The allure of European summer has long captivated the world with its promise of effortless chic and relaxed luxury.
From the sun-drenched French Riviera to the idyllic Italian countryside, the continent exudes a timeless elegance that continues to inspire beauty, fashion, and lifestyle trends globally.
Singapore, with its growing sophistication and appreciation for international aesthetics, has been increasingly drawn to the European summer ideal. As we bask in the region’s tropical climate, there’s a growing desire to capture the essence of European summertime.
One of the most evocative ways to do this is through fragrance! Join us as we delve into the world of European summer scents, discover the stories behind the perfumes, and indulge in the niche European fragrances available at Novela.
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Meet the experts:
- Mr Luc Gabriel: CEO and Owner of The Different Company, Gabriel took over in 2004 and brought his lifelong passion for scents into the business.
- Mr Giovanni Rancé: The current Artistic Director of Rancé 1795, Giovanni combines his background in economics and finance with a modern vision, balancing tradition and innovation as he leads the brand alongside skilled perfumers.
- Mr Olivier Mariotti: General Manager of Etat Libre d’Orange, Olivier joined in 2011 as a favour to the founder of Etat Libre d’Orange and long-time friend Etienne de Swardt.
- Mr Axel Michau de Nicolaï: Born into the renowned Guerlain family of perfumers, Axel is the current CEO of NICOLAÏ and has successfully carried on the family legacy with fresh vision and experience working with LVMH and InterParfums.
The European Summer Aesthetic and The Scent of Europe
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The European summer aesthetic has taken centre stage. More than just a fashion trend, it’s a lifestyle aspiration. Think effortless chic, sun-kissed skin, and a sense of quiet luxury.
This “Europecore” vibe has infiltrated everything from wardrobes to home decor, and now, it’s making waves in the fragrance world.
Europe has always been the perfume capital of the world, and its summer scents are the epitome of the season. Imagine sun-drenched citrus groves, salty ocean breezes, and lush Mediterranean gardens bottled into perfume.
These fragrances offer an escape to a European summer, perfect for Singapore’s year-round tropical climate.
Related read: Sweet Dreams and Scents: Are Bedtime Fragrances a Beauty Secret to Follow for Better Sleep?
Niche European Fragrances: Beyond Trends and a Cut Above
Credit: @dailyvanity/TikTok
While commercial perfumes offer wide appeal and mass market recognition, niche European perfumes often provide a more refined, personalised, and unique olfactory experience.
And although perfumery relies rather heavily on trends, niche European fragrance brands don’t usually work that way.
For instance, as a Maison (perfume house) with a rich history in crafting perfumes since 1795, Rancé 1795 strives not to follow trends but to set them.
“Our approach to crafting fragrance trends involves a blend of curiosity, creativity, passion, exploration, and the ability to draw inspiration from diverse fields and cultures. Creating a trend is a matter of staying relevant to your vision while innovating simultaneously.
Our secret to staying relevant through the centuries stems from a unique fusion of our esteemed heritage and a forward-thinking mindset. This is how we can offer products that are current but also pioneer new trends,” Giovanni Rancé explained.
Related read: 13 Fragrance Trends in 2024: Notes We’ll Be Smelling All Year Round and What to Expect From #PerfumeTok
Credits: @carolinemstern/TikTok, @nicole_perfumes/TikTok
More Reasons Why Niche European Fragrances Are a Worthy Investment
1. Exclusivity and uniqueness
Niche perfumes are often produced in limited quantities, making them more exclusive and less likely to be encountered by others.
Their unique formulations and intricate compositions set them apart from the mainstream.
2. Higher quality ingredients
Niche perfumers often use premium, rare, or sustainably sourced ingredients, resulting in a richer, more complex fragrance. These ingredients can be more expensive, contributing to the higher price point of niche perfumes.
At NICOLAÏ, natural ingredients are at the core of their perfumes, and they are prominently involved in every step of the production process.
“We have our own factory, so we control the whole production process. It’s all direct and we have fewer third-party companies working for us. This is very sustainable and gives us good access to the power of consumption and quality of each ingredient,” shared Axel Michau de Nicolaï.
When we purchase ingredients, we do a specific test to see if the exact scent can be crafted. If not, we give it back to the supplier and search for other options that are more similar to what we used to have for the fragrances,” he added.
Related read: Niche Korean Perfume Brands to Explore the Next Time You Visit Korea
3. Artistic expression
Niche perfumery is often driven by artistic expression and creativity. Perfumers are free to experiment with unconventional notes and compositions, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind fragrances.
