The Smell of Bliss: Niche Perfumes

Not all perfume scents are driven by widespread marketing campaigns or endorsed and created by a celebrity. After many smell tests, duty free perfume runs in Changi Airport and countless visits to pick up different, unique perfume scents and bottle designs from all around the world, I have come to the conclusion that the best fragrances come from smaller brand houses devoted to the art of perfumery. In other words, niche or boutique perfumes.

Niche perfumes is a term generally used to describe perfumes made by smaller brand houses that are harder to find. These perfumes also have a certain level of artistry and uniqueness that are not usually found in mainstream, commercial department store perfumes. (In my opinion, those perfumes are becoming to smell too alike to one another) Their price tags are a little on the higher end but it is most well worth it. Not only are the scents a lot more memorable, of better quality, and more beautifully packaged, but it provides you with this special feeling that this perfume bottle, this fragrance, no matter what and where ... is completely yours.


The first niche perfume brand I was introduced to was that of Bond No. 9 New York: Aston Square. I found the perfume scent to be so fresh and original, and it lasted much longer, too. Ever since then I've been a devotee, but I'm very much ready to try some other niche fragrances and thus the search begins for my next perfume bottle. Other notable niche perfume brands are L'Artisan, Les Parfumes des Rosine, Serge Lutens, Carthusia, Ormonde Jayne, Acqua di Parma and CB I Hate Perfume.

I am so utterly thankful for the presence of beauty boutiques such as Glow in Plaza Indonesia and Papillion Duo in Pacific Place and Kemang to make it possible for us here in Jakarta, Indonesia to dive into this wonderful world of niche perfumery. The search for my new favorite niche fragrance starts tomorrow with the L'Artisan and Les Parfumes des Rosine lines. Not only are the the front runners for its perfume art and creativity, but their bottles are absolutely beautiful too.

Get the coffee beans ready, please.