The awards season is upon us and in the world of niche perfumery we salute the Institute for Art & Olfaction who has just announced the 2024 Golden Pear finalists. The awards, which recognize excellence amongst independent, artisan and experimental practitioners with scent, will be announced in June is Lisbon. See the full list of finalists here. Good luck to all!

In the latest of brand founders calling time, Frédéric Malle has announced his departure slated for June of this year. Known for shining a light on the noses behind his creations, Malle has been a trailblazer in the niche fragrance sector since launching his brand 25 years ago.

Sephora, the world’s leading beauty retailer, has just reported double digit growth across almost all regions of the globe. How do they do it? According to the chief executive it all boils down to four strategies that brands and small retailers can also implement.

Over recent years so many artistic or niche perfumery brands have used stock bottles but now there is a definite shift that focuses on the flacon and the cap. Whether seen as a vehicle to reinforce the brand identity or crafted into an object of beauty that becomes collectible, the vessel selected to contain a perfume sends important visual messages about the juice within.

Perfumers, like artists, are always looking for olfactory inspiration. In this article, three master perfumers talk about their experience collaborating with jewellery brands and about finding parallels between precious stones and precious ingredients.

Symbol of purity, beauty and nobility but with a sensual side, the grandiose magnolia is scientifically linked to the ability to activate the hypothalmus. No wonder it’s earned it’s reputation as the flower of romance. Discover more about this magnificent white floral.

Brands are always looking for the next opportunity, the next market to enter in an effort to continue to grow. Economic and demographics point to two countries and one region that bode well for the luxury sector.

In a continuing effort to shed light on terminology that isn’t clear, we find this article provides clear, straight-to-the-point information that lifts the veil on another buzzword. However, may the buyer beware since it's an unregulated term, meaning brands have to create – and follow – their own guidelines and values as they make this claim.