Exploring Unique Niche Fragrances from MyOrigines

For those who appreciate distinctive scents that stray from mainstream offerings, this article will delve into some exceptional niche fragrances available at MyOrigines. This retailer is a favorite destination for those seeking exclusive and unique creations that you won't find in typical perfumeries.

Having just received my latest order, I am excited to share three standout fragrances that have recently joined my perfume collection: Bigarade Concentrée from Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, Arancia di Capri by Acqua di Parma, and Sables by Annick Goutal, a brand I particularly admire. All three are iconic examples of niche perfumery, sourced from MyOrigines’ exclusive selection, "The Niche List."

My Favorite Niche Fragrances from MyOrigines

We begin with Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, a brand I hold in high regard for its creative freedom. Founded in 2000 by Frédéric Malle, grandson of the founder of Christian Dior, the brand allows renowned perfumers to express their artistry without marketing constraints or price limits. Malle describes this philosophy succinctly: "I am the editor; you are my authors, you are free." This approach contributes to the unique character of their fragrance catalog.

Having explored many scents from this house, including Portrait of a Lady and Musc Ravageur, one fragrance stands out for me: Bigarade Concentrée. I am currently on my third bottle of this exquisite scent.

Created in 2002 by Jean-Claude Ellena, a highly influential perfumer who later became the exclusive nose for Hermès, Bigarade Concentrée reinterprets the classic cologne by focusing on bitter orange essence, or bigarade, obtained through molecular distillation. This technique isolates the aromatic compound at an unusually high concentration, which is reflected in the fragrance's name, signifying a "concentrated" version of the bigarade, free from artificial enhancements. Malle describes it as "simple and essential like a tailored white shirt."

I have always appreciated Ellena's creations, which subtly unfold on the skin, revealing a complexity beneath their apparent simplicity. You may recognize some of his well-known works like Eau de Campagne by Sisley and Un Jardin sur le Nil by Hermès, all characterized by a unique luminosity and minimalist aesthetic. Bigarade Concentrée follows this tradition.

The fragrance features top notes of bitter orange, cardamom, and pink pepper, with a base of hay and cedar wood. When I first experienced it, I was surprised to find it quite different from what I had anticipated. While I had read it was citrusy, I found it to be more focused on the scent of orange peel, with a pronounced bitterness. The fragrance is not sweet but rather juicy, reminiscent of freshly peeled mandarin, with green and tart undertones.

Surrounding this core, subtle spices and woody notes emerge, creating a delightful citrus overdose on my skin. However, like many citrus fragrances, Bigarade Concentrée is quite volatile, lasting only about two hours on my skin with a timid projection. Perhaps it will perform better on you?

In any case, it is a beautiful cologne for lovers of citrus-based fragrances—fresh, bright, and particularly enjoyable during warm weather. A true perfume for connoisseurs!

Bigarade Concentrée, Frédéric Malle starting at €72 for 10 ml. Available at my-origines.com

Arancia di Capri, Acqua di Parma: A Journey to the Dolce Vita

Next, we explore Acqua di Parma, an Italian brand established in 1916 in a small workshop in Parma. By the 1930s, it had become a favorite among stars like Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, later joining the LVMH group in 2001. You may be familiar with this iconic brand!

One of my favorites from Acqua di Parma is Colonia, the legendary scent that marked the brand's inception, along with Oud & Spice, which intriguingly combines the deep, warm essence of agar wood with vibrant citrus notes. This brand excels not only in classic colognes but also in innovative creations that incorporate unexpected raw materials into the citrus framework.

Take, for example, Arancia di Capri, part of the Blu Mediterraneo collection, designed as an homage to the gardens and landscapes of the Mediterranean.

The fragrance opens with a trio of sunlit citrus notes—orange, Sicilian mandarin, and lemon—before transitioning to a heart of petitgrain and cardamom. While this may not seem particularly unusual at first glance, the base of the fragrance introduces musk with a hint of caramel, an audacious choice for a citrus eau de toilette that adds a warm, almost gourmand quality, setting it apart from purely green colognes.

Rest assured, the citrus notes are abundant and delightful, transporting me to a Tuscan terrace overlooking the sea, surrounded by terracotta jars filled with flourishing orange and lemon trees. The natural quality of the citrus notes is truly impressive! Another highlight of this house is the exceptional quality of its raw materials. The caramel note remains subtle, weaving through the base notes without sweetening the composition, instead enhancing the sun-kissed embrace initiated by the citrus.

My only disappointment lies in its longevity. It’s a shame because this cologne-inspired eau de toilette is truly one of a kind. I’ve searched for alternatives with better staying power but have found none that replicate these notes. Given the price of the bottle, I wish that weren’t the case! Note that it is slightly more affordable on MyOrigines: €92 for 50 ml, compared to €118 on the brand's official site. That’s a deal!

In summary, this is a remarkable and unique creation, but keep in mind that you may need to reapply throughout the day to fully enjoy its charm.

Arancia di Capri, Acqua di Parma starting at €63.15 for 30 ml. Available at my-origines.com

Sables by Annick Goutal: The Most Distinctive Niche Perfume

Shifting gears completely, we now turn to Sables! Regular readers will know that my favorite perfume house is undoubtedly Goutal Paris. I have previously shared my thoughts on many of their creations, including L’Île au Thé, Chèvrefeuille, and Nuit et Confidences.

Sables was crafted in 1985 by Annick Goutal as a gift for her husband, Alain Meunier, a cellist, inspired by their trips to Corsica. Goutal aimed to recreate the unique scent of sun-warmed dunes where wild immortelle flourished. Historically, Sables is notable for being one of the first fragrances to center around immortelle, a bold move at a time when rich, sweet orientals were in vogue.

Rumor has it that the 2014 reformulation may have mellowed the scent. Since I have only tested the current version, I cannot speak to that. However, I can confirm that Sables is indeed an olfactory anomaly! I have no other fragrance like it. It’s hard to imagine any current house daring to create such a "curiosity" in perfumery.

Upon the first spray, a warm and enveloping sensation envelops the skin. The scent of dense, dry immortelle, almost dusty and slightly honeyed, is immediately recognizable. It evokes the aroma of sun-baked sand and parched earth, complemented by sun-dried herbs, refined sandalwood, and a subtle hint of licorice. The amber base hints at a touch of vanilla. Whether you love it or hate it, the olfactory shock is instantaneous. And the longevity? Remarkable! I often catch a whiff of it on my skin even after a shower!

While it is often considered a masculine fragrance, its uniqueness defies gender classification. For me, it is simply a beautiful poetic creation—a snapshot of wild Corsican nature that you can choose to lose yourself in or share with loved ones, provided you are willing to part with your precious bottle. Experiencing such a fragrance truly illustrates how perfumery is an art form. One could say without exaggeration that Sables is a genuine masterpiece.

However, unlike commercial scents, this fragrance is not the most accessible. I strongly recommend sampling it before purchasing, as it is divisive and completely outside the norm.