Growing up, some of us remember the hype around designer perfumes. It’s almost all we knew when it came to fragrances. It was on TV, in the centerspread of magazines. Brands like Chanel, Dior, YSL, and Victoria’s Secret were household names, not just for their fragrances but for their luxurious bags, shoes, and clothes. We knew of these brands and somewhat grew to desire and trust them. For some of us, that trust stemmed from our love for their other products. For example, if you liked the Victoria’s Secret underwear, it was second nature to want a Victoria’s Secret body spray as well. It makes sense.
Fast forward to today, and there’s another category that’s been gaining more attention: niche perfumes. Brands like Amouage have been around since the ’80s, but the hype around them has really taken off in the last decade. Let’s talk a bit about the differences between designer and niche perfumes and why we should care.
Designer perfumes are fragrances created by fashion houses or our favourite celebrities. That’s exactly why we love them—they carry the prestige and trust associated with big brands. Mass production makes designer perfumes widely available and affordable. They’re perfect if you love the aesthetics of a designer name and want a scent that’s familiar and universally appealing. Please keep in mind that there’s nothing wrong with that at all.
Like some of us, if you’re just starting out your perfume collection and don’t know a lot about scents, designer perfumes can be a great place to start. They are cheaper, meaning you can build a larger collection faster. Plus, there’s tons of content online about designer perfumes to guide you.
Niche perfumes, on the other hand, are made by independent perfumers who focus on unique and complex scents. Most times, we don’t even know who owns these brands. Think of the exotic perfumes you find in Dubai stores—they smell magnificent and different, but the names are often unrecognisable, traditional and harder to pronounce. As the name implies, many niche perfumes come in limited editions. For we that enjoy niche perfumes more, it’s because of specific tastes and personas.
If you’re a lover of natural scents, niche perfumes might be your thing. They use high-quality natural ingredients, resulting in complex and long-lasting fragrances. Designer perfumes typically mix synthetic and natural ingredients to accommodate mass production, which makes sense.
So, which is right for you? It depends on your personality and preferences. If you love flaunting designer names and prefer familiar, widely accepted scents, designer perfumes are probably your choice. They’re great for those who appreciate aesthetics and the broader recognition that comes with big brand names. Again, there’s nothing wrong with that.
However, if you’re someone who loves to explore and experiment with scents, niche perfumes can offer a more personalised experience. They allow you to stand out from the crowd and offer a lasting fragrance that’s uniquely you. Yes, they are more expensive, but they have a higher perfume concentration and quality ingredients so that justifies the price.
Ultimately, we think you should have fun with your choices. There’s no right or wrong answer here—just what feels right for you. Whether you’re drawn to the trust and recognition of designer perfumes or the unique scents of niche perfumes, the most important thing is that you enjoy the experience. So go ahead, explore both worlds, and simply do you.
