In the world of perfumes, there are the obvious classics: Chanel No.5, Angel by Thierry Mugler, Shalimar by Guerlain, Miss Dior by Christian Dior, Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, Amarige de Givenchy by Givenchy and Obsession by Calvin Klein.
The only thing wrong with spritzing on a classic is that millions of other women are doing the same thing, and one of the biggest reasons to wear a fragrance is to set yourself apart.
More and more ladies are looking toward cult fragrances, as in brands and scents that have yet to be overexposed — think Bond No. 9 and Monyette Paris — in a glutted olfactory market raking in upwards of $6 billion in sales a year.
To take it even a step further, there are scent mixology labs and boutiques that concoct small collections of smells, giving one a nose-up — technically and figuratively speaking — on anyone else wielding an atomizer.
Here are some places to look into to find cult fragrances:
Le Labo on West Third Street in Los Angeles and on Elizabeth Street in New York. Two French men joined forces after meeting on a team at a leading perfume brand. Their goal is to create 10 unique scents a year for your pleasure.
Bond No. 9 on Bond Street in New York. This cult brand is growing rapidly, thanks to its luxe bottles and regular homage to well-known boroughs and areas of the Big Apple.
Les Salons du Palais Royal in Paris. Located near the Louvre and beneath the Palais Royal Gardens, this shop carries fragrances carried nowhere else in the world. That means you won’t be finding any Parlux or Coty perfumes here.
L’Artisan Parfumeur in Paris. You’ll find perfume and body care here, alongside the brand’s signature Amber Balls and candles made in collaboration with Bottega Veneta.
Lafco New York on LaFayette Street in New York. This 13,000-square-foot space carries centuries-old Santa Maria Novella (created originally by Florentine monks) and Claus Porto hand soap.
Nothing will ever smell this sweet again.
