I Hate To Tell Ya...But These Are Not Niche Fragrances.
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- I know you're wondering what's gotten into me lately. Am I crazy?
A little.
But I believe in what I'm sharing with you. I touched on this topic in my previous video, and a member of our very own Fresh Squad (Kenneth Royster) asked if I could expound on it.
Here's the topic: there are certain fragrances that come from brands that we commonly refer to as "niche" fragrance brands, and many of their offerings simply do what a lot of designer/mainstream fragrances do...only for two or three times the price. Therefore, I don't believe these are niche fragrances. They are simply luxury fragrances.
If your number one reason for wearing fragrances is to get compliments, then you don't necessarily need to spend that kind of money--just go for mainstream designer fragrances. However, if you wear these fragrances primarily because you love the way they smell, more power to you.
If you're interested in true niche fragrances, then I believe I have 10 wonderful brands you should consider, and you can find just about find all of their fragrances for the same prices you would find these very hyped luxury fragrances.
Links to purchase/try the fragrances mentioned will be below.
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Dasein Fragrances:
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M.A.B. Ganymede:
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Zaharoff Signature Pour Homme and Signature Royale:
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Naughton & Wilson:
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Jovoy L'Art De La Guerre:
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I’m coming back a couple days later after all of your feedback, and I appreciate those of you who have peacefully shared your input.
I’ve put some more thought into this idea through the lens of your perspectives, and there are some things I would amend in this video. The most important of those things is this:
I choose to evaluate “mainstream” vs. “niche” on a fragrance-by-fragrance basis. I believe that a niche brand can produce both niche and mainstream fragrances. A designer brand can also produce niche fragrances. I’m not saying that niche is objectively better than mainstream, although I do have my subjective tastes in fragrance after years of sniffing hundreds and hundreds of fragrances.
Some of you may still not agree with this, and that’s ok. Nonetheless, thanks for your time.
Don't Know What You Been On Lately Bro, With Exposing The Frag Community.
But I Absolutely Love It.
Helping Us Beginners Save A lot of Time & Money
Thanks
Dope Intro As Usual 🎺🎶
I think you have a great opportunity to have a niche as the Fragrance Curmudgeon. I watch a bunch of CC’s and being told every fragrance is unique and amazing doesn’t really help much. Being told BDC EDT and Spicebomb are go-to’s when 3/4 of the men at work or the bar are wearing it - also not helpful.
I thought niche simply meant the company only makes perfume
@@H..M.. What kind of work do you do to find that many guys wearing cologne? I still don't see a lot of guys wearing it.
@@TranceForLyfe I am an old man working at a finance company in Boston and there is one team where all the guys wear cologne, and they’re all wearing the big designer names. I’d say 95% of the guys I know don’t wear anything or don’t wear anything I’ve noticed. My sample group is probably single guys 33-45 going out after work.
I have a sensitive nose, so when a guy is wearing cologne, and I am around them, i notice it.
I just wanna say I appreciate the direction you're going with this channel. Most of the fragrance people I see just crank out new reviews and lists in a way that seems unattainable for the average person. I like these more thoughtful pieces of content because it's making me think more about my purchases, searching harder for quality and raising the standards of things I want in my collection. Much respect.
List and reviews of the "hottest frags" and new releases is what the masses are checking for so they make those to get higher up the UA-cam algorithm which makes gets more views which hopefully makes the reviewer $$$
@@jeromeparson6210 that's fine, but that's not all there is to talk about. There's more to it than those lists. Which is why I acknowledged Justin.
@@bigboi301slg yea I just was saying why they all do those same type of videos they just trying to get paid
Thank you very much.
Definitely agree with that
Niche has become code word for “More expensive and overhyped than needed”
In the case when they produce mass appealing stuff I agree,, but I am just getting into niche brands and there are some fantastic fragrances that are amazing quality that you just can not buy from the designer brands. That is where they score,, they win when they are producing niche products.
@@gazzap6664 Yes indeed. Niche will always have some real hitters but that word is getting thrown around too lightly these days.
Niche, whatever people think, it means produced for a particular market, not necessarily expensive. If you produce perfumes, bags or cars you are not niche. It's not even a matter of quality. Unfortunately youtubers distorted the pure meaning of the word
There’s no difference its all the same , nautica voyage $20 lasts longer than baccarat $400
@@gazzap6664 share some of your fragrances
I totally get what you’re saying and compared to some of the offerings from these independent brands I have, Layton is child’s play BUT in debate… I don’t believe a niche fragrance has to be super artistic or transcendent and only appeal to a “niche” audience to be regarded as niche...
There are so many DESIGNERS that appeal to a niche audience based on their style and their artistic expression ie; John Varvatos, Gucci Guilty Absolute, Nuit D’Issey, Moschino, Zadig and Voltaire, Comme de Garçon, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, designer Private Lines… but that doesn’t mean these companies are now niche houses…
Parfums de Marly is a niche house… and until they start fabricating clothing and accessories they can’t be considered “designer”. A “designer of fragrance” I suppose… but still Layton has always smelled “niche” to me... aside from it being highly likable there are elements to its composition I find very “niche-like” especially in comparison to some of these designers that it bares similarities to… Ultra Male, Polo Red Extreme, Lalique White In Black, This Is Him… it’s still far more complex, has more depth, and clearly uses higher quality ingredients.
The way I see it, just because a niche house makes more approachable fragrances doesn’t make them any less niche (most of them have at least a couple offerings) it just makes them not as seemingly luxurious in comparison to their designer counterparts… especially when there are so many amazing designers, too. It’s the depth, the subtleties and the nuances that separate them.
✌🏼🎈
Ps. I love my designers equally and Coach Platinum is great!
