Niche Perfumery is a term that’s hard to categorise these days, because the goal posts of what is produced by the large brands has shifted dramatically. Originally thought of as an alternative to the large corporations, most high-street brands now have a “niche” department creating more unusual offerings, and so the lines have definitely blurred. Once the domain of an independent producer creating in small batches, the focus is now firmly on the quality rather than the quantity. Many companies have tried to gain a foothold in the niche sector, with varying success, but the latest to proudly bloom is the Wales-based Ortir Apothecari.
One thing that London has a lot of is perfume shops, but carefully curated ones are more of a rarity. In August 2012 Oxana Polyakova turned her fascination for fragrance into a business and Bloom Perfumery opened its doors. Located at 4 Langley Court in London, her selective range of perfumes covers the familiar to the exclusive. So, what would we find out about Oxana’s own fragrance memories when I asked her “Stephan’s Six”?
It's taken twelve long months but we're finally here again ... Christmas!! It's the season of extravagance, gluttony, and fights over the Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts, or Toblerone if you're anywhere near Odette Toilette! Hand in hand with this though is the pressure of finding the perfect present. A staple Christmas gift has now become the "scented candle", I think it's taken the place of the humble "bath cube", but the quality of these varies dramatically. Uneven burns and questionable fragrances makes choosing one a bit of a minefield. So, with everyone wanting that perfect scent, I went on the hunt for my top five.
