This year, we saw many memorable, boundary-pushing fragrances arrive at Etiket. In fact, there was so much excitement coming in from so many different directions, there seemed no way to sum it all up. But more and more, nothing is ever just one thing; to borrow the title from one of this year’s best films, we are surrounded by Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. And one of the easiest ways to switch things up and transform with the ever-changing world is through scent.
This year, we divided our favourite new fragrance arrivals into two categories: Light & Shadow. But even here, all is not what it seems. These shadowy scents may be dark, calming, and cozy, but they can also contain surprise: new textures, new ingredients, and an energizing sense of space. Similarly, these light fragrances are not without depth, and especially not without mystery. They may be cheerful, but they’ve got secrets.
As you explore, you could ask yourself which category you’re drawn to, and whether any from the other category surprised you. More than anything, all ten fragrances make a tantalizing offer: isn’t it time for a bit of reinvention?
Want to try our 2022 Fragrance Favourites? Discover the Sample Pack here.
Light
JORUM STUDIO
Edinburgh perfumer Euan McCall is a virtuoso at capturing the wild textures of his unusual ingredients as if frozen in a strange still life. In his newest, tart rhubarb becomes a bewitching fog, cheekily caressing driftwood and pink lotus flowers, imploring another sniff.
VILHELM PARFUMERIE
The name is correct: this scent starts green and funky. But amidst the chaotic party of this avant-garde opening, a blissful, sexy-cool ambergris drydown is sneaking up on you, ready to steal your heart.
INITIO PARFUMS PRIVÉS
A burst of juicy plum mingles with soothing palo santo and sage, the whole affair sluicing over polished sticks of sandalwood. A potion of confident ease, and a refreshing new take Initio’s signature magnetism.
ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE
This collaboration with Tilda Swinton finds the everyday smells of her highland cottage (and the breathtaking views outside) merging into a weightless, ecstatic dance of candied ginger, wildflowers, and singing earth. A textural marvel, and one of our perfume director’s all-time favourite scents.
CARNER BARCELONA
An unapologetic sex bomb laughing in the face of “bad taste”, this perfectly-constructed signature pours glamourous sun-soaked florals over pear and vanilla and parties like it’s 1999. We love it.
Shadow
ARQUISTE
Cool mountain air at dusk, sparkling fireflies of freshness and an urgent waft of crisp pine smoke, billowing in softly over hours. This modern masterpiece unfolds like clockwork, overflowing with poetry, place, and a cinematic elegance.
SCENTS OF WOOD
A deeply pleasurable hug of scent, with wood-barrel-infused organic alcohol anchoring all that plummy, boozy, sophisticated gourmand depth. Smells inescapably familiar yet not quite like anything else.
MAISON CRIVELLI
Amber and vanilla get their groove back in this colourful, hypnotic ode to luscious, off-dry warmth. Another addictive, forward-thinking work from “Ganymede” perfume star Quentin Bisch.
L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR
The delightfully bonkers premise of a collection inspired by garden vegetables reached its apex in this earthy, serene, strangely wearable pairing of white musk and beetroot. Its beauty, and versatility, just might surprise you.
PARFUMS DE MARLY
A sumptuous harmony of oud, leather and spice, vividly modernized with a kiss of sugary praline. This fragrance has all the refined luxury we expect from Parfums de Marly with added richness and a rugged edge.
ETIKET
This set includes 10 samples of 0.7 ml each of our Top 10 Fragrance Favourites of 2022, packaged in glass vials with wand applicators.
