8 Niche Fragrance Brands To Know
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8 Niche Fragrance Brands To Know

If you’re tired of your usual fragrances and want something a little more under-the-radar, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite brands that create unusual, thoughtful scents that most won’t recognise…
By Orin Carlin /

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

L’Artisan Parfumeur

An insider favourite, this French house has been delighting fragrance connoisseurs since it was founded by Jean-François Laporte – a chemist with a keen nose – back in 1976. Tasked with creating a banana scent for a friend as a joke, he unexpectedly found his calling, and L’Artisan Parfumeur was born. 

Our Pick: Tonka Blanc Eau de Parfum, £170

The Vibe: Creamy, with a citrusy freshness. Dessert like, without verging into cloying. 

Visit ARTISANPARFUMEUR.COM

Flora Danica

Danish label Flora Danica is inspired by the historic botanical encyclopaedia of the same name. Paying tribute to nature, its fragrances are vegan, refillable and composed of up to 92% ingredients of natural origin. If you’re in London, swing by Liberty to try them in person.

Our Pick: 1761 Eau de Parfum, £68.80 (was £86)

The Vibe: Spring fresh, like a crisp woodland walk. 

Visit FLORADANICABEAUTY.COM

Vilhelm Parfumerie

Vilhelm Parfumerie was founded by Swedish designer Jan Ahlgren in 2015. With an emphasis on storytelling, each scent bears its own unique narrative. The weighty, spun glass bottles are works of art in their own right.

Our Pick: Poets Of Berlin, €250

The Vibe: Vanilla naysayers may find themselves converted. Romantic, with a fruity sweetness.

Visit VILHELMPARFUMERIE.COM


Anthony/Pexels

Matiere Premiere

Matiere Premiere translates to ‘raw material’ and, true to its name, the brand is all about taking one hero ingredient and building a scent around it. The brainchild of Aurélien Guichard, this French perfume house uses high concentrations to create unique, heady blends. 

Our Pick: Radical Rose Eau de Parfum, £139.50 (was £155)

The Vibe: A sexy, spicy rose. Intoxicating and evening appropriate. 

Visit MATIERE-PREMIERE.COM

Trudon

Historic French waxmaker Trudon is best known for its exquisite, scented candles. Founded on Rue Saint Honoré in 1643, the brand has spent centuries perfecting its craft, supplying illumination to royalty and then, in 2017, turning its hand to fragrance.

Our Pick: Absolu Eau de Parfum, £210

The Vibe: Orangey, with a powdery warmth. 

Visit TRUDON.CO.UK

Diem

London-based disruptor brand Diem is all about originality. The scents are gender neutral, vegan and crafted by world-class perfumers who create scents for some of the top brands. To strip back the decision-making process, it uses an online AI tool to match you with your perfect blend.

Our Pick: Neon Nectar Eau De Parfum, £50

The Vibe: Playful and bright. Pear and lychee with a layer of rose. 

Visit DIEMSCENTS.COM


Ormonde Jayne

Independent British perfume house Ormonde Jayne has a knack for thoughtful, offbeat scents. Founder Linda Pilkington was already established as one of London’s most in-demand candlemakers when she began creating perfume, sourcing rare ingredients from far and wide. 

Our Pick: Ormonde Woman Eau de Parfum, £235

The Vibe: Uplifting and radiant with a seductive, powdery depth.

Visit ORMONDEJAYNE.COM

Evie Shaffer/Pexels

Discothèque

Imbued with party spirit, Discothèque bottles the magic of the dance floor. Its fragrance line pays homage to legendary nightclubs of the past – as you might expect, the scents are suitably hedonistic and vibrant. 

Our Pick: Lola At Coat Check Eau de Parfum, £120

The Vibe: Woody and floral, with an almost edible sweetness. 

Visit DISCOTHEQUEFRAGRANCES.COM

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