The fragrance landscape has observed a distinct shift as of late. If anything, perfume buffs can attest to this rapid and growing appetite for something new—but they are not from household names. In its place: scents of the non-prosaic variety, most of which look beyond the realm of archetypal flavour profiles. Consumers, it seems, are no longer looking to categorise themselves within the limiting parameters of woody, floral and fresh, preferring instead to indulge in the novel and newfangled. That is, niche fragrances. It makes sense, seeing how the desire for individuality and authenticity has only strengthened in recent years and in a wider cultural context. This, thus, has led to the advent of even more niche fragrances as well as brands than before. And so comes the pivotal question: which are the ones deserving of a spot within your rotation?
For those looking to expand their current collection, fret not—Vogue Singapore has you covered. Below, a comprehensive curation that covers a variety of unique olfactive ingredients, including everything from wet rocks to rice flour. Be sure to also check out our beauty team’s personal favourite picks, too, which range from inventive Chinese amalgamations to imaginative elixirs crafted by revered perfumers.
1 / 6
Borntostandout Black Guava
An explosion of tartness and vibrancy, tempered by an intriguing smokiness. This play on contradictions is expertly encapsulated by Borntostandout’s Black Guava, the latest addition to the groundbreaking Extrait Extrême collection. Its potent and captivating aroma comprises a contemporary meld of sweet and earthy. Vivid and juicy guava is immediately noticeable upon first sniff, intertwined with delicate peony which settles into grey amber and oud that exude raw sensuality.
Borntostandout Black Guava, $345 for 50ml, available at Borntostandout
2 / 6
Oddity Dead Air
Salt. Dates. Freesia. The varied and unconventional ingredient list behind Oddity’s Dead Air Extrait de parfum is sure to raise eyebrows, as does its unusual name. Crafted by revered nose Mark Buxton, a single spritz creates the impression of wet rocks, fallen leaves and burnt sugar; an exuberant and freeing scent grounded by hints of oakwood and cedar atlas. The end result: a fresh, crisp fragrance that contains a surprising amount of creaminess and decadence.
Oddity Dead Air Extrait de parfum, $298 for 50ml, available at The Scent Parlour
3 / 6
Comme des Garçons Accident Radish Vetiver
An olfactive delight, born with the intention to electrify the senses. To achieve this, an amalgamation of both woody and peppery notes, beginning with crisp vetiver that meets earthy radish to form the green, musky foundation of the Comme des Garçons Accident Radish Vetiver. Spicy agarwood comes next, a smoky touch that lends it an unprecedented degree of depth that brings to mind master perfumer Nathalie Cetto’s source of inspiration: a raw, elusive root buried underground.
Comme des Garçons Accident Radish Vetiver, $120 for 30ml, available at Dover Street Market
4 / 6
Filippo Sorcinelli Chiudi Gli Occhi E Poi Vedi
A striking bloom of colour set against a neutral palette; a contrast that creates an arresting visual. Much like its flacon, the Filippo Sorcinelli Chiudi Gli Occhi E Poi Vedi kicks off with placid, pleasantly sweet notes that are quickly overpowered by something more heady. Tangy notes of artemisia and bergamot ease the way to a commanding composition; a magnetic trail of ripe strawberry, cedar, oud and leather.
Filippo Sorcinelli Chiudi Gli Occhi E Poi Vedi, $308 for 100ml, available at Nose Paris
5 / 6
d’Annam Kimono
d’Annam Kimono explores a facet of femininity that is hardly touched upon in fragrance: make-up. More specifically, lipstick. This is conveyed via potent powdery notes typically found in a classic bullet variant; a rich, elegant infusion that is joined by magnolia, silk and rice flour to give it a softer, more well-rounded flavour profile.
d’Annam Kimono, $201 for 50ml, available at d’Annam
6 / 6
DS & Durga Cowboy Grass
It’s safe to say that scents can evoke a memory of a specific place— or, in some cases, a particular time period. In the case of the DS & Durga Cowboy Grass, it is the Wild West of the 19th century. David and Kavi, the prolific husband-and-wife perfumer duo, describe it as a strange combination made with a homemade tincture encompassing powerful clary sage, herbaceous basil and lush ambergris. An ashy, leathery scent that inspires mettle and feelings of rebellion, “perfect for robbing banks on horseback”.
DS & Durga Cowboy Grass, $435 for 100ml, available at escentials
Editor’s picks
This story appears in Vogue Singapore’s April ‘Movement’ issue, available online.
