Whether you are a compulsive collector and an addict to additions to your fragrance wardrobe — switching up scents between seasons and life phases — or a signature single-scent devotee, you likely experience one (or many) that can transport you to a specific time and place. With notes and descriptions similar to the pretension of fine wine, luxury brands take fragrance very seriously. After all, they can define an entire phase, era, or lifetime for an individual. In honor of National Fragrance Day, here are 10 noteworthy notes to dive into and get the courage to blind-buy.
For the floral fragrance lover, this iconic French brand brings together a beautiful bouquet of Damascena Rose, Rhubarb, Lychee, Bergamot, Vanilla, and Musk. Floral-forward enthusiasts will revel in the all-day lasting power of this award-winning fragrance. Fan of Delina? You will also love Valaya. Parfums de Marly Paris Delina $390 (75 ml)
If there were a dictionary definition for famous luxury fragrance houses, Krigler would be right there next to the phrase. The history behind Krigler’s signature and bespoke scents span decades of royalty, presidents, artists, and bon vivants. One could write a book about every bottle. President John F. Kennedy famously wore the brand’s America One 31, as did Ernest Hemingway. For a lover of Italy and citrus, Villa Bordighera was created in 1920 by Albert Krigler as a commission for famous Italian playwright Giuseppe Adami. The goal? To transport Mr. Adami to his favorite vacation place: Bordighera. A fresh, bergamot-forward scent with notes of grapefruit, lemon, jasmine, and cashmere wood — this is a must-have for every fragrance wardrobe. The family-run perfumers are even said to create your own custom commission for just around $60,000. What better way to leave a lasting legacy? Krigler Villa Bordighera 20 $595 (50 ml)
The coveted Tokyo city-exclusive fragrance, fans of Gaiac 10 can only purchase this pristine, airy, scent in Japan or globally during Le Labo’s city-exclusive month (typically August – September.) If you already own the bottle, you can refill it any time of the year at any Le Labo counter. But purchase it? You’ll have to wait until September or book a trip to Tokyo. Based on gaiac wood, this scent is intoxicatingly musky but light. Strangers will trail you from restaurants and grocery stores to ask the coveted question, “What are you wearing?” Le Labo Gaiac 10
Famed, perfectionist perfumer Dominque Ropion created this perfect perfume with 400 Turkish roses per 100ml bottle. Mr. Ropion, also known as “the master of flowers”, displays his mastery in Portrait of a Lady. The cult classic celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. Loved and worn by icons like Madonna and David Beckham, Portrait of a Lady is a must-have for the rose and amber lover in your life — especially if that lover is you. Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady, $295 (50ml)
As its name suggests, cult classic Molecule 01 features just one molecule ingredient: Iso E Super. Subtle and undetectable on your own skin, famous perfumer Geza Schoen discovered this ingredient alone creates somewhat of an animal attraction to the wearer. Known to expand the individual’s natural pheromones, Molecule 01 can be layered or worn alone. This is a very confident blind-buy. Beware: You will be more attractive to everyone around you. Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01 $150 (100ml)
From Paris-based perfumer L’Officine Universelle Buly, their water-based unisex fragrances are light but intoxicating. Don’t let the water fool you, these scents linger. Their Paris outpost is like a walk back in time to a high-level alchemist from the turn of the 19th century. Fragrance experts who know, know. Eau Triple Komi Forest is a divine, woody, rainy, light pine musk. Inspired by Russian novelist and poet Boris Pasternak’s Lyubka, or “lover”, anyone will fall in love with this ornate packaging and product.
In 2016, perfumer Christine Nagel created this beautifully fresh fragrance. A long-lingering perfume, this rhubarb-forward blend mixed with light citrus and musk makes this crisp creation the perfect spring or summer companion. Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate, Hermes ($205)
Designed for lovers of rare tastes, this oud-forward, musk heavy fragrance is must-buy for any oud lover. Master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud added hints of raspberry to take a bit of the edge off the strong, intoxicating wet leather scent. Ombre Nomade, Louis Vuitton $410 (100 ml)
No one can discuss luxury, high-level, fragrances without mentioning Bond No. 9. The iconic unisex perfumer is famous for “Making Scents of New York”. One of their newest debuts, Gold Street is a gorgeous blend of French leather, suede, pink pepper, and Madagascar vanilla. Truly intoxicating and with lasting power that could outlive most — it really is worth its weight in gold. Those looking for a lighter more feminine scent, try Greenwich Village — a fragrance fan’s summer staple. Gold Street, Bond No. 9 $490 (100 ml)
Byredo never disappoints, but when they unveiled a line of perfume extracts, the true fragrance fanatics came running. The star of the brand’s “Night Veils” collection of purely distilled perfume essences, Reine de Nuit rings true to its meaning, “Queen of the Night” — and that’s exactly how you feel when you spray this ultra-luxurious blackcurrant, saffron, incense, and rose-rooted fragrance. If you’re going to blind-buy one luxury fragrance this year, let it be this one. Reine de Nuit, Byredo $400 (50 ml)