Perfumers are Sourcing Their Scents from Unexpected Places

26 May 2022

This summer, the world of perfume is departing from the traditional Grasse fields, opting instead for more curious and uncharted territories. Scents are now being inspired by unexpected elements such as pizza toppings, tattoo parlours, and even racing cars. Moreover, the innovation frequently shifts focus toward unique ingredients like shiso and sargassum—tropical seaweed that, although often viewed negatively for clogging waters, brings a refreshing twist to modern scents.

These new fragrances are designed to cut through the oppressive layers of sunscreen and lotions typically used in summer, and they do so with an impressively crisp originality.

Featured Unique Fragrances

• Akro Ink

  Ingredient: tattoo ink

  Price: £140 for 100ml

  This scent embodies a trip to a tattoo parlour with cool metallic notes, brilliantly crafted by master perfumer Olivier Cresp.

• Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca

  Ingredient: spearmint

  Price: £83 for 75ml

  Herba Fresca has a captivating minty note that provides a refreshing experience, making it a modern classic.

• DS & Durga Bistro Waters

  Ingredient: green pepper

  Price: £220 for 100ml

  This composition reflects the essence of fresh green pepper, inspired by perfumer David Seth Moltz’s culinary experiences in a New York restaurant.

• Alexandre-J Black Beetle

  Ingredient: chilli

  Price: £260 for 100ml

  Infusing the fiery essence of chilli along with bergamot, nutmeg, and incense, this fragrance creates an intriguing and bold aroma.

• Peau Arquiste

  Ingredient: sargassum

  Price: £170 for 100ml

  Inspired by the Emperor Hadrian’s relationships, Peau Arquiste utilizes the pungent tang of seaweed for a distinctive scent experience.

• Acqua Di Parma Colonia Club

  Ingredient: shiso

  Price: £116 for 100ml

  With its clove and cinnamon-like aroma, shiso offers a unique twist in this tart, modern reinterpretation of a classic cologne.

• Penhaligon’s Sports Car Club

  Ingredient: arolle wood

  Price: £152 for 100ml

  This playful scent, utilizing arolle wood, pays homage to speed and racing cars, infused with patchouli and eucalyptus for a retro vibe.