Etat Libre d’Orange’s Olivier Mariotti expressed that the brand tries to write the most creative story imaginable in order to excite the perfumer and obtain the most optimal creativity infused into each fragrance bottle.
“We try not to interfere in their work — to let them work freely without a budget so they can do whatever they want. In doing so, we get stories worthy of being worn on skin,” said Olivier Mariotti.
Meanwhile, NICOLAÏ was created for Axel Michau de Nicolaï’s mother to make perfumes freely without restrictions on budget and marketing purposes. Today, they have 45 in-house employees who are working hard and happily to produce unique scents in NICOLAÏ’s own lab, factory, and production units.
4. Longevity and sillage
Many niche perfumes are known for their exceptional longevity and sillage, meaning they last longer on the skin and project more powerfully.
This is often due to the use of higher concentrations of fragrance oils.
5. Storytelling
Niche perfume brands often have a strong narrative or story behind their fragrances. This can create a deeper connection between the wearer and the scent, making it more personal and meaningful.
Etat Libre d’Orange is a prime example, being “born on the base roots of not following any trends or looking at the market but to do pure creative work.”
Identifying as storytellers and not perfumers, Olivier Mariotti shared that the Maison tells visionary stories to their perfumers to excite their imagination and get the best out of them — all without any constraints, sniff tests, marketing tests, budgets, or timelines.
“We write [the story] first and the rest is the work of the perfumer. This operating process is part of the DNA of Etat Libre d’Orange and is what keeps the brand alive with a solid number of followers for 18 years now,” Olivier Mariotti elaborated.
Related read: This Hong Kong Store Recreates Iconic Fragrances of Luxury Hotels – Make This Your Next Travel Destination
15 Best European Summer Fragrances
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Ready to upgrade your hot girl summer kit with a touch of “Europecore” fragrances? Let’s dive into the world of scents that capture the essence of a European summer.
Rancé 1795 Eau de Zéphyr EDT
Perfect for regal characters who envision themselves in petticoats and back-fastening gowns, gazing into the vast sea with the taste of salt on the tip of their tongues!
Standing as the legendary brand’s latest Eau de Toilette in the vibrant and youthful Rue Rancé collection, this exclusive eau de toilette evokes a seaside landscape where the zest of citrus fruits meets a refreshing wave of musk, wood, and light ozonated accents.
Described as “salt, wind and Mediterranean” by artistic director Giovanni Rancé, this European summer fragrance celebrates the wind and sea, starting with a dynamic burst of citrus that transitions into a sophisticated mix of tea, geranium, galbanum, and honeysuckle.
The fragrance is rounded out with spices, magnolia, cedarwood, and violet, achieving a perfect balance of light and shadow.
Request for more information on the Rancé 1795 Eau de Zéphyr EDT on rance1795.com. The fragrance is currently only available in Italy, France, Poland, Switzerland, Ukraine, Romania, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and more. See all their stores here.
Check out other Rancé 1795 perfumes available at Novela and iShopChangi.
The Different Company After Midnight
The Different Company’s Luc Gabriel recommends After Midnight as a great European summer fragrance.
“It has a zesty, elegant opening and deep, sophisticated bottom notes, with angelica, iris, white jasmine, ambrette seeds and white musk. The perfect combination for a fresh yet sensual fragrance,” he said.
This gender-fluid cologne is usually worn in the evenings to better relieve tension and deliver its full charm.
The Different Company After Midnight retails from S$72.53 (€50) to S$188.58 (€130) at thedifferentcompany.com. The 90ml version is also available for S$169 instead of S$220 at PerfumeStore.sg.
Related read: Get a Whiff of the 19 Best Genderless Fragrances to Represent Your Individuality This Pride Month!
NICOLAÏ Riviera Verbena EDT
An obvious choice for Axel Michau de Nicolaï is this European summer fragrance encompasses “fresh, glamorous, and French Riviera.”
According to him, this perfume was launched two years ago and was inspired by the French Riviera.
Imagine strolling in the lush gardens on the first sunny days of spring, enjoying the fresh scents of lemon, mint leaves, and lemongrass blend beneath the shade of palm trees.
A hint of green, slightly acidic verbena emerges, mingling with sea spray, thyme, and a delicate touch of jasmine at the water’s edge.
NICOLAÏ Riviera Verbena EDT (100ml) retails for S$258.40 instead of S$272 at Novela.
Check out other perfumes available at Novela.
