![\"Niche](\"https:\/\/fragranceadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Niche-Perfume-800.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11 Common Questions about Niche Perfume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve compiled a list of X facts about niche perfumes. These are answers to common questions you might have while deciding which niche perfumes you want to add to your fragrance collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Niche Perfume?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Niche<\/a> perfumes are fragrance products that \u201cappeal to a small, specialized section of the population.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re the opposite of designer perfumes in terms of production practices, brand product offerings, ingredient transparency, and sales range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Companies like Carolina Herrera<\/a>, Thierry Mugler, and Lanc\u00f4me, for example, are considered mainstream perfume brands. These aren\u2019t niche because in addition to fragrances, these companies offer some combination of apparel, accessories, shoes, cosmetics, or other products. They don\u2019t solely manufacture and sell perfume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Niche perfume companies only exist to develop and sell fragrances. And their fragrances are made in limited batches, making them more exclusive, which adds to their appeal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of creative approach, niche and indie perfumes are similar but in terms of staffing and production scale, there\u2019s a difference between these two categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indie perfume lines are created and produced on a smaller scale. Typically, the nose, (the individual who creates the scents), is the one who owns the indie perfume company. This person often engages in all of the operational aspects of the company as well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n He or she is significantly more engaged in all aspects of the business than perfumers who create for niche brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short, fragrance offerings make niche perfumes most special. They involve scent combinations that you wouldn\u2019t typically find from mass-produced fragrance companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because they aren\u2019t appealing to the masses. Niche perfume companies solicit the sales of those who want something different and aren\u2019t afraid to smell peculiar.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Seth Godin<\/a> calls this group the smallest viable audience. Niche perfume companies aren\u2019t trying to create \u201csomething for everyone.\u201d The focus is on creating a superb product, not a mediocre item that appears around every corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seth explains, \u201ca focus on experience creates something that (some) people want to look for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Niche perfumes delight and connect with a small subset of the population. <\/strong>A niche fragrance creates an experience for its wearer that\u2019s unsurpassed by designer scents. That\u2019s what some would argue is what makes them special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not really a question of better or worse. Each category of fragrances has its place in the market. So, determining which one is better is moreso a matter of preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With that said, niche perfumes are typically made with higher quality ingredients. Although more and more corporations source and produce fragrances in a more ethical manner, niche perfume companies seem to be even more consistent with this practice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since access to these scents is more restricted and these perfumes are made with better quality ingredients, you might notice that they\u2019re also more expensive than designer fragrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of thinking in terms of better or worse, you may want to consider what a specific niche brand has to offer you specifically. Then you can ask yourself whether or not you can connect with that offering.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it\u2019s a particular scent combination, their business practices, or ingredients used to make their fragrances, it\u2019s a matter of honing in on what you consider to be special about the brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although niche perfume brands are not created to cater to the masses, larger corporations have begun edging their way into the market, expanding niche perfume distribution by purchasing these smaller companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A primary example of this is Jo Malone London. This previously niche perfume brand was sold to Est\u00e9e Lauder in 1999. Its founder, Jo Malone remained with the company for seven years after the sale, in the roles of creative director and chairwoman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Est\u00e9e Lauder has also purchased niche brands Le Labo, \u00c9ditions de Parfums Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Malle, and By Kilian. Additional corporations have followed suit, making these scents readily available in stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Macy\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Due to their increased distribution and product line expansion, it seems that these brands may no longer be niche.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, By Kilian was founded in 2007 by Kilian Hennessy (of the Cognac dynasty) but was purchased by Est\u00e9e Lauder in 2016. While there are some hints to its niche origins, this brand no longer seems to fully identify as such.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now called Kilian Paris<\/a>, niche-like phrasing is still used:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To the last quote, their 50 mL spray bottles are refillable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar to niche brands, Kilian is the nose behind these fragrances. And his olfactive families are anything but conventional. Its five scent families include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kilian Paris fragrances connect with those who are not only drawn to the nightlife but want to make those moments last forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although his scents are niche-specific and have one audience in mind, accessibility makes it less of a niche fragrance line, even though its price point is very niche.