In the never ending quest for personalization, the latest crop of scents hitting the perfume counter have more in common with a state of imagination than with raw materials. Creating a concept from wet concrete to soul corruption by way of latex and metal, anything goes in the world of fragrance today.

Mid-2026, Amouage reported a 74% increase in year over year sales – but has the brand become a reflection of the creative direction or is it remaining true to its Omani heritage? This is the second article in a series that looks into the history behind the brand while asking very provocative questions.

The Middle East is increasingly becoming a key destination for the fragrance industry. Despite the geopolitical context, BeautyWorld Middle East is set to open its doors from October 6th - 8th, and fragrance is at the forefront. Not only is the UAE fragrance market expected to grow to over $1 billion in the next few years, but the region is also among the top ten exporters of finished fragrance in the world.

From rose and jasmine to orris and heliotrope, familiar floral notes are being reworked through new molecules, extraction techniques and biotechnology. The latest ingredients promise greater diffusion, lasting power and added depth, while also addressing evolving regulatory and sustainability demands. Together, these innovations are giving perfumers new ways to reinterpret some of fragrance’s most enduring floral signatures.

Oud's character is shaped by a combination of factors, including geography, climate, soil, the surrounding environment, the age of the tree, and how the wood is processed. Regional descriptions can help identify an oud’s general character, but they are not definitive. The article also examines how Indian oud has influenced Western perceptions of the material and why natural oud is not necessarily an indicator of quality.

Fragrance houses are taking over some of the most iconic addresses around Paris this summer. From Bottega Veneta’s pop up at Galeries Lafayette to Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s exhibition gallery, these brands are transforming their spaces into immersive experiences that bring their olfactory worlds to life and may inspire other niche brands to do the same.

In this article, perfumer Francis Kurkdjian tells the behind the scenes story of how he created one of the world's best selling fragrances and how it became the scent of choice for rappers, athletes and divas. Originally developed as a limited-edition fragrance, Baccarat Rouge 540 has since become a modern icon in the world of perfumery.