a classic yet contemporary aesthetic and innovative scents.

Fragrance of choice: Poets of Berlin

Notes of: Blueberry, Lemon, Vanilla, Green Wild Orris, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Vetiver.

Veronique Gabai

In 2019, Veronique Gabai founded her eponymous, luxury fragrance and lifestyle line. A lifestyle-inspired brand by France and the Côte d’Azur the fragrances combine the tradition of French perfumery with contemporary practices with a focus on sustainability. Veronique Gabai perfectly balances nature in glamour in every creation.

Fragrance of choice: Le Point G.

Notes of: Pink Pepper, Rose, Iris, Vanilla, White Musks, Leather and Cedar Wood.