Etat Libre d’Orange Remarkable People
Recommended by Olivier Mariotti, this European summer fragrance basically smells like champagne and grapefruit juice in the mornings.
Designed for those who feel unique, exceptional, and have something extraordinary to offer the world, it has notes of grapefruit, champagne accord, cardamom, jasmin, black pepper, and Curry Neo Jungle Essence™.
This one’s for the rebels and daredevils who are always looking to transcend the ordinary and challenge the status quo for something better.
Etat Libre d’Orange Remarkable People retails for S$142.16 (€98, 50ml) and S$217.60 (€150, 100ml) at etatlibredorange.com. It’s also available for S$122 (50ml) and S$181 (100ml) at Fragrance.Sg.
Related read: 15 “Gen Z Fragrances” That Are Ranked Best and Translates to a Chaotic, Nonconformist You
Goutal Eau D’hadrien Eau De Parfum
A simple piece of reading can sometimes change everything. For Annick Goutal, it was “Memoirs of Hadrian” by Marguerite Yourcenar that inspired her during a summer in Italy.
This fragrance, more than just a memory, captures the essence of the Tuscan countryside bathed in sunlight. With a cocktail of bright citrus and a delightful freshness, Eau d’Hadrien is discretely elegant and modern. It became the first great success of the House, a timeless scent that continues to resonate.
The fragrance opens with vibrant top notes of Sicilian lemon, citron, grapefruit, and bergamot. The heart reveals green mandarin from Italy and juniper berries, while the base is enriched with cypress, ylang-ylang, and musk.
Goutal Eau D’hadrien Eau De Parfum retails for about S$138.34 (€95, 30ml), S$211.14 (€145, 50ml), and S$298.51 (€205, 100ml) at goutalparis.com.
Currently, they only ship within Europe and to the USA so you can use post-forwarding services like vPost. The 50ml version is also available for S$195.50 at Robinsons.
Lanvin Éclat D’Arpège Eau De Parfum
Introduced in 2003 by the esteemed design house, this gentle floral fragrance features a fruity blend that includes Sicilian lemon leaves, lilac green, wisteria flowers, green tea flowers, peach flowers, red peony, white cedar of Lebanon, musk, and amber.
It’s a more subtle option compared to other floral fragrances and offers a sweet, feminine scent that is not overpowering, perfect for those who want a signature fragrance without being too bold.
Lanvin Éclat D’Arpège Eau De Parfum (100ml) retails for S$101.50 instead of S$145 at Novela, at the time of writing. It’s also available for S$80 (30ml), S$105 (50ml), and S$145 (100ml) at Sephora.
Giorgio Armani My Way
This European summer fragrance invites you to explore new horizons and form meaningful connections across the globe.
Encased in a talisman-like bottle, this fragrance captures a radiant bouquet of white flowers, symbolising the journey of a curious and authentic woman seeking life-enriching experiences.
The blue and gold cap represents unity, with a gold ring inscribed with “Giorgio Armani,” indicating an enriched journey.
Giorgio Armani My Way (90ml) retails for S$192.95 instead of S$227 at Novela, at the time of writing. It’s also available for S$245 at Sephora.
Juliette Has a Gun Vanilla Vibes
Also known as a popular vanilla fragrance, Juliette Has a Gun’s Vanilla Vibes blends the gourmand warmth of vanilla with the fresh, salty essence of the sea.
Inspired by the vastness of the desert and the allure of adventure, this scent creates a symbiotic and electric atmosphere. The perfume fuses two opposites — sweet, sensual vanilla with atmospheric sea salt — creating an elegant and refined fragrance.
This European summer fragrance will be perfect for those who like to stay in trend and prefer gourmand notes, which are deemed to be a lasting fragrance trend by Luc Gabriel and Axel Michau de Nicolaï.
Juliette Has a Gun Vanilla Vibes (50ml) retails for S$99.22 instead of S$145 at Zalora, at the time of writing. It’s also available for S$155 (50ml) and S$200 (100ml) at Amaris Beauty.
Related read: 20 Best Vanilla Fragrances in 2024 to Smell Like Your Favourite Addictive Desserts
Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady
Created by perfumer and daring perfectionist Dominique Ropion, this TikTok-viral perfume is a masterpiece that elevates the richness of Turkish rose to new heights.
In collaboration with Frédéric Malle, Ropion redefines the art of perfumery with this luxurious composition. The fragrance features an indulgent rose, beautifully enhanced by deep woody tones, amber, and incense, creating a sophisticated and timeless scent.