SOTN: Dior Homme Parfum
i think stop thinking about the houses as being niche, just think about the scent coming from them. The very definition if niche is to appeal to a narrow band, so if a product has mass appeal it is not a niche product and you shouldnt pay niche prices for it, just buy the cheaper mass appealing one instead.
I totally agree. It is problematic to define the term niche based on how the perfume is received by the masses. Absolutely not. If the fragrance house specialises in, and targets a niche audience, just because the fragrances ends up being very popular does not mean it no longer fits the definition. That cant be right.
Exactly so If I’m a niche house I need to be careful and not try to make something mass appealing 🤨
I’m a big believer in keeping life simple. Niche houses focus solely on perfumery while designers take our money through other commercial products….it’s all good, wear fragrance for yourself first…the rest will take care of itself.
Yeah, you've couldn't have said it better wear what makes you feel good or take you to a certain place ❤
The discussion is appreciated. I am seeing far too many people refer to Tom Ford and Maison Margela as "niche" simply because they believe the luxury narrative. The definition through the age has been niche referring to a brand that exclusively does perfumery, hence fragrance being their "niche".
When a person refers to something as niche they can be referring to either the house or the individual release itself. Many designers make niche fragrances, but let's not confuse people by saying "niche" is exclusive to appeal. All perfumery is a luxury item, price fluctuates, tastes change and value is subjective.
Thank you for making this video 👍
I was going to respond in similar, but you have covered all I was going to say. Niche has nothing to do with the quality or appealing nature of a fragrance, but has to do with the fragrance house itself and its business platform. Some argue, as you stated, Tom Ford as an example, is niche when in fact, he is strictly a designer house given the sale of fragrances , apparel, etc under the name. The quality of SOME of his fragrances are wonderful and very high end, others not so much, yet they are far more expensive per ML in comparison to Parfum De Marly Layton and all other fragrances in the house. I own many. Kilian, niche house which recently changed the quality of the juice in many of its fragrances charges an enormous price tag for what is now relative garbage with little longeveity.
Finally someone who puts it as it is. Nowadays, ppl think they can just make up their own definitions and hit you with „I consider xyz niche“. That just confuses others by mixing up niche with luxury and not mass appealing. Not all high priced perfumes are niche (for example: Tom Ford). Not all niche don’t have mass appeal (for example Layton by Parfums de Marly). Not all niche fragrance houses are expensive (for example Etat libre d‘orange). Not all non-niche fragrances are non-original, not unique, of lower quality (for example Dior Homme Parfum).
good reply. I would agree that a niche fragrance can be made by a designer house or a brand primarily associated with niche products. The designer houses have mainstream, mass appealing products (which is where they make their money) and also some less distributed fragrances that are not mass appealing and fit nicely into the niche category. But when a primarily niche house produces a fragrance that is mass appealing and charges niche money for it you have to ask yourself why spend so much when i can buy cheaper from designer brands for something that does the same job.
I agree, Niche is misconstrued for Luxury now a days. Prime example, Aventus by Creed. Prices went up to keep the Niche (Luxury) aspect. I will say PDM is reasonably priced on discounters. The quality of smell and performance are fantastic and all for Dior/Chanel budgets.
No. I just don't agree with this. Niche means it comes from a house that makes perfumes exclusively. That's all that means.
I don't see the point in endlessly dividing clearly defined categories. Moreover I am not sure we need the niche designer distinction. It's all scent.
Exactly. I agree with you 💯. This is true
I agree 100% also. Just like on the flip side most designer fragrance brands (Gucci Versace, Prada, Armani, etc) are also high dollar houses in the clothing and luggage world and are classed in the in the “designer” or “luxury” due to premium materials used, handcrafted, limited quantities, essentially whatever reason they want to give to justify the high dollar price tag. Sure some brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, or even some clothing lines with Nike may sometimes come with more premium materials, and different offerings. But that still doesn’t make them a luxury brand because they mix and dabble from time to time versus a company/house like Dior, Luis Vuitton, or Hermès who’s primary focus is luxury. So in this analogy Tommy Hilfiger would be the equivalent to “designer” and Hermès would be the equivalent to “niche”.
Perfectly stated.
I simply believe that niche brands can produce both niche fragrances and mainstream fragrances.
But wear what you love, no matter what you'd like to call it. Just my tiny little opinion.
Finally someone said it, never understood why people called stuff niche because the company only made cologne but if they have other ventures then it's designer. Literally changed the definition, niche has always been for a certain small market away from the masses. There are "designer" fragrances that I would also consider niche smelling
@@yasssssok7319 "A niche is a place or position that's particularly appropriate for someone or something, especially due to being very specific and different from others. "
It's all about being different to a small market,something can be different and new like the shower gel blue fragrances but it appeals to everyone in sauvage.
Think kfc they only focus on food but they aren't niche because they focus on one market, but their vegan chicken nuggets is niche because it focuses on a small market.
Like justin said Layton might not be niche smelling but there are other niche type frags in PDM.
@@yasssssok7319 I don't consider sweet and fresh to be mass appealing. I just think if it's complex and unique enough. But we will have to just agree to disagree.
I look at certain notes and how they are built around other notes like oud, iris, violet leaf. Certain houses will make them mass appealing and easy to wear for everyone but some will make notes like those for a select few.
@@yasssssok7319 if you go by that definition then I have no choice but to concede. There are indeed multiple sources online explaining what it is.
@@yasssssok7319 yezzir by that logic niche houses can’t make mass appealing perfumes!
