"Find Me" Fragrant Journey 'Niche Perfume 6'
Published 09 Sep.2020 23:48(KST)
Updated 10 Sep.2020 20:20(KST)
Le Labo, Etape, Atelier Cologne, Tiffany, Laboratorio Olfattivo, Nikolai
A Fragrant Journey to Find Myself '6 Niche Perfumes' (from left) Nikolai, Etape, Le Labo, Laboratorio Olfattivo, Tiffany, Atelier Cologne. Stone @RAUWBEIGE
원본보기 아이콘[Culture & Life Section Reporter Choi Jeonghwa] In today’s trend where ‘egoism’?focusing on oneself?and ‘meaning out’?consuming according to one’s beliefs?even if it costs more, have become mainstream consumption trends, niche perfumes that match these values are gaining attention. We introduce six premium niche perfumes suitable for perfumers with sophisticated tastes. Let’s embark on an intriguing journey into the captivating scents of niche perfumes that become even more appealing when you know their stories.
The Iconic Identity of the City ‘Seoul’
What kind of feeling does ‘Seoul’ captured by ‘Le Labo,’ which expresses the essence of each city through scent, convey? ‘Seoul: Citron 28,’ selected as the 14th city in the ‘City Exclusive Collection,’ had the initial codename ‘Citron Boh?me.’ The elegant citrus scent with a fresh lemon twist symbolizes Seoul, where history and progress coexist. Citron 28, a tribute to the iconic city of Seoul, embodies a free-spirited bohemian citrus, delivering a special yet balanced fragrance that generously presents the niche scents cherished by a discerning few. All Le Labo perfumes are freshly hand-blended in their perfume lab. Founded in New York in 2006, Le Labo is a handmade perfume brand that practices ‘eco-friendliness’ and ‘zero waste’ through its perfume refill service, making it a clean perfume brand. New York - Le Labo ‘Citron 28’ 50ml 400,000 KRW
A Journey to Find ‘Me’ Through Scent
“It is a journey to find me fragranceout”
‘Etape,’ meaning ‘a journey to find myself through scent,’ is a local brand highly regarded for its premium niche perfumes among taste collectors. Among Etape’s five fragrances, ‘Fleur de Magnolia,’ a floral powdery scent that evokes a “pure confession,” starts lively with a combination of bergamot and lychee. It then reaches its peak with rich floral notes of freesia, peony, and magnolia, followed by a cozy and delicate lingering scent of musk, vanilla, and sandalwood, continuing the floral feast. Etape is a cruelty-free perfume brand that pursues vegan principles by excluding animal-derived ingredients and not conducting animal testing. Korea - Etape ‘Fleur de Magnolia’ 50ml 105,000 KRW
A Director’s Journey to Find the Perfect ‘Leading Lady’
Introducing a gender-free French perfume loved regardless of gender. The woody fruity cologne absolue ‘Cl?mentine California,’ made with 91% natural ingredients, appeals with a fresh first scent of tangerine, expressing a neutral charm. After the initial freshness fades, juniper berry and vetiver blend to start a fragrant green note. Finally, it leaves a fresh lingering scent of cl?mentine with the comforting aroma of sandalwood. Cologne absolue is a new concept perfume that combines the freshness of cologne with the depth and richness of perfume. It is also famous as a celebrity pick, including ‘Henry perfume’ and ‘Ong Seongwu perfume.’ ‘Cl?mentine California’ was inspired by the story of a director who found the perfect leading lady at a Hollywood audition while traveling in California, created by the two founders Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel who enjoy new cultures and travel. France - Atelier Cologne ‘Cl?mentine California’ 30ml 97,000 KRW
The Purest Jewel, Tiffany’s ‘Diamond’
The third fragrance in the Tiffany perfume collection, ‘Sheer Eau de Toilette,’ revealed its precious presence last spring like dazzling sunlight. It elegantly releases its first scent with black currant, green mandarin, and ylang-ylang notes. Then, it harmonizes fantastically with rose oil, completing the base with Tiffany’s signature iris scent. The three-dimensional scent blended by world-renowned perfumer Daniela Andrier is cheerful yet elegant. The bottle design, reflecting the iconic cut of the purest jewel, the diamond, sparkles brilliantly as if flaunting luxury with the precious scent inside the glass. New York - TIFFANY & CO ‘Sheer Eau de Toilette’ 30ml 89,000 KRW
When the Newly Bloomed Fresh ‘Lotus’ Meets Radiant Light
‘Nun’ means ‘water’ in ancient Egyptian. ‘Nun Eau de Parfum’ by ‘Laboratorio Olfattivo’ captures the fresh scent of a lotus blooming in water and rising into the air under sunlight. It starts energetically with bright and sparkling fruity top notes (bergamot, lemon, yellow mandarin), then perfectly harmonizes with white lily, iris, jasmine, and rose. The intense floral notes blend with benzoin, white amber, vanilla, and musk to leave a sensual lingering scent. ‘Laboratorio Olfattivo,’ meaning olfactory laboratory in Italian, is an Italian niche perfumery created by emerging perfumers in the fragrance industry, who bring infinite imagination to modern sensibilities. Italy - Laboratorio Olfattivo ‘Nun’ 30ml 63,000 KRW
‘Nicolai,’ the Niche Perfume Brand Founded by Guerlain’s First Female Perfumer
Nicolai is a brand founded by the granddaughter of Guerlain’s first female perfumer, representing niche perfumes. ‘Violette in Love’ is a floral eau de toilette based on woody notes. It opens with bergamot, lemon, and cassis, then violet, rose, and iris blend to spread richly around, finishing with a musk scent. France - Nicolai ‘Violette in Love’ Eau de Toilette 30ml 84,000 KRW
And, the ‘STONE’ that Captures the Marvels of Nature
The mysterious stones (gemstones) that illuminated the perfumes are beautiful works by the artist ‘RAUWBEIGE,’ who reinterprets natural objects shaped over long periods as unique objects. The photographed works can be purchased at ‘MUNEI,’ a hip cafe in Euljiro famous for its friendly owner, fragrant drip coffee, and sweet desserts.
General Coordination = Reporter Choi Jeonghwa
Photo Shoot = Photographer Kim Heeyoung
Photos = Guest Reporter Seo Jeongjun
Stone = @RAUWBEIGE (MUNEI)
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