Just in time for retailers to make adjustments to Fall and Holiday assortments, trend-tracker Spate shares insight on what’s driving the market. While travel friendly formats and foodie scents are still all the rage, the good news is that indie brands are getting their share of the spotlight.

As the Chinese consumer dips a toe into fragrance, the market is increasingly more polarized between pricey foreign brands and entry-level local ones who focus on cultural heritage elements. And with economic conditions shifting consumer behavior away from luxury spending towards being cost-conscious, now is the time for brands to rethink their strategies in the region.

From unexpected gourmands to punk moodiness, from new florals to boozy notes, the Fall fragrance launches offer something intriguing for everyone. Brand founders including Dmitri Weber of Goldfield & Banks and Michelle Feeney of Floral Street share their thoughts on the Fall scent trends coming to a counter near you.

What makes a consumer loyal to a luxury brand? Exceptional product, the finest craftsmanship and excellent quality are de rigueur, so what else should a brand do? It goes back to making every interaction extraordinary and authentic. Relationship building, creating memorable experiences, connecting honestly, and so much more. Great reading for any brand.

As the luxury sector continues to struggle, it’s probably inevitable that Net-a-Porter is deciding to shift its beauty business. Sadly, like FarFetch before them, these multi-brand sites just don’t seem to understand how to make the most of beauty. By switching to an affiliate model they will be the bridge driving consumers to their partner’s e-commerce channels to complete the purchase.

Beauty and skincare brands will be interested in this report which shares data on the regional preferences of consumers around the world. Serums or sunscreen? Eco-friendly or high tech? Here is terrific source of information to consider when developing new product and when studying new market entry.

For anyone who’s interested in creating their own perfume, London’s Experimental Perfume Club offers a blending session where participants can learn about ingredients and then be accompanied through the creation process. In this article the author shares her thoughts on the experience.

Cheers! After seasons of gourmands and woody scents the latest in fragrance takes a cue from the cocktail menu. From champagne to espresso martinis, from whisky to amaretto, from tequila to cognac, this trend serves up boozy notes that will make you long to cozy up to the bar for a new fragrance.

A group of five talented perfumers were enlisted to work on “Les Essences de Diptyque”, the brands latest collection which pays tribute to the artistry of nature. In this article read the stories behind the creative process, all coming from the perfumers’ point of view.