Sorry man but I gotta disagree with you on this. If the fragrance is over $200 retail then it’s Niche. Also just because a fragrance like Layton, or Cedrat Boise isn’t challenging doesn’t mean it’s not Niche. Not all Niche fragrances are challenging fragrances. Houses like PDM, Mancera, Bond No.9, and Creed make mass appealing fragrances all the time, but that doesn’t make them any less Niche. Don’t get me wrong, I her what you’re saying but I don’t agree 😂
If the so-called 'niche' brands are easily accessible in the market, easily found in department stores, and easily found online, then they're no longer 'niche' strictly so-called, no matter the prices they come at. What used to be niche 8-10 years ago, are now found in the 'Indie' category.
@@scentsamurai5149 you can find Niche fragrances anywhere now days. Doesn’t mean they’re no longer Niche
Hey Mike. I just believe that niche brands can produce both niche fragrances and mainstream fragrances.
I bought into niche hype because I didn’t want to smell generic, and I liked a lot of the niche fragrances I smelled but they were never worth the price tag, I want something I can wear often because then I fall more in love it and it becomes more “me”. I found my interests more in higher end designer, DHP, BdC Parfum, private blends like ambre nuit, and even the cheap but imo masterpiece Versace eau fraiche. These are all true works of art unlike many entry level designers, and they smell different than most guys, but I feel I get much better value than with niche
Niche has nothing to do with price, it’s simply from a house that only makes fragrances. So even Armaf, though the frags are cheap, is in fact a niche brand.
100%, and niche has nothing to do with the popularity. You can distinguish between more famous niche fragrances and some unknown. But the popularity, price or quality is not a reason to say " this is not niche" when it's actually a niche fragrance
That is indeed the traditional narrative. I'm simply trying to add more nuance to it. I think a niche house can produce both niche and mainstream fragrances.
@@uncleiroh7 I'm totally confused about what he's saying. I think your description is spot on and how I've always understood niche to be.
@@stayfreshproductions respectfully, you're not adding nuance, you're changing a recognized and accepted dictionary definition to suit your opinion. The dictionary definition of 'niche' is: "a specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service." So a niche fragrance house is one that specializes in fragrance. It then follows that fragrances made by that niche house are niche fragrances.
While I accept that you've presented your opinion, and you're entitled to it, you seem to be confusing a 'style' of fragrance, with the recognized designation of that fragrance.
Look at up niche in the dictionary and that’s what it is
Idk. IMO, we get into trouble trying to define niche based on subjective, relative or unknown factors such as quality, cost and uniqueness. I personally like to stick with the easy definition of a house that only does fragrances (including beauty and soaps). With Independent houses (which can be niche too) defined as houses that are not owned by parent organizations.
I agree with you on your definition.
I agree with you. Perhaps I could have said it better: they are niche brands who have commercial/mainstream releases. I meant for my focus to be on the fragrances more than the houses. My point is that I don’t believe that those particular releases are niche fragrances, even though they come from a house that makes niche fragrances.
@@stayfreshproductions Welllll....again that's relative. An experienced nose may call a fragrance mainstream, but the fragrance may be the most amazing smell ever to a new nose. Also, does a "niche" fragrance on Monday become mainstream or commercial because a designer or two decided to copy the scent profile on Tuesday. By that logic, as soon as Dua dupes a $1000 Roja fragrance, that $1000 fragrance is now mainstream? Too messy.
@@djones8571 it being relative goes without saying. As I said in the video, this is my opinion, based on my experience. Your mileage will vary. I get the same wearing experience out of Sedley as I do out of Bleu de Chanel EDP. Again, just me.
To my nose, I can’t consider these fragrances niche to the same degree as fragrances from Jovoy, Manos Gerakinis, and Strangelove NYC. If you want to settle on niche being a spectrum, that’s fine. ✌🏾
@@stayfreshproductions Right. Just opinions.
"Niche" has always seemed to me far to expensive for what you get at times. My taste has started leaning towards middle eastern scents and I have been buying from those houses.
Could you tell me about any? Because I just got into middle easterns scents. Just got Rasasi Hawas been wearing that!!
Interesting topic, and I do agree with most of your points, especially on those brands. I was put off by niche perfumery exactly because of comments such as "try these niche starters first", which was incredibly disappointing. Thankfully, I found my taste on other brands.
The only point I disagree is where niche is meant to be for a "specific taste". While there are certainly a lot of niche that fit that category, there are also some perfumes that truly smell niche, high quality, but are still mass appealing (e.g. Xerjoff Naxos, Uden or Nio, for instance). You could argue that they have designer resemblances, but they tweak it a bit and place.high quality to the point that - for me - makes them niche.
Bold move to address the concept of being a truly niche fragrance vs just being a luxury fragrance being marketed as niche with the price tag. A daring and unique approach, per your usual.
I've just come to the realization that my nose is pedestrian and I most often prefer designer over niche. And I'm fine with that. Wish I would have come to realize this earlier. I could have saved myself a lot of money.
If you’re open to development, it is inevitable with time. I started in the same place and kept myself there for a while.
@@stayfreshproductions in reality the real meaning of niche perfumery is a fragrance house that only makes fragrances period and with designer house they make everything including fragrances… i have purchase many niche perfume and designers and have come to conclusion that designer is the way to go cause of the mass appeal and most pple don’t even like the smell of niche fragrances other than youtubers that I’ve watch
@@stayfreshproductions While it certainly might end up happening that way, I would argue it is not a good thing. If someone is truly happy with a $40 fragrance, it seems silly to start training your nose to like $200 bottles instead. Now if someone doesn't like designers or wants to go further, so be it. But to a certain extent, ignorance is bliss (and cheaper too).
same here. tried so many niche and luxury fragrances, but all of them smell obnoxious to my nose. why would I want to smell of oakmoss, pay more for it and not even enjoy it? love me some aventus, egoiste platinum (1993 vintage), dior homme/intense/eau,adg profumo…
You can get designer that still smells odd any private lines from designers some Louis Vuitton ombré nomade that’s designer and it’s super expensive
I’m open minded and I disagree. I can see where you’re coming from, but more like saying we need a new category for such niche houses. And what happens with the house that started with unique and interesting scents in todays noses and somehow in the future such scent profile became mass appealing?
