Best of Niche Perfumes 2024

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A Sensory Odyssey
The Alluring World of Niche Perfumery

written Amenda Arendts

Niche perfumes stand as beacons of luxury and individual expression in the vast sea of fragrances. These scents are more than mere concoctions; they are narratives and artworks in their own right.

From the spicy depths of CREED's "Spice and Wood" to the enigmatic allure of LENLING Munich's "Sekushi No. 7," each perfume offers a unique journey into uncharted olfactory territories.

CREED, Spice and Wood
illustrated by Viktorija Staseviciute

BRIONI Intense
illustrated by Viktorija Staseviciute

CREED's "Spice and Wood" orchestrates a symphony of contrasts, blending fiery spices with serene woods. This fragrance transcends the norm, offering an olfactory journey that spans from the Orient's bustling markets to the West's tranquil forests. It’s a tale of two worlds, seamlessly intertwined in a bottle.

BRIONI's "Intense" mirrors the elegance of the brand’s iconic tailoring. It’s a fragrance that speaks of sophistication and luxury, leaving a memorable and commanding impression. This scent is a sartorial masterpiece, transformed into a captivating olfactory experience.

The refreshing "Aqua Media" by Maison Francis Kurkjian Paris stands out for its simplicity and purity. It captures the essence of a clear blue sky on a warm summer day, providing a breath of fresh air in the world of complex fragrances.

"Sekushi No. 7" from LENLING Munich is an ode to sensuality. This intriguing blend wraps the wearer in a veil of mystery and allure, making a bold statement for those who dare to be different.

Maison Francis Kurkjian Paris, Aqua Media
illustrated by Viktorija Staseviciute

LENLING Munich, Sekushi No. 7
illustrated by Viktorija Staseviciute

Strangelove NYC, fallintostars and meltmyheart
illustrated by Viktorija Staseviciute

Strangelove NYC presents a dual narrative with "fallintostars" and "meltmyheart." The former is an exploration of the cosmos, capturing the stars' infinite mystery, while the latter is a warm and comforting scent symbolizing love and devotion.

Ormonde Jayne's "Montabaco" and "Babylonia" are olfactory voyages to different destinations. "Montabaco" embodies South America's rugged beauty, and "Babylonia" captures the ancient city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Finally, "Nishane" by WULONG CHA Shanghai is a testament to the harmonious fusion of East and West. This fragrance weaves the delicate nuances of Eastern tea culture with the bold sophistication of Western perfumery, embodying Shanghai's spirit.

Niche perfumes offer an escape into a world where each fragrance is a unique narrative, a distinct expression of the wearer's personality. These creations remind us of fragrance's power to inspire, evoke, and transport.

Ormonde Jayne London, 4 Montabaco and Babylonia
illustrated by Viktorija Staseviciute

Nishane, Wulong Cha
illustrated by Viktorija Staseviciute

Emporio Armani Spring Summer 2024

*New Collection
Emporio Armani S/S 2024
A Whimsical Journey on Air

written Sarah Arendts

Leaning into the terraces of a sun-kissed Riviera or coasting through the bustling streets of Marrakech, there's an ephemeral touch to Emporio Armani’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection – like a whispered secret caught in the wind, almost too soft to hear but impossible to ignore. Evoking memories from a dreamlike voyage, 'Like a Breeze' draws upon the spirit of summer, not as a season, but as an eternal state of being.

Dressing for the season is no longer a mere response to weather; it is a reflection of our spirit’s lightness, an ode to our wanderlust, to places touched and emotions felt. Taking a page from the nomad’s diary, the collection hints at destinations unknown, as though each piece has been foraged during a sunlit sojourn, caught in mid-air, only to be woven into a story of ethereal elegance.

The fabrics' very essence embodies the air's weightlessness – an intriguing dance of metallics and iridescence – with materials so soft that they might be mistaken for gossamer. And yet, these pieces are rich, lavishly embroidered but feeling as impalpable as a veil draped over a midnight moon.

Emporio Armani’s 2024 vision brings the body into the limelight, not as an object, but as a canvas for its ethereal art. Fluid jackets contour the bust, paying homage to the feminine silhouette, while crop tops and shorts offer tantalizing glimpses of skin. This delicate balance of show and tell is masterfully veiled by transparent pictorial fabrics, as if capturing a painting in motion. With every step, long, rhythmical skirts flutter, dancing to a silent tune that only the wind knows.

The style is effortlessly chic and instantaneously captivating, with a modern aesthetic that’s as 'snappy' as the click of a photographer's shutter. Flat shoes ground the collection, punctuated by small hats and foulards that whisk us back to an era where timeless style was paramount. Bags, however, are a paradox: some so vast they seem to carry secrets of a thousand tales, while others are minimalist – guardians of only the most precious essentials.

Emporio Armani
Spring/Summer 2024

A painterly palette graces the collection, commencing with golden beiges that glow like the last kiss of a setting sun. This warmth is contrasted by the profoundness of black, evoking the mystery of a moonless night. From there, the journey cools into silver, chalk, and mineral greys, only to be electrified by the deep blues of lapis lazuli and enriched by grape's depth. Unexpected jolts of chartreuse play peek-a-boo, culminating into the passionate embrace of rose bloom.

This collection is about feeling. It’s a summons to all, to not just wear, but to wander, to explore, to dream. With Emporio Armani, next summer, we aren’t just dressing the body, but the soul, allowing it to drift, wherever the wind may lead.

all images:
SS 2024 Runway (c) Emporio Armani