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find these scents in high end boutiques, but also department stores, cosmetic stores like Sephora, and even through online retailers, like Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kilian Paris also sells lipsticks, hair mists, body gels, body creams and lotions, and scented candles. Expanding their product line beyond personal fragrances also makes this company less niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on this and other research, my presumption is that perfumes once categorized as niche that have since been bought by conglomerates would no longer be considered niche.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They might still have niche characteristics but subtle tweaks, like mass availability or a change in ingredients, product offerings, or production process, makes them less specialized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Founded in 2011, Jo Loves is the second niche perfume company created by Jo Malone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After leaving Jo Malone London\u2019s parent company, Est\u00e9e Lauder in 2006, it seems that Jo Malone couldn\u2019t put her nose away. She is still the perfumer behind the brand. <\/strong>That\u2019s one indication that Jo Loves is a niche perfume company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She\u2019s been quoted as saying, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDesigning fragrance is who I am. It makes my heartbeat.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n And this statement is another indication that Jo Loves is a niche perfume brand. The owner and perfumer\u2019s own passion and drive is infused in each scent that\u2019s offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jo Malone shares the stories of her life with each scent that\u2019s released. Her personal impression is further indicated by the red dot found on all packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scents like Smoked Plum and Leather, Cobalt Patchouli and Cedar, and Red Truffle 21 speak to the innovative approach to creating artisan fragrances. Customization options are available at their flagship store in London.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a limited number of places<\/a> where this company is stocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company shares a sustainability pledge<\/a>. They ship products out in recyclable boxes padded with biodegradable fillers. Some packaging is made with recycled materials. Customers also have the option to reduce the amount of packaging used in their order. They offer refills and their containers can be reused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All considered, it seems that Jo Loves can be referred to as a niche perfume company.<\/strong> Jo Loves offers other scent-related products like candles, lotions, reed diffusers, and shower gels, but since all of the offerings are scent-related, I think this brand might still fall under the niche category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Le Labo is one of the first niche perfume brands that gained international traction since its founding in 2006. Santal 33 is one of their most recognizable fragrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning \u201clab\u201d in French, Le Labo fragrances were the result of two friends\u2019 scent experiments designed to shake up the perfume industry. They have brick and mortar locations around the world, but since the company was purchased by Est\u00e9e Lauder in 2014, their products are more widely available.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find Le Labo fragrances in Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gee Beauty, Bloomingdales, inside airport concourses, and additional shops across the globe. Even though the company still refers to itself as a niche perfumer, I think that this one factor eliminates them from the niche category.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019ve also expanded their product offerings, but all products are still scent-related. It seems that the company still takes an artisan approach to creating fragrances. Le Labo still offers in-store personalization and refill options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Craftsmanship and innovative ingredient combinations continue to be at the heart of Le Labo\u2019s production process; they seem to be a niche-designer hybrid.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, in terms of how the product is made, it seems as though this is still a niche perfume company. But in terms of availability and some business practices, Le Labo is more designer than niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of those questions for which the answer varies by individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best niche perfume brand is the one whose production process and brand values resonate with you. They also create fragrances that you enjoy wearing without you feeling as though anyone walking through a department store will smell the same.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The fragrance that you choose to wear is highly personal and reflective of you as an individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, you might have to try a number of niche fragrances before you find the one that you feel is most reflective of you as an individual. The only unfortunate aspect of this is that in addition to time, finding that perfect scent through trial and error requires, let\u2019s face it, a pretty thick wallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The answer to this question is also subjective. A niche fragrance can be worth the price if the company\u2019s practices, scents, and ingredients align with your personal values and preferences.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAre Niche Perfumes the Same as Indie Perfumes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Makes Niche Perfume Special?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are Niche Perfumes Better than Mainstream Perfumes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are Niche Perfumes that are Owned by Larger Brands Still Considered Niche?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Is Jo Loves a Niche Perfume Brand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Is Le Labo a Niche Perfume Brand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are the Best Niche Perfume Brands?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are Niche Perfume Brands Worth It?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n