Carlisle from PDM is an amazing scent. Extremely unique and most definitely niche quality. I love that stuff.
The only PdM worth the price tag, in my humble & possiprobably controversial opinion... =P
JC absolutely love your content. Layton is special.. and it's coincidental that I just got a 2.5 backordered bottle of profumo which used to be my daily fall scent a few years ago. Profumo is still great but I can smell a HUGE difference in quality between profumo and layton after wearing layton daily the past few fall/winters. Also, this could be my ignorance as I'm fairly new to the community (~3 years) wearing fragrance daily. Nothing else smells like Layton to me, nothing captures that combination the same way.
I recently bought the PDM 6 piece discovery set. I like a few and LOVE a few, but they are ALL amazing quality and scents. I have tried several Creed and they are all over the place. Ironically, I bought Creed Royal Oud recently and I think it really is niche because my wife hates it and I love it sometimes. 🤣 And it’s $500 a bottle.
I have Byerley, Nisean and Layton. Love all 3 of them, but I find them to be very niche. About Percival and Sedley you could say that they smell generic, but Layton, Greenley or Galloway for example, even though they are very easy to wear, they smell very unique and have amazing quality.
I’m a big fan of higher end designer fragrances. Chanel, Dior, Tom ford. Those kinds of fragrances. They always have mass appealing qualities but you’re usually getting what you pay for too and it’s gonna be higher quality and more interesting.
Great review, being a bit older now I am not interested in smelling like everyone and niche is the way for me. Recently tested and bought Roja Scandal after seeing your review,, perfect for me and your review was very accurate. All of these companies are in it to make money so dont blame some of the niche brands for jumping on the band wagon but I think they simply become over priced in these circumstances. By the way, your reviews are so relaxed, you could almost guess you were Jazz musician. Keep it up Justin.
Thank you very much.
Great breakdown and great video. You’ve introduced me to more Black Owned Brands that I never knew existed. Thanks for doing so!
Thank you!
If xerjoff Started selling their fragrances for $50 would they no longer be niche..? This is why I say definitions matter stick to what is defined as niche and that is niche
Exactly I feel price has no bearing on what a fragrance is defined as
Never knew you were from the 513. Hell yeah, man!
You could totally have an offshoot of your channel devoted just to your trumpet playing. Sounds great.
Anyway, thanks for making your content. Love that you're so candid.
Thanks Shane! I'm originally from central California, but currently live in Portland.
Well bro Justin, great video, but I would like to say here in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 I can get mancera on discount between £ 55 pounds and 69 pounds I will buy that instead of designers and as far I know in the USA fragrances are not that cheap , also talking about amouage this is one of my favourite fragrances houses and I don’t wear fragrances for compliments, I wear them because I love it. Have a blessing weekend peace ✌️
😂 Mancera/Montale has just took a £2 attar and put it into a fancy bottle and selling it for £50+.
Pierre Montale went traveling to Dubai and came across these attars.
brought it back to the west and is now killing it with £2 oils that you can find in any Islamic store in the UK.
and the oud hype 😂 don't get me started on that. we got westerns now going around smelling like a Taliban.
@@mohsinchoudhury85 well that is up to you dude and I will buy what I like yep if I buy Henry Jacques correspondence just I like even though it’s not cheap also just to let you know talking about fragrances I’m not new yet I don’t needs your opinion .
@@syndoudiarrassouba1938 🤨 son, calm yourself down with your attitude. don't think your the dogs bollocks just because you wear £2 fragrances thinking your wearing high end niche. take the day off son.
@@mohsinchoudhury85 well do not call me son you don’t f know me
to me... i keep it really simple
Designer: not a fragrance house first - only exception imo is tom ford private blend - but it's still very debatable.
Niche: straight fragrance house (hype/overrated doesnt mean nothing)
i get what you saying tho about buying niche just for status/compliments and it goes into your other videos you been putting out lately about wearing fragrances for other people and not yourself.
Valid points! I noticed PDM Sedley however great it is , is in the same league as Bleu de Channel and I wondered if it was worth the price difference. I have both and notice similarities. MFK is also a niche brand that smells more designer. No surprise he moved to Dior.
JC!! Happy Friday my Brotha!! Great music video fam!! Keep up the great work!!
Thank you! Finally someone said it. Most of PDM fragrances smell generic to me. Don't get me it smells good, but not "spend a shit-ton" good.
The thing about niche that i noticed is that it changes on different type of skin. Even if you take layton, it gets sweet on my skin and spicy on my friend's. And on my cousin, lavender is more prominent and it smells soft powdery. So yeah it is special. Sedley tho, is linear compare to Layton. Doesn't have many aspects of "change" and being magical. That doesn't mean that it's not high quality tho but the choice of raw material is very simple. Mostly, summer fragrances don't have a huge spectrum to scale and change as the raw material tend to die off or be near to disappearance by time fragrance changes. Great Vid 👍
Skin chemistry an effect any fragrance doesn't matter what category it is!!
@@jeromeparson6210 yup i understand skin chemistry but many designers don't change that much, they stay linear e.g toy boy, the only change that occurs is that the top note disappear and then it's linear on everyone i tried on. And ppl say that fragrance is niche quality in designer which i don't disagree with it FEELS high quality.
Bro. We’ve been over this. People like Roja Dove himself have said it. Niche brands are brands that only make fragrances. I’m not sure why you have to confuse people. It’s not broad or opened ended, nor is it subjective.
I'm not changing the definition, I'm simply trying to add more nuance. I simply believe that a niche brand can produce both niche and mainstream fragrances.
