Sometimes you have to laugh. Especially when it's something as insignificant in the scheme of things as perfume. Yes, we all take it seriously, but we're crazy. Rodrigo Flores-Roux and the folks at 27 87 don't seem to take themselves too seriously. Take, for example, their 2025 offering, Hakuna Matata, which features an uncommon banana … Continue reading 27 87 Perfumes – Hakuna Matata – Banana Mania
Tag: Niche Fragrance Review
Arquiste – Tropical – Solar Surprise
Earlier this year, I wrote about the three latest releases from Arquiste Arquiste – Venice Rococo, Almond Suede and A Grove By The Sea. Surprisingly, I found that I enjoyed A Grove By The Sea the most, despite it featuring figs. Indeed, it was far more than just a fig fragrance, possessing a strong backbone … Continue reading Arquiste – Tropical – Solar Surprise
Frassaï – Ajedrez – Atmospheric Chess Game – A New Favourite
Back in 2013, Ralf Schwieger composed one of my favorite iris scents, Iris Nazarena, for Aedes de Venustas. Some people interpreted this fragrance, like many iris scents, as cold and gloomy. However, as it unfolded on my skin, it felt so regal, evoking the image of a noble gentleman reclining in his leather armchair in … Continue reading Frassaï – Ajedrez – Atmospheric Chess Game – A New Favourite
Isabelle Larignon – Mandi Rhubi – Rhubarb Cologne
Now and again, I need to do a factory reset on my nose. It's usually after I've been exposed to too many woody amber scents with their spiky, uninviting drydowns, like last week's Ormonde Jayne – Vetiveria – From Fizz To Flat. Maybe I should call it an olfactory palate cleansing. I typically accomplish this … Continue reading Isabelle Larignon – Mandi Rhubi – Rhubarb Cologne
Clue Perfumery – Dandelion Butter – Sappy Green
I'd read a lot of positive feedback about Clue Perfumery, a new niche house from the US, based in Chicago. Flaconneur had posted on the brand last year on his blog https://perfumuschicago.wordpress.com/2024/08/17/get-a-clue/, and it had piqued my interest. As my sister was returning to Australia from New York in July, I thought it might be … Continue reading Clue Perfumery – Dandelion Butter – Sappy Green
Floris – Purple Mémoire – Modern Lavender
Three "purple" floral notes make up the new fragrance, Purple Mémoire, from Floris: violet, lavender, and iris. Lavender is undoubtedly the most prominent. The lavender in Purple Mémoire smells pillowy, soft, and calming, possessing an almost candied sweetness. It's my favourite element of the fragrance. Unfortunately, some other aspects detract from the overall experience. Here … Continue reading Floris – Purple Mémoire – Modern Lavender
Room 1015 – Jasmine Freak – Not In The Least Bit Freakish
Scour Room 1015's website, https://room1015.com/, and you'll see references to rock 'n' roll, counterculture, and punk. The brand founder, Michael Partouche, a trained pharmacist, uses his fragrance to express rebellion and alternative ideology. From what I've sampled, I've been unimpressed. However, like many brands and bands, they got off to a good start. They launched … Continue reading Room 1015 – Jasmine Freak – Not In The Least Bit Freakish
Francesca Bianchi – The Code Of Emotion – Fruity Fougere
Francesca Bianchi's latest creation, The Code of Emotion, veers from her usual stylings. Gone are the powdery orris and sepia-toned animalic leathers. Instead, the focus shifts to an appealing fruity scent built around a fougère framework. Indeed, I had a surprising emotional reaction after spraying The Code of Emotion. I found it positively smile-inducing. I … Continue reading Francesca Bianchi – The Code Of Emotion – Fruity Fougere
Papillon Artisan Perfumes – Epona – “Memories Light The Corners Of My Mind”
Epona isn't quite as idyllic as this scene, but it's close. "Memories light the corners of my mind." Something about that Barbra Streisand lyric from her melancholic 70's hit struck me when I sprayed Papillon's latest perfume, Epona. Liz Moore's most recent launch pays homage to her horse, and although I'm not a "horse guy" or … Continue reading Papillon Artisan Perfumes – Epona – “Memories Light The Corners Of My Mind”
Akro – Glow – The Most Boring Party Ever
Akros's previous Harrods exclusive, East, came across as a poorly composed Tuscan Leather clone. So, I didn't go into smelling their newest fragrance, Glow, dedicated to nightclubbing and parties (a Harrods exclusive for a few months before a worldwide release in 2024) with great confidence. I was right to be coy. Glow smells clichéd and … Continue reading Akro – Glow – The Most Boring Party Ever