From ‘neo-gourmands’ to rich ambers, these latest drops are tempting buyers in the market for a splash of affordable luxury
For those of us who read the tea leaves of scent sales, 2025 is shaping up to be a good year. The “fragrance index” – a kissing cousin of the “lipstick index” – seems to be looking up: for plenty of consumers, fragrance is self-care and perceived as an affordable luxury, so they’ll indulge even in an uncertain economic outlook. Circana reports prestige fragrance sales increased by six per cent, to US$3.9 billion, in the first half of the year. The growth was partly attributed to new brand launches, highly concentrated eaux de parfum and travel sizes.
We’re now in 2025’s home stretch, which brings a slew of new products and, as perfume lovers will tell you, a change of season is the perfect time to change up your scent. Clement Gavarry, a senior perfumer at DSM-Firmenich AG, suspects that this autumn consumers are going to seek out “neo-gourmands,” which he says “celebrate dessert-like scents, but with a twist”.
Do not expect Pop-Tarts in a bottle – Gavarry says these scents elevate traditional food notes “to a more refined and artistic level, incorporating unconventional, unexpected or contrasting notes such as savoury, green or woody elements”. In addition to the warmth and comfort of neo-gourmands, another autumn trend he predicts is the long-lasting richness of amber fragrances.
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Here are the season’s best scents, including one that originated in an unexpected locale and a US$25,000 show-stopper.
Designer scents
Tom Ford – Oud Voyager
Oud Voyager Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford. Photo: Handout
A traditional oud can be polarising, but it becomes less so when Tom Ford implements a floral tri-distillate, combining the oud with geranium and red peony accord. New Yorkers can experience Oud Voyager in person at Tom Ford Beauty’s first stand-alone boutique in North America, which is located in SoHo. The pint-sized 300-square-foot shop houses the Private Blend and Reserve fragrance collections alongside the brand’s full range of make-up. Bespoke fragrance consultations and “scent styling” services are available as well. US$300 for 50ml.
Dior – Bois d’Argent
Dior’s Bois d’Argent Esprit de Parfum. Photo: Handout
Bois d’Argent, first released in 2004, is part of Dior’s La Collection Privée’s original trio. This year, Francis Kurkdjian, the venerable Parisian house’s perfume creation director, reimagined the scent while honouring its roots. The powdery character of Bois d’Argent Esprit de Parfum is achieved through a blend of Tuscan iris, frankincense accord, balsam, vanilla and white honey. US$470 for 2.7 oz.