I just wore Enclave and Ganymede this week. Love them both. Also, I’m glad to see you mention Mancera Black Gold. VERY UNDERRATED FRAGRANCE! Holla.
My understanding of niche is that the house doesnt do anything else. (They dont make luggage and jewelry and fashion, those are designers). They just make fragrance, I just put up a video Niche vs Designer.
Now this is what I'm here for. I won't touch on your picks, I'll touch on the topic. I never had a phase where I was a designer collector, I first got into the game heavy with niche. My first scent was, obviously, Layton. Layton is my year-to-date most-worn scent as well, it's what I reach for as a default. The more time went on and the further I got from PDM, the more I realized just how basic PDM's entry-level offering is. I'm not even talking about just Layton and Percival, but to me, Herod also isn't that far out. Neither is Kalan, Darley, Godolphin etc.
On the other hand, to me there are a significant amount of scents that are clear interpretations of something. Vilhelm's "Morning Chess" and Mancera's "Cedrat Boise" clearly interpret Creed "Aventus". PDM's "Godolphin" and Nishane's "Suede et Safran" both borrow from Tom Ford's "Tuscan Leather". PDM's "Kalan" and Mancera's "Instant Crush" clearly take from MFK's "BR540". Occasionally you'll even get some triangular versions of this, e.g. Angel's Share vs. Oajan/Habdan vs. Enigma.
So as a whole, I agree that there are some scents that defeat the uniqueness aspect of niche, but I think that can also be a slippery slope since the definition can be extended to also include these "interpretation scents". This would lead to a reality where a significant share of the niche world is an interpretation of something. Or in more simple terms, if Layton loses niche status due to lack of uniqueness, then so does around 1/5 of the entire niche industry, mainly due to house composition (almost the entire offering of houses like Mancera, Montale, Atelier interprets something).
Nothing like Carlisle though, the only PdM worth the price tag! 👌
Awesome distinction. Niche brand vs luxury brand. Glad to see Justin in agreement with what I have said since the day I first smelled Layton. Its not niche. It just costs a lot.
I just found your channel today and I really like your style and opinions. I'm pretty new in my journey still, but learning new things everyday. Also, I REALLY like your voice! Do you sing as well? Your voice is so calming, soothing, it's almost ASMR-like, if you know what that is. You'd be great at reading bedtime stories! haha :) Keep up the great work here!
Haha! Thank you...I love to sing but I am not a singer. I'm glad you're enjoying the content!
Well stated. Another tricky subject - perfume as an art form, and the perfumer (or house) as artists. In that context, what role does price play in the interpretation of art? Who are the genuine artists? And who is essentially selling printed Ikea wall art for the cost of a Picasso? What are the parameters for judging the value of art? If a niche luxury brand makes a 'cologne' (only meant to last for a few hours), using the best of the best materials, creative direction, and composition methods, how does the community justify the cost on the basis of performance and longevity? The role of marketing (mostly false) in perfumery has strayed us so far away from art, and design into a pure commodity, everyone's wires are completely crossed. Using terms like luxury, premium, super-premium, indy, Haute is much more appropriate. This categorization gives us the industry equivalent of LV, Gucci, Armani, but also an Acne, Fear of God, or Ralph Lauren, and leaves room for H&M, UNIQLO, and Zara. In this context, just like Dior can make you a pair of $800 jeans, so too can the luxury niche indy perfume house make a $400 cologne that literally only lasts as long as a Saturday brunch. And the responsibility of the house will be to maximize every second of wear for that 4 hours of peak socialization with the most exquisite materials, and artistic expression, leading to hedonistic overload. Ok, Im done - love your show, keep doing your thing.
Thank you Adrian!!
I thought that a niche fragrance was created by a company that specializes in making fragrances only. So if Mancera and PDM do not make anything other than fragrances, then I would say that they are niche fragrances
That has been the narrative. But I simply believe that niche brands can create mainstream fragrances.
Well put, though there's counterargument to be made for some niche.
I feel like there's still room for controversy for niche fragrances today which still makes even the ones considered 'mass appealing' unique and standout.
Even Layton for example has it's opposition with a good deal of people comparing that opening to an obnoxious dose of Vick's Vaporub, while the most negative point I hear about designers of today like Dior Sauvage is the fact everyone wears it, rather than the composition of the scent itself.
Agreed. With respect to the fragrance community, I feel similarly about the term 'flanker' when it's used to indicate a change of concentration.
A niche market is a market segment identified by a unique set of needs or preferences. These needs may follow from the purchaser’s budget, location, interests, attitude toward the product, or other factors. PDM is a niche house. They specialize in fragrance only. The quality is obvious when compared Armani.
I believe that a niche house can create both niche and mainstream fragrances. That's all I'm trying to say.
I like they description that you make regarding Niche/ luxury fragances. I agree with you that mass appealing fragances considered as Niche brands, can be considered as a luxury. Mostly Niche fragances are expensive, but if you like them enough to pay the price, then it's a luxury for the purpose of giving you pleasure.
Bro..... That intro....
I'm a band kid, I played Tuba/Sousaphone from 6th grade til Graduation, and traditionally Tuba players hate Trumpets, our ears aren't tuned for it, but that was some of the most soulful, jazzy, downright yummy bits of trumpet I've ever heard. Cheers.
Thank you bro!
Great topic Justin, and I agree with you generally speaking. There is a stigma that niche = unique Fragrances. That being said I really like Layton and some of the more mass appealing niche scents myself. I've actually been leaning more towards Indies lately. There are some brands that are killing it for the price. HappyLand Studios, For The Scent of It, Authenticity etc. I actually don't really like Profumo or get good performance out of it. I do have a newer batch to be fair though.
Amazing solo at the beginning brother, would love to see more of your playing!