Drawing inspiration from the cypress, a classic olfactory family, the creators blend light and shadow, elegance, and refinement, resulting in a fragrance designed to endure through the ages.
Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady retails from S$125 to S$610 at escentials. It’s also available for S$286 (50ml) and S$396 (100ml) at Fragrance.Sg.
Kayali Capri In A Bottle Lemon Sugar
Kayali introduces Capri In A Bottle Lemon Sugar 14, a new 2024 fragrance for both women and men, as part of the limited edition “Vacay in a Bottle” collection.
This collection invites you to escape to paradise through the power of perfumery, offering a joyful and luxurious experience that awakens your wanderlust.
This vibrant and irresistible gourmand fragrance blends sweet and zesty sugared lemon with the delicate floral notes of freesia, the juicy richness of raspberry, and the warm embrace of vanilla and clean musk.
It’s a delightful citrus gourmand scent and European summer fragrance that captures the essence of a carefree vacation!
Kayali Capri In A Bottle Lemon Sugar (10ml) retails for S$46.50 at Selfridges.
MONOTHEME Zagara Eau de Toilette
This collection of fragrances is defined by a traditional and elegant style, focusing on the loyal and timeless appeal of citrus notes.
Each scent offers a unique experience, inviting you to immerse yourself in the refreshing essence of the Mediterranean and its rich diversity.
The fragrance opens with the vibrant and zesty aroma of bitter orange, setting the tone for a refreshing journey. The heart of the scent continues to highlight bitter orange, deepening the citrus experience.
MONOTHEME Zagara Eau de Toilette (100ml) retails for S$47.50 instead of S$50 at Novela, at the time of writing.
Sospiro Vibrato
This sophisticated European summer fragrance masterfully blends sweet florals with warm spices, creating a harmonious and captivating scent.
Inspired by the rhythmic allure of a perfect vibrato, this perfume opens with a lively combination of jasmine, magnolia, Calabrian bergamot, and ginger, delivering a sparkling and dynamic introduction.
The heart reveals a delicate and powdery bouquet with orris root and herbal notes, while the base anchors the scent with cedarwood, amber, musk, and patchouli, leaving a warm, sensual trail.
Sospiro Vibrato (100ml) retails for S$409 at La Maison Du Parfum.
EX NIHILO In Paradise Riviera
Reimagined by perfumer Louise Turner, this limited-edition fragrance reflects the essence of a sultry afternoon on the French Riviera.
This sensual variation amplifies the floral notes, creating a more seductive and addictive signature.
The fragrance opens with the fresh brightness of bergamot, leading into a heart of lush peony, exotic tiare flower, and intoxicating tuberose.
The base is grounded by warm musk and smooth cashmeran, resulting in a captivating scent that embodies the allure of the Riviera.
EX NIHILO In Paradise Riviera (100ml) retails for S$440 at Amaris Beauty.
Related read: This TikToker Found the Ultimate Magnetic French Girl Perfume – Everyone in Paris Is Wearing It!
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic Eau De Toilette
A vibrant and joyful Eau de Toilette, Mandarine Basilic is a graceful blend of citrus and freshness from the French beauty brand.
This fragrance opens with the juicy, tangy notes of mandarin, enhanced by the aromatic zest of basil and energised by green tea, all set against a backdrop of woody notes.
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic Eau De Toilette retails for S$191 (75ml) and S$266 (125ml) at Guerlain. It’s also available for S$211 instead of S$253 (125ml) at Zalora. The 200ml refill is available for S$319 at Sephora.
Maison Margiela Replica From The Garden Eau De Toilette
This European summer fragrance captures a cherished memory shared between father and son, evoking the experience of harvesting tomatoes in a lush garden.
An ode to nature, this unisex fragrance blends the earthy essence of tomato leaf and green mandarin with the rich warmth of patchouli and geranium.
The result is a crisp, uplifting scent that transports you to a sunny afternoon in the garden, where the joy of picking ripe tomatoes and the grounding sensation of working with the earth come to life.
Maison Margiela Replica From The Garden Eau De Toilette (100ml) retails for S$220 at Sephora. It’s also available for S$97 (30ml) and S$194 (100ml) at iShopChangi, at the time of writing.
Related read: Tomato is the Latest Scent That’s Taking Over the World of Fragrance – Here’s How You Can Jump on the Bandwagon
Featured image credits: @jusderose/TikTok, Kayali, Goutal Paris
