They surely make a perfect addition to your fragrance collection

signature perfumes

If painters pamper our eyes with their paintings, perfumers amuse us with their creations—perfumes. However, perfumes are more than just something that complements our appearance; they are a work of art in and of themselves, olfactive poetry that stimulates our brain, creating a myriad of scenarios in our mind and even crafting a nostalgic moment.

There are countless brands that produce olfactory delights. From the likes of Louis Vuitton and Hermès to niche names such as Floraïku and Frédéric Malle, your options are definitely endless. Some creations are also highly popular, partly thanks to the trends on the internet. If you are looking to expand your fragrance collection or simply looking for something new, here are signature perfumes of 7 brands that you might want to give a try.

Memo Paris

Incepted in 2007, Memo Paris is a brainchild of couple John and Clara Molloy who see perfumes as journeys, translating the memories of their adventures into luxury, fragrant concoctions. The Parisian perfumer is not a strange name in the realm of niche perfumes, having released more than 40 creations that captivate even the most discerning noses. Memo Paris is known for its leather fragrances, including French Leather—a suede accord enriched with a citrusy rose facet and Sicilian Leather, an invigorating leathery concoction with hints of bergamot, cardamom, and Akigalawood. Another highlight is Winter Palace, a fresh spicy blend informed by its red tea and bergamot notes.

Serge Lutens

The winner of FiFi Awards from 2001 to 2004, Serge Lutens began his career as a hairstylist. Fast forward to 2000, the French designer launched his very own brand. Just like Memo Paris, Serge Lutens is also a popular name in the list of niche perfume brands. Its creations are imaginative, telling a story or a scenario through complex notes. Chergui, released in 2001, is one of the signature creations of the brand, taking pride in its spicy ambery accord formed by notes of tobacco, incense, amber, and musk. While Fille en Aiguilles captures the beauty of pine forest (don’t get fooled by the name; it’s a unisex fragrance), Féminité du Bois embraces both masculinity and femininity through the juxtaposition of a woody accord and floral notes of rose, violet, and African orange flower. Truly a genius creation!

Dior

The French Maison is known for its iconic Lady Dior bag and the Saddle bag, yet its fragrance collection is also a masterpiece one should seriously consider. When it comes to Dior’s perfumes, what comes to our mind might possibly be Sauvage. In fact, it is one of the house’s signature fragrances whose popularity skyrocketed, especially in 2022 when Johnny Depp fronted the campaign for the perfume. Citrus and woody notes inform the EDT, EDP, perfume, and elixir versions—the latter enriched with a spicy kick. Dior Homme is another fragrance line to add to your collection. In particular, Dior Homme Parfum is an iris-heavy concoction that heralds leather and rose notes, followed by notes of cedar, sandalwood, and oud.

Tom Ford

Thomas Carlyle Ford, more popularly known as Tom Ford, debuted with his eponymous luxury house in 2005 after previously joining Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent as their creative director. The fashion brand is also renowned for its perfumes, having more than 40 creations in its repertoire. Fragrance connoisseurs are possibly no strange to names such as Fucking Fabulous—an ambery-leathery concoction with hints of lavender, almond, and vanilla and Oud Wood, a creation by Richard Herpin that takes pride in its oud and woody notes, living up to its name. Ombré Leather is also another highlight of the brand. Blending cardamom with leathery and jasmine notes, it is a perfect option for those looking for intensity.

Penhaligon’s

penhaligon's — The Tragedy of Lord George

The British perfumery originated as a barbershop in 1870. It was in 1872, however, that Penhaligon’s began to venture into the world of fragrance. When it comes to signature perfumes, fans of the brand cannot simply miss Juniper Sling, a fresh spicy blend informed by its juniper and pepper notes. The Portraits collection might suit your taste if you are looking for something visually attractive. The Tragedy of Lord George, for one, is a masculine, captivating fragrance composed of ambroxian, rum, and tonka bean notes, with an artistic cap shaped like the head of a reindeer. For a unisex option, Halfeti is an alluring fragrance with fruity and floral notes, enriched with a spicy facet.

Acqua di Parma

The Parma-based perfumery debuted with its very first fragrance, Colonia, in 1916. Now, Acqua di Parma is home to a myriad of luxury perfumes, offered in several collections. The Blu Mediterraneo collection, for instance, exudes a refreshing appeal of Italian Mediterranean, with Fico di Amalfi being one of the highlights, featuring a citrus accord juxtaposed with notes of fig nectar, pink pepper, and cedarwood. Mirto di Panarea is another highlight of the collection, comprising orange, star anise, clary sage, and cypress notes. For oriental fragrance lovers, Oud & Spice from the Signatures of the Sun collection boasts the splendor of oud, enhanced by notes of bergamot, cinnamon, cloves, and rose.

Montblanc

Known for its Meisterstück fountain pen and luxury goods, German brand Montblanc has also launched its olfactive delights. Among the iconic creations is the Emblem Intense from the Emblem collection. Informed by its star-shaped vessel, the perfume is the first modification of the original Emblem, boasting a fruity accord warmed with cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and nutmeg notes. For woody fragrance loves, Explorer features an invigorating combination of bergamot, vetiver, and patchouli notes, followed by a solid base of akigalawood and cacao pod notes. Legend Red is the latest offering from the brand, a woody citrusy concoction formed by notes of blood orange, grapefruit, cedarwood, juniper berries, mahogany, and tonka bean.

Discover the Signature Scents: 7 Brands’ Iconic Perfumes