Thank you! I have another channel- look up Justin Copeland Music
Masque Milano:
If I were to choose one brand that truly embodies what Niche should be.
Perhaps you could do a list of Niche fragrances that have best back story and the scent profile to truly bring it to life. I believe Masque Milano frags stand out in this regard.
I'd love to do a video like that if folks wanna see it!
@@stayfreshproductionsI really appreciate when I smell a fragrance and think to myself, 'okay I get exactly what they were going for.'
Especially when I fragrance is transportive I enjoy experiencing the fragrance within itself.
The end result of what is created by Alessandro Brun and the specifically contracted independent perfumer is truly something to marvel at.
The only fragrances I currently wear from the house are Hemingway and Love Kills although I am always sampling fragrances from the house as I truly revere them as a work of art.
(Hopefully as social distancing mandates expire I will have more occasion to wear the more nuanced and intricate fragrances from the house.)
Everyday I put a new fragrance on after my evening shower, just for me at home. So I totally agree. Get what you like
I love how when I watch your videos there is always atleast 1 fragrance I have never heard of and it keeps me interested!! I love how you dont mention the same fragrances every video
Thank you!
The tune from the intro was so heartwarming ❤️
Interesting way to get a conversation going. This gets more interesting when niche houses (as it is a business for many afterall) would make very good/high quality mass appealing scents along with their artistic ones. Those mass appealers could just be their money makers and unique ones are their expressions. Do they stop being niche houses for these scents?
On the flip side, the private line of some designers also include artistic scents like Chanel's Le Lion. Isn't or wasnt Gucci Guilty Absolute considered niche quality due to its limited audience and that lead to its discontinuation? This leads another question - what designer scents should be called niche? Unfortunately designer houses are not as daring or experimental as before like when Original Dior homme, YSL Jazz or Gucci Guilty Absolute came out or special releases like Dolce Gabbana Luminous Night
I agree for the most part, but mass appealing does not mean low quality.
For example, Parfums de Marly - Percival formulation has 17 different natural ingredients. Which can be considered as, high quality. Mont Blanc - Legend smells similar, but with synthetics instead of naturals.
So you are also paying for the ingredients.
It certainly doesn't mean low quality. But Percival doesn't necessarily smell "natural" to me. It reminds me of a Suave body wash I used to use as a kid. Nothing wrong with that.
@@stayfreshproductions Well, we all know that ambroxan is not natural, and it affects the whole composition. The lavender and citruses are very natural though... But still, naturals and lab. created ingredients smell very similar these days. So it is hard to comment on that one.
Still, 1mL of real lavender oil is like $2, and the production cost of 125mL Percival, even with 17 naturals, cant be more than $25. I still think it is a high-quality fragrance though.
Had to favourites this because the piece of music at the start was insanely pleasurable to my ears. Thanks for the great content Justin 👍
Thank you
To me, Layton is a must always have in the collection fragrance. Man I love that scent.
Again a slightly provocative but also very real video, love the content! Also right on point with the alone on an island remark.
I think it depends on your definition of niche. To me, niche is filling a void that mainstream doesn't fill. Then by that definition, also the Laytons or Aventi of this world could be considered niche, even when the scent profile isn't that kind that would appeal to a more select audience. I wouldn't consider that to be a stepping stone into the world of niche, perhaps polarizing fragrances however. To me Layton is a very well rounded likeable luxurious feeling fragrance, which is a niche by itself, but won't challenge your olfactory sense with off the beaten track scents. If that luxurious feeling is what you're after, go for it! But just like with luxury bespoke cars, don't buy that stuff for the neighbours, or to get compliments.
Do love your suggestions for something a bit different. Some are already on my to get list, some others will surely get a try!
Personally, I do not care what is niche or designer. I, simply, want well balanced, timeless fragrances that do not cost as much as my truck payment. I do not think that this Is too much to ask. On another note, you are right to point it out. Some have claimed to be niche simply to raise their prices.
Great theory. I think the price tag and availability are the biggest differences. Niche and luxury brands have limited distribution, deliberately. Right now, if you want keep the quality and uniqueness and save some money, go vintage. Vintage feminine scents are perfect for most men.
I have come to the conclusion that I want fragrances I enjoy but dont smell on everybody else. I bought the hyped fragrances (I like most of them) and some of the challenging fragrances, but I definitely sont like many challenging fragrances. Most of the CHALLENGING fragrances I have tried smell bad but we talk ourselves into still coming back to it because it is considered "artistic" and we want to enjoy it the way we are "supposed" to. Some of these challenging fragrances are hype withing themselves. I've heard descriptions as far out as saying it smells like motor oil, smells fecal, smells like body odor.....like wtf would I want to smell like that? Because someone said its challenging, and try to make me rethink whether or not I want to smell terrible due to its artistic composition? I'm not with that. I am at the point that I want to smell enjoyable (to myself) and usually that consists of a scent profile that is not too far off the beaten path. I enjoy pear, melon, star fruit, watermelon openings in a freshie not the usual apple or citrus...and cherry, plum, chestnut, praline in a gourmand not the chocolate, coffee that I see overhyped. I appreciate that you are true to yourself and you seem to like the more challenging fragrances no matter the notes. I come to your page to hear about scents I wouldn't necessarily come across and if they spark my interest I buy a sample. So this channel can still be enjoyed by a fragrance enthusiast with less daring intentions.
Yup people are chasing all over the internet with there tired credit cards, buying up everything that seems niche like its going out of fashion. So glad you made this Dear Lawd! Am I sick to death of the Niche junkies. Hi from Italy 🇮🇹 I just subscribed your voice is like honey 🍯
Thank you so much! I will check out your channel. :)
Well said sir. For me, if a person compliments my niche fragrance then I get woried, niche has to be unique, unusual and a bit offputting to the masses.
