While the niche perfume market in Singapore is growing, international labels such as Dior and Chanel are also trying to muscle into the market or keep on top of it.
Whether releasing a new version of an old scent, revamping the packaging or launching exotic new concoctions, well-known brands are pulling out all the stops.
Here is a snapshot of their efforts in recent years:
1 Seven perfumes inspired by travel by Louis Vuitton
Well-known labels such as Louis Vuitton are jumping on the perfume bandwagon. The French label, which last had a fragrance in 1946, released a line of seven perfumes in 2016. Similar to how its iconic trunks and bags may journey with its customers all over the globe, the luxury label created its fragrance range with travel in mind. Each perfume, created with internationally sourced ingredients, evokes a specific environment such as a fresh field of flowers or an earthy forest.
2 Dior's roller-ball Miss Dior
French luxury label Dior released a roller-ball version (above) of its popular Miss Dior fragrance line this month.
Available in two classic scents - Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet ($70) and Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming ($84) - the portable 20ml bottle features a crystalline glass bead that makes application easy and fuss-free. The Miss Dior fragrances are known for their romantic appeal with notes of rose, red berry accord and vanilla. Both are available at Dior counters islandwide.
3 Calvin Klein improves Obsession
In June last year, American fashion house Calvin Klein updated its iconic perfume, Obsession, which was released in the 1990s with a campaign featuring a teenage Kate Moss. The reformulation, Obsessed, which even used old footage of the supermodel for its new campaign, has a fresher and more modern scent. Obsessed for Women costs $156 for 100ml, while Obsessed for Men costs $135 for 125ml.
4 Chanel releases new version of its iconic No. 5
French fashion label Chanel revamped an old classic in 2016, releasing a new version of the famous Chanel No. 5. The No. 5 L'Eau (above) kept the classic jasmine and ylang ylang notes, but added a cedar base and spritz of citrus to appeal to younger consumers. Chanel No. 5 L'Eau retails at $168 for 50ml and $242 for 100ml.
5 Famous fashion designers nosing in
In August last year, Italian luxury label Gucci released a new fragrance created by its renowned designer Alessandro Michele. Gucci Bloom (above, $128 for 30ml, $160 for 50ml and $216 for 100ml) was the first fragrance he developed for the brand since becoming its creative director in 2015. A subtle yet lush scent, the perfume contains tuberose, jasmine and rangoon creeper.
In 2016, Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson also lent his name to a perfume for the label. Called Loewe 001, the scent is available in two versions, 001 Woman and 001 Man. A 50ml bottle retails at $120 and 100ml at $190.
Designed to complement each other, the fragrance for women has a fresh and fruity sensuality, while the masculine version is woody and spicy. Though the label has had perfumes since 1947, 001 was touted as the first created by Anderson since he joined the company in 2013.
