Niche fragrances: discover the world of haute perfume

You probably have one or two classic fragrances in your bathroom, such as Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, which has been loved by many people for decades - and not without reason. Today, however, I would like to introduce you to a refreshing alternative. Especially if you are looking for that special fragrance experience, this journey will be exciting for you. We are entering the world of niche fragrances. An exclusive area in which tradition and craftsmanship are paramount. Find out what makes these fragrances so special and get to know our haute perfume brands. 

Niche perfumes are exclusive fragrances created by independent perfumers or small, specialised brands. In contrast to commercial perfumes, which often appeal to a wide range of tastes and fragrance habits, niche fragrances are characterised by their uniqueness, creativity and high quality. The perfumers use rare and high-quality ingredients. The fragrances are often intended to tell a story or convey a certain feeling. 

When you treat yourself to one of the so-called Haut Parfums, you support the art and craft of perfumery by small manufacturers and receive a personalised fragrance signature that only a few others wear. Want to know which fragrances last the longest? Niche perfumes often offer better longevity and intensity as they usually contain higher concentrations of fragrance oils.

The name of this special perfume brand already reveals the most important ingredient that all fragrances from this niche perfumer have in common: Oud. It is the scent of an extremely rare tree resin, also known as liquid gold. It has a deep, smoky, woody scent with sweet and balsamic notes. The history of the brand also lies in the oud. When the Italian perfumer Andrea Casotti met the oud trader Mohammed Abu Nashi from Jakarta, they quickly formed a deep friendship and bond. Their shared passion for fragrances, art and travel led to the creation of this unique brand, which combines oriental aromas with Italian style and is particularly impressive thanks to its handcrafted bottles. 

Founder Andrea Casotti sees the fragrance laboratory of The House of Oud (THoO for short) as a place where art and technology can merge. He sees the creation of new fragrance compositions as an opportunity to tell stories and express his passion for beauty, precious raw materials, special places and moments that have made the greatest impression on him. One thing is certain: with a fragrance from The House of Oud, you can transform your bathroom into a small art gallery.

Do you dream of walking along white sandy Caribbean beaches and then diving into crystal-clear water? Then I can recommend the niche fragrances from Jacques Zolty. The brand, which was founded by the French photographer and fashion designer of the same name, stands for Caribbean flair and a sense of freedom with boho vibes. Zolty began his career as a model in the 1960s and later became a photographer. In the 1980s, he moved to the island of Saint Barth, where he was inspired by the natural beauty and climate and founded his brand Jacques Zolty in the mid-2000s. The special thing about the fragrances: they are unisex with an exotic and natural scent. 

Do you like it traditional and enjoy travelling back in time? Then the haute perfumes from the Florentine manufacturer Farmacia SS. Annunziata will suit you. The company's history stretches back an incredible 450 years - to the time when the Medici were the princely rulers of Florence. Originally founded as an apothecary, the luxury company has developed over the centuries into a manufacturer of high-quality fragrances and body care products. Traditional craftsmanship is combined with modern sensibility. The niche perfumes impress with their unique fragrance compositions and combine classic and modern scents to create unique and fascinating creations. 

The company Bois 1920 also originates from Florence. Guido Galardi collected lavender on the hills around Florence and began experimenting with his own recipes. The perfumery he founded in 1920 was called ‘Bottega Italiana Spigo’ - Bo.I.S. for short. After a break of several decades, the perfume brand was revived in 2005 by his grandson Enzo Galardi, who continued his grandfather's tradition and created new, innovative fragrances. Bois 1920 combines traditional manufacturing processes with modern fragrance compositions, resulting in unique and timeless creations. Particular attention is also paid to the flacons for these haute perfumes, which are refined in the manufactory with a love of detail and finished with gold leaf, for example. Bois 1920's favourite fragrance is Oltremare. 

While most of our Italian niche fragrances can look back on long traditions and histories, New Notes is a very young fragrance company. Founded just a few years ago by Cindy Guillemant in 2021, the idea behind New Notes is to transcend the traditional codes of perfumery and create new, exciting fragrance worlds that transcend the classic boundaries of gender roles. The brand uses a mixture of the best natural raw materials and precious high-tech molecules. The result is a truly innovative combination of tradition and modernity that you can smell.

I find the world of niche fragrances absolutely fascinating and admire the dedication with which unique fragrance experiences are created time and time again. Don't you? Incidentally, our haute perfumes are always eau de parfums or - as with New Notes - even extrait de parfum. You can find out even more exciting facts about perfumes in our article about the difference to eau de toilette.

💋, Susanna