@@biancadivinia4424 lol corrected thanks.
It's definitely worthwhile to widen your FOV when it comes to fragrances. I'm quite new to it all, about 2 years or so, but I got caught up in the whole Creed / PdM / Initio / Amouage thing, and as much as they do have some absolute belters (Side Effect, OfG, Bracken, Beach Hut, Royal Oud etc), there are a load of less-celebrated beauties out there. I got a sample of Bon Viveur a while back, bundled with another fragrance, and I really like it. Also, I was lucky enough to win a bottle of Rosendo Mateu "7" in a raffle a while back... this is a really well blended one, notes are patchouli, oud and vanilla, but they come together so well it's hard to delineate them. Another house that's often spoken of, but rarely celebrated is Tiziana Terenzi. Yes, there is plenty of coverage out there, but it's almost in hushed tones, due to the following; Some very challenging frags in their collection, and some that while initially can scare off just about anyone, eventually dry down into the most incredible scents. Ursa, I'm looking at you... :) They have certainly earned the "niche" title.
Barely hear much from Tizianas line. Sounds unique for sure.
I'm surprised that Ganymede wasn't in your "overhyped" list from the other day since everyone is talking about it.
Interesting, I haven’t seen anyone talking about it. But maybe I’m not looking hard enough. I’ve been talking about it for almost two years.
@@stayfreshproductions it's popular on the Fragrantica forums for example.
I was always under the impression that the difference between designer and niche was that designer fragrance also work in the designer clothing industry whether it be dresses, formal wear, shoes, etc. Niche, on the other hand, only focus on making fragrances. That's the only thing they do and they do so on a relatively large scale. Then there are Indie fragrances, where there might be just one person making the limited quantity that are available. These indie houses have the ability to use very unique ingredients and tend to be the opposite of mass-appealing, rather appealing to a narrow group of buyers.
Anyway, I have a sample of Ganymede waiting to be opened tomorrow morning. I've waited a long time to get my nose on this, so it's sort of a special occasion I've been planning for lol.
Ok, WOW! Just finished trying Ganymede for the first time. Instantly one of my top 5 fragrances! I'm finding I really enjoy these 'mineral' fragrances, like H24. Man, this stuff is awesome I keep catching whiffs of it. So so good. I highly recommend anyone trying a 1-2ml sample. Money well spent in my opinion.
Niche correct me if I’m wrong, is a company that only does fragrance. You could split hairs all day with Tom Ford private blend being all 3 of your points but TF is a designer house. Guerlian is niche, as much as everyone labels it as designer…
Traditionally, that is the definition. I'm simply trying to add more nuance to it though. I think a niche house can produce both niche and mainstream fragrances.
6:03 dog went crazy and scared the sh!+ outta me. Great video!!!
Lol!! Thank you
JC started the convo and continued to keep it alive. I agree with your general concept behind the video.
I would also like to add that just because something at one point in time is considered nichie doesn't mean it remains as such.
I believe you're referring to a scents over all DNA as to the traditional definition of nichie. Layton is a great example of a luxury version of a designer DNA. Perhaps at some point the DNA structure of layton was once nichie, but I believe that time did pass. That said Layton takes that mass appeal DNA to the level we want it at, which is why we all pay the price tag. Might not be traditionally nichie but who here could argue Layton is a beast of the mass appeal DNA, point blank period.
Any other highly regard mass appealing niche like Layton? No aventus or Naxos
I truly enjoy your content and love that you introduce us, as your audience, to fragrances and brands no one is talking about but this video left me confused. You’ve never struck me as snobbish but as someone I can relate to in one’s fragrance journey. But punishing a brand for making a mass appealing fragrance seems to be a bit snobbish. Most would say Layton’s mass appealing but for me it took some time to get used to that sharp apple up top but Layton and Percival led to me falling in love with their Arabian collection. Mass appealing niche is like chumming the water when fishing. Percival and Godolphin leads to Kuhuyan and Hamdani just as Reflection Man leads to so many other Amouge fragrance. I can understand your Point, but it just seemed like the down to earth and relatable Justin we love disappeared in this one.
The last thing I'm trying to do is punish any brand for seeking sales. I enjoy all of the fragrances I spoke about. This video was simply meant to serve as a point of critical questioning for the consumer, based upon their goals and desires with their fragrances.
@@stayfreshproductions I know but I’ve seen a handful of reviewers go down this rabbit hole only to be negatively put upon by social media viewers and FragCom. I was really bothered by the negative response from so many on your black owned fragrance video and I don’t want that for you. You are literally the only reviewer I’ve watched that brings, consistently, brands I’ve never heard of to your audience. I want to see you thrive here and keep bringing great content for us all.
I would have to agree. The PDM's that I love are luxury fragrance scents. I don't smell them and think wow what a unique scent but I do think wow those smell good. The one thing I have to say is a lot of designers have something in them that I don't know how to describe but smells synthetic. I don't find that in the luxury brands. I also find the dry downs to be nicer and more layered.
Absolutely love the music man! Great video.
Thank you.
Hello Justin, how are you? Great intro!! I loved it, what is it called? Just beautiful!! Thank you! Great job on the video and list. Water and Mint sounds interesting and so does Shaun Crenshaw 🤔 Luxury vs Niche I'm digging it! Stay safe brother
I truly love your chanel! I dont watch too many perfume UA-camrs, because it is just often over the top. But you are calm, well spoken and interesting! I wish you would also talk about women's fragrance, or at least if I could find someone who does that as well as you..
Thank you so much. I'm trying to incorporate more women's scents.
