DEZIGN UR RITUAL

Fragrance Part III: Niche Edition

Fragrance 101 got you started. Part 2 took one step forward. This time, we go niche.

1. Creed Aventus

Aventus means "toward the wind," loosely translating to forward progress. The scent is an ode to success. A sharp opening of pineapple, pink pepper and bergamot, then jasmine and blackcurrant leaf, with birch and patchouli giving it a dry, woody finish. It pierces the senses and sets the stage for the day.

2. Rose of No Man’s Land by Byredo Absolu De Parfum

Rose of No Man's Land is what I call a drunken rose. To me it's a going-out scent that sets the tone for a great evening, though it can be worn anytime, and the Absolu formula lasts. Roses run through the whole thing: saffron, blackcurrant and pink pepper up top, black raspberry and peony in the middle, and papyrus, dark patchouli and warm amber underneath, so it lingers smoky.

3. Haltane by Parfums de Marly

Sweet, smoky and woody: made for a below-ground speakeasy, dressed up, with an attractive energy. It opens fresh with bergamot and lavender, turns sweet with a praline heart, then deepens into oud. Sophisticated, audacious and powerful.