There’s a continuing need for comfort in the world, and fragrance answers the demand with cocooning scents that soothe, calm and nurture. Nostalgia, strawberry notes, and wellness are just some of the trends in fragrance called out by Cosmetic Design Europe. Additionally, immersive experiences with scent are a means of making the purchase a memorable moment.

Independent niche perfumery has always thrived on disruption—challenging conventions, breaking the rules, and taking bold risks. Few embody that spirit quite like Barbara Herman, the force behind a brand aptly named after the goddess of Discord. In this article, Herman opens up about the creative process behind her scents, and her dynamic collaboration with master perfumer Antoine Lie.

Beauty retail in the UK is booming between the re-entry of Sephora, the Fragrance Shop’s new venture, Fragrae, and the acquisition of Space NK by Ulta. Now Boots, a trusted brand among Brits, will open a standalone fragrance shop in time for holiday shopping. The plan is to carry over 400 luxury and niche brands.

With wellness being a beauty buzzword, what does it mean when it comes to fragrance? Functional scents are said to boost mood, enhance mental clarity and calm the spirit. As the fragrance sector growth stalls, is this subsegment, backed by neuroscience, able to attract new customers? If the scents still provide olfactory pleasure, the chances are high. An interesting look at this trend.

Gallivant, the independent perfumer brand created by Nick Steward, is the epitome of olfactory armchair travel. Each scent represents a city with a real story based on an experience and moment in time. As the brand readies the launch of the new Gulf Series, Stewart shares his creative philosophy and his passion for discovery and travel.

At a time where North American department stores are shuttering, where Asia and Europe are cautious markets, the Gulf is thriving – and will open 7 new luxury malls by 2027. Prestige Beauty enjoys a 12% growth rate and Fragrance, appreciated and worn enthusiastically by the luxury consumer, accounts for nearly 50% of total sales. It’s a region to watch and where niche brands should be present.

Interparfums enters the world of exclusive, niche perfumery with a new collection of ten fragrances. Named after the street address of the company headquarters, each unisex scent is meant to embody a part of Paris. A freestanding boutique is scheduled to open on the fragrance-centric Rue Saint Honoré in September.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news on the passing of Jean Kerléo. An icon in the fragrance world, Kerléo had been the in-house perfumer at Jean Patou for more than 30 years, creating such masterpieces as 1000 and Sublime. He went on to co-found the Osmothèque, the non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of scent, counting over 3000 fragrances in its archives.