This is what I'm talking about right here. This man gets it. This is the message people need to hear. Blind loyalty/obedience is for suckers. Ask questions, challenge conventions, focus on what you like and enjoy and stop worrying about what others think. Fragrances are meant to be enjoyed so enjoy them. My collection is up to 85 fragrances and I enjoy my $25 Dirty English just as much as I enjoy my $200+ fragrances. And I'm sorry but if Creed can qualify as a niche company, then I should be able to claim my Kryptonian ancestry.
Thanks Daniel.
Excellent video Justin. Spot on with the direction and points .
Much appreciated
Sampled Byerley recently. Loved the concept and wanted to love the scent but man what a tough wear lol
I definitely agree with where you're coming from in this, and I agree with what you said about luxury fragrances (I've got a few luxury fragrances, but I love them to death, so I'm happy with my purchases). Great video! I might check some of these out
Dude (yes I'm dude'ing you), your authenticity is so incredibly refreshing and appreciated! I'm continuously impressed and inspired by your character AND your knowledge. Thanks for caring for and elevating the community!
Thank you so much.
This is a FABULOUS idea and I appreciate you for sharing this great video with us. I am interested in quite a few of the offerings you mentioned. Keep up the wonderful work that you are presenting!
Thank you!
Ovation is AWESOME!!!! It is one of my favorite fragrances!
Your a master in your instrument man, i don’t think many people appreciate that little detail that you put in the beginning of your videos
Thank you Jesus. I'm learning it everyday
World need this shot so much about fragrances
I appreciate that you've really been encouraging frugality.
Im sorry but i have to disagree… just because some brands have hyped up fragrances they should be victims of their success? Its like saying Ferrari is not a real car because everyone loves them and they are mass appealing
That is apples to oranges. The quality and heritage of Ferrari is undeniable. They are not trying to be anyone but themselves with every car that they make.
It’s not about the hype, it’s about the scent and the price it comes at. To my nose, Parfums de Marly Sedley, albeit very pleasant, doesn’t give me much of a different wearing experience as some popular designer fragrances.
But that’s just me.
I believe it all comes down to preference. Great video brother.
I agree. Thank you bro.
Hi Justin 👋🏻
Interesting perspective 🙌🏻 It is my hope that the difference between an expensive niche perfume and the "cheaper" designer fragrance lies in the quality and handling of the ingredients 🤔 If this is not the case I do not understand (perhaps just not yet) why bother..
☮️
Nice list JC! I have ganymede and i love it even if it was a blindbuy but your reviews about it was enough for me to purchase. You have an interesting list with really niche level frags. If anything, my humble comment would be that there were too many fougere type scents in your list. I understand the quality and blend make them niche as defined but it would have been nice if there were other types/categories. I hope the comment will not be taken offensively. More power to you! :)
I consider niche frags to be anything that you can’t get in a local retail store (I.e. target, Ulta, Sephora, the mall, macys, etc.). The VAST majority of people buy their frags in retail stores, so anything niche is what you’d need to buy in either a specialty retail store or online from frag retailers/discounters. I’m the frag community, we talk about PDM, Mancera, etc. all the time, but the vast majority of people don’t even know these exist, which is why they are still easily considered niche frag houses.
You should do the opposite of this video. "Designer fragrances that are actually niche fragrances", stuff that doesn't just toe the line and try to go for maximum versatility and mass appeal. There really are some fragrances over the years that have tried to do something that's really different and some have even been massively successful. Mugler's A*Men, Chanel's Antaeus, Gucci Guilty Absolute, just stuff that's so unique and that you're honestly shocked that a designer house would actually try to go there. I love fragrances like that.
Absolutely! I agree! Great idea.
i have always been wondering all this time whether "niche" in frag community they actually meant "expensive", if it is not expensive, then it is not niche.
Correct me if i am wrong, however..
.. from (some part of) the content, i understand that there are "niches" in Luxury Brands.
So it is just common to think there might be "niches" too in Designers Brands..
A very interesting topic.
Looking forward for next one.
So what if you have niche perfume like Roja Dove that is of high quality and price, and is mass appealing does the mass appeal disqualify it from being niche?
I think also the term mass appealing is a term used a bit loosely. I think again ONLINE its used with a certain profile of smell but in reality in the outside world 99% of people never even heard of Roja i don't think its appealing to the masses but I get what you're saying 100% and that's and excellent question!!!
I just simply believe that niche brands can produce both niche and mainstream fragrances.
Perfect video. It is so painfully true. Would you be so kind as to make a video of your favourite designers that smell like niche (Gucci Guilty Absolute, Narciso Rodriguez for him edt/edp).Thank you so much!
Thank you! Great idea.
Niche means a house that only does perfumes. Price has nothing to do with it. They cost more because of the ingredients and smaller batches.
Yep, I agree with you. I like Sedley a lot, but is not niche at all, high quality ingredients sure bot not niche. Something like Nasomato Black Afagano or Cacique by Reiner...those are niche for sure.
People forget that niche frags are “niche” frags. Just because you pay more does not mean you get a better perfume and I dare to say that niche frags are heavily marked.
I need you and Grace to make a affordable niche….I know it’s goin to be unique and majestic
Very well done on this series of videos, JC!! 💪🏾💯✊🏾
Appreciate it!
I like what you are saying mi amigooooooooo
I love how you broke the difference between these fragrances!
Thank you Theresa!
This is absolutely true! When first getting into fragrances, I thought I had to have Aventus. Turns out, I don’t love it and it’s a trophy collecting dust. I get way more compliments with something like Dylan Blue or Hugo Boss The Scent Private Accord, Mont Blanc Starwalker, etc… Now I only spend money on things I try first for the most part. Don’t believe the hype guys, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to smell great.
I thought niche simply meant that the company making the perfume only make perfume
Traditionally, it does. I'm simply trying to add more nuance to it though. I think a niche house can produce both niche and mainstream fragrances.