Words by Maya Avram
Harrods’ vast selection of haute parfumerie offers us, writers and editors, and fragrance lovers like you – the rare opportunity to experience the best the world has to offer when it comes to fragrance. From century-old heritage Maisons to modern-time trailblazers, these are the brands making waves in the world of olfactory.
A pioneer of the niche fragrance movement, Byredo’s 20-year evolution has seen it transform from a small indie brand into a global cultural phenomenon. Its innovative approach to perfume melds rare ingredients with an architectural sense of design – a powerful combination that has won over the hearts (and noses) of industry insiders and devoted fans alike.
Our all-time favourite: Byredo Cuir Obscur Eau de Parfum
Much like its home city of Istanbul, Nishane’s signature scents are built on complementing contrasts. By weaving together tradition and innovation, its perfume profiles feel both rooted and unexpected, each defined by a balance of heritage and modernity.
Our all-time favourite: Nishane Hacivat Extrait de Parfum
No list of fragrance greats is complete without Guerlain, the Parisian label that has been catering to the royalty, tastemakers and connoisseurs for nearly 200 years. Its captivating scents made it a favourite of Empress Eugenie (wife of Napoleon III), with its L’Art et La Matière collection arm redefining olfactory to this day.
Our all-time favourite: Guerlain Ambre Samar Eau De Parfum
On the topic of royal seals of approval, we’d be remiss not to mention Penhaligon’s. The go-to barber of London society in the 19th century, founder William Penhaligon was driven to create his first fragrance after smelling the fumes emanating from the Turkish baths next to his shop. Paying tribute to tradition but with a fresh twist paved the way for him to be awarded a Royal Warrant by Queen Alexandra, cementing the brand’s historic status in British perfumery.
Our newest favourite: Penhaligon’s Daphne Bouquet Eau de Parfum
A contemporary gem of British perfumery, Jo Malone London has taken over the world over the last three decades thanks its daring, innovative approach to scent and a bird’s eye view of olfactory experience. From award-winning note combinations to formulations designed to be layered to create truly personal signatures, the brand has something for all.
Our newest favourite: Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense
Etat Libre d’Orange asserts that its fragrances are both aspirational and essential, a paradox that’s easy to settle when you consider its personal approach to scent. Raw notes are designed to react to your unique skin profile, making every rare creation a tailored essence of your person.
Our all-time favourite: Etat Libre d’Orange Uruk Chronicles Eau de Parfum
The Harmonist is the epitome of East meets West – it was founded by Lola Tillyaeva, after all, whose journey into perfumery was inspired by her Uzbek heritage and the ancient Silk Road. New age philosophies meet traditional perfumery to offer you a path to self-discovery through scent.
Our all-time favourite: The Harmonist Florae Nebulae Pure Perfume
Injecting the world of fragrance with urban dynamism, Bond No.9 is a newcomer perfumer (at least in relation to some of the brands on this list) that has managed to make an olfactory splash thanks to its vibrant, evocative line up of scents inspired by the Big Apple.
Our newest favourite: Bond No.9 NoMad Eau de Parfum
Expansive natural vistas and the rich heritage of the Middle East are the heart of Widian’s perfume line-up. Pure, rare ingredients from the region – from aromatic spices to delicate blossoms – capture its true essence, which complements Harrods’ own historic legacy perfectly.
Our all-time favourite: Widian x Harrods London Extrait de Parfum
Playing upon the relationship between scent and memory, Roja’s perfumes are designed for you to connect with them on an instinctual level. Using nothing but the finest ingredients and drawing inspiration from traditional British hospitality, the brand aims to make you feel like the sky is the limit.
Our all-time favourite: Roja Isola Verde Eau de Parfum
With its name translating to “of the wood” in French, Fragrance du Bois has claimed its title as the ultimate connoisseur of oud from the get-go. Melding together Parisian perfumery know-how with Middle Eastern olfactory richness, its creations are innovative and enchanting.
Our all-time favourite: Fragrance du Bois Rude Oud Extrait de Parfum
Looking back to embrace the future, Parfums de Marly defines modern Haute Parfumerie through the spirit of Louis XIV’s France, also known as the Sun King. Opulent aesthetics, bold note combinations and free-spirited fun are at the core of the Maison, who caters to those who beat to the sound of their own drum.
Our all-time favourite: Parfums de Marly Valaya Exclusif Eau de Parfum
Brunello Cucinelli’s world is one of heritage and beauty, inspired by Ancient Rome as much as from contemporary writing by the likes of Dostoyevsky. In fragrance, that translates into sourcing of fine quality ingredients and a poetic approach to scent, encapsulated by leading noses in international perfumery.
Our all-time favourite: Brunello Cucinelli Ombra Lirica Pure Parfum
Universality is the underlying premise of all Jeroboam fragrances, with founder François Hénin citing Esperanto, the first international language, as his inspiration for the brand’s enigmatic universe. Each scent is based on a signature blend of musks that proves delightfully versatile and unisex.
Our all-time favourite: Jeroboam Your Oudhness Extrait de Parfum
The Merchant of Venice is a perfume brand that embodies the Italian mantra of “bello e ben fatto”: beautiful and well-made. Drawing upon the scents of the Mude, the maritime trade routes that led from Venice to the rest of the world, each fragrance celebrates Venetian culture, with Murano glass vials that house the precious sentiment.
Our all-time favourite: The Merchant of Venice Eternal Sunrise Eau de Parfum
A trailblazer in both fashion and fragrance, Tom Ford may well be credited with the popularisation of niche, evocative scents on a global scale. The designer’s ethos blurred rules of sex and gender, instead pushing the idea of personal style, concocting perfumes that are unisex, heady and deeply alluring.
Our all-time favourite: Tom Ford Amber Intrigue Eau de Parfum
Haute perfumerie sits in a league of its own, thanks to its use of rare ingredients, evocative notes, and flacons that verge on objets d’art.
Evoking delicious food and desserts, gourmand scents capture enticing aromas like that of a Parisian bakery, spun sugar at the fairground and even the smell of ground coffee at your local café... Making them utterly irresistible.
