About 19-69
19-69 is a niche fragrance house that’s been making waves in the perfume world with its bold, unconventional scents. Founded by Swedish artist and product developer Johan Bergelin, this brand takes inspiration from significant cultural moments and movements, particularly those of the late 1960s. You’ll find that each fragrance tells a unique story, transporting you to a specific time and place with just a single spritz.
What sets 19-69 apart is its commitment to creating genderless fragrances that challenge traditional perfume norms. These scents are designed to be worn by anyone, regardless of age or gender, embracing the idea that fragrance should be a personal expression rather than a societal expectation. The brand’s aesthetic is equally captivating, with minimalist bottles that let the scents speak for themselves.
While 19-69 has garnered a devoted following, you might be curious about other brands that share a similar ethos or olfactory approach. Exploring fragrances from different houses can open up a world of new scent experiences, allowing you to discover unique combinations and expand your olfactory palette.
Deascal
The first brand you must check out is Deascal, a luxury cosmetics company that’s making waves in the fragrance world. Based in the UK, Deascal has quickly established itself as a purveyor of exquisite scents that truly define haute beauté. With a price range of $75-150 per perfume, depending on the size, these fragrances offer a touch of luxury without breaking the bank.
What sets Deascal apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. You’ll find that each perfume is crafted using only the finest ingredients, ensuring a long-lasting and complex scent experience. The brand also takes its environmental responsibility seriously, using fully recyclable packaging for all its products. This means you can indulge in your favorite fragrances guilt-free, knowing you’re supporting a company that cares about its impact on the planet.
Among Deascal’s most popular offerings is “Yours Truly,” a soft and nostalgic fragrance that will transport you to cherished memories with its clean, dry, and powdery notes. If you’re in the mood for something more exotic, “Black Magick Party” might be just what you’re looking for. This warm and spicy blend is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their scent.
For those who prefer a more delicate touch, “Devine” offers an elegant floral profile that’s sure to turn heads. Its prominent floral characteristics make it ideal for both daytime and evening wear, adapting beautifully to any occasion. With these diverse options, Deascal proves that it can cater to a wide range of preferences while maintaining its signature quality and sophistication.
Maison Margiela
www.maisonmargiela-fragrances.eu
Another similar brand to look into is Maison Margiela, a French luxury fashion house that has made quite a name for itself in the fragrance world. Founded in 1988 by Belgian designer Martin Margiela, the brand is known for its avant-garde approach to fashion and fragrance alike. Their ‘Replica’ line of perfumes aims to recreate familiar scents and moments, much like 19-69’s approach to capturing specific times and places.
With prices typically ranging from $30 for travel sizes to $135 for full-size bottles, Maison Margiela offers a luxurious experience at a relatively accessible price point. The brand has made strides in sustainability, with many of their bottles now made from recycled glass and boxes from FSC-certified paper.
Byredo
One awesome brand that’s very similar to 19-69 is Byredo. Founded in Stockholm in 2006 by Ben Gorham, this Swedish brand shares 19-69’s Scandinavian roots and penchant for unconventional fragrances. Byredo’s approach to perfumery is similarly artistic, with each scent telling a unique story or evoking a specific emotion.
Byredo’s fragrances typically range from $190 to $270 for a full-size bottle, placing them in the higher end of the niche fragrance market. The brand has been making efforts towards sustainability, including the use of recyclable packaging and a commitment to reducing waste in their production processes.
Le Labo
The third brand you should look at is Le Labo, a New York-based perfume house that shares 19-69’s commitment to creating unique, gender-neutral fragrances. Founded in 2006 by Fabrice Penot and Edouard Roschi, Le Labo is known for its minimalist aesthetic and focus on craftsmanship. Each Le Labo fragrance is hand-blended at the moment of purchase, ensuring maximum freshness.
Le Labo’s fragrances typically range from $83 for small sizes to $289 for larger bottles. The brand is committed to sustainability, using recycled materials for their packaging and offering refill programs to reduce waste. They also prioritize ethical sourcing of ingredients and maintain a cruelty-free stance.
Escentric Molecules
The final brand worth exploring is Escentric Molecules, a London-based fragrance house that takes a unique, scientific approach to perfumery. Founded in 2006 by perfumer Geza Schoen, the brand is known for its minimalist fragrances that often focus on a single aroma-molecule. This innovative approach aligns with 19-69’s unconventional take on fragrance creation.
Escentric Molecules fragrances typically range from $75 to $150, depending on the size and specific product. The brand has been making efforts towards sustainability, including the use of recyclable packaging and a focus on creating long-lasting fragrances that require less frequent application, thus reducing overall consumption.
Affordable Alternative: Zara Perfumes
As a bonus recommendation for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, look no further than Zara Perfumes. This Spanish fast-fashion giant has made quite a splash in the fragrance world, offering a wide range of scents that rival many high-end brands in quality and complexity. Zara’s perfume line is a hidden gem for fragrance enthusiasts on a tight budget who still want to explore unique and sophisticated scents.
Zara Perfumes typically range from $15 to $40, making them significantly more affordable than the niche brands we’ve discussed. Despite the lower price point, you’ll find that many of their fragrances are inspired by popular luxury scents, including some that share similarities with 19-69’s unconventional approach.
What sets Zara apart is their commitment to creating diverse, trendy fragrances that cater to a wide range of preferences. You’ll find everything from fresh and light everyday scents to bold and complex evening fragrances in their collection. The brand frequently collaborates with renowned perfumers, ensuring that their affordable offerings maintain a level of sophistication you might not expect at this price point.
While Zara may not have the same level of exclusivity or artisanal approach as niche brands like 19-69, their fragrances offer an excellent way to explore different scent profiles without breaking the bank. This makes them perfect for those who are just starting their fragrance journey or for anyone who loves to switch up their scent frequently without the guilt of a hefty price tag.
Closing Thoughts
The world of niche fragrances is a vast and exciting playground, and we’ve only scratched the surface with 19-69 and the alternatives we’ve explored. Remember, there’s a whole universe of scents out there waiting for you to discover them. From Deascal’s “Black Magick Party” to Zara’s budget-friendly gems, each brand offers its own unique olfactory journey.
Don’t feel pressured to stick with what’s trending or popular. Fragrance is deeply personal, and what smells divine on your best friend might not resonate with you at all. Trust your nose and your instincts. Maybe you’ll fall in love with the powdery notes of “Yours Truly” or find yourself drawn to something completely unexpected.
Today’s perfumers are true artists, pushing boundaries and challenging our perceptions of what a fragrance can be. They’re blending science and creativity in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. It’s an exciting time to be a fragrance enthusiast!