Niche Frangrances

Amouage, Annick Goutal, Robert Piguet, Jo Malone, Serge Lutens, Comme des Garcons, Acqua di Parme, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Caron, Atelier Cologne….

Sometimes unknown by the mass audience, these names are more than famous in the closed and prestigious In the niche fragrance industry. 

In the past years , there has been a tremendous growth in niche perfumery making way for exciting new names in the “elite” fragrance market. But before we delve into extensive details let’s clarify the term “niche” that has now become and industry buzzword. 

The fragrance foundation once categorized fragrances as “niche” and “mainstream” based on the number of stores they were supported in (i.e. Distribution channels). In more general terms the number of retail outlets stocking a specific scent or brand. The majority of scents found in large retail franchises and department stores are classified as mainstream these include perfumes launched by most fashion houses. Fewer stores helped to qualify a fragrance as niche. 

Niche fragrances are sometimes categorized as indie fragrances, the smaller, succesful, entrepreneurial brands.the foundation defines an indie brand as one that has been on the market for at least 2years and distributed in 1 to 25 doors. It is therefore safe to conclude that before a fragrance can be termed niche not only are the ingredients rare and hard to find it must also exhibit specialization, non-ubiquity and scarce.

Niche perfume boast of offering consumers the opportunity to reward oneself with a scent that is both uncommon and individual. In a bid to exhaust the details on such fragrances let’s make a comparison between designer and niche fragrances  based on the following points 

COST

As the popular saying goes , price is king. Niche devotees beg to differ in this aspect. Many prefer to pay through their nose for the privilege of not smelling like another person. Designer perfumes on the other hand have an edge in that what they lack in exclusivity the make up for in price and mass appeal. Their main selling point is affordability. It is undeniable that niche perfumes are priced way higher than designer perfumes. For a person who simply wants to smell great there is a wide selection of designer perfumes in the market that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. 

SCENTS

Many often think the term niche equates to high quality as greater attention to detail has been given to its construction and that it’s ingredients are not only rare but on the highest caliber. Niche fragrances exude an interesting special kind of scents that is sometimes difficult to define the old active group of their creations. Niche houses adhere to several basic principles in order to preserve its uniqueness and luxury and resist mass production. One of these is that high concentrations of the oils are used as compared with their designer counterparts. 

Designer perfumes however offer cushion to those who want to simply smell great at an affordable rate. These fragrances are of great quality too but offer no specialization. So if you don’t wanna smell like some other person ex niches are the way to go 😂 

ACCESIBILITY

As earlier mentioned, niche houses have a selective approach to the distribution of their products and are most likely to be found at high end fragrance boutique. A simple trip to the mall will treat you to a wide selection of designer scents but only a selected few stock niche fragrances. However, niche fragrances are becoming more accessible thanks in part to internet. 

Niche perfume brands have grown in number in the last few years and some popular fashion houses such as Giorgio Armani, givenchy, Chanel and Christian Dior are beginning to create their niche brands which aren’t often in stock as their mainstream counterparts. 

Niche perfumes were already available even before designer fragrances became popular. They were used by royal families and noble people. Creed, founded by James Creed in the 1700s in Britain is another perfumery that used to supply the royal families including Queen Victoria. Now generations later, the company still remains in the family and in business in the hands of Oliver creed who insists that all components are weighed, mixed and filtered by hands as they were centuries ago. 

Some niche houses are more popular than the others and have no need to balance between art and profits. Some of these are Acqua Di Parma, Serge Lutens, Jo Malone

” There is a level of personalization when it comes to niche fragrances which create a uniqueness to consumers. It’s something brands are keen to emphasize, limited availability, high price point. To be niche is to be different, something customers are ironically willing to pay though their nose for”.

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