Paris Perfume Week 2026 exterior / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

Paris Perfume Week 2026 took place from April 9th to 11th in its new location at the Palais Brongniart. The setting itself was already a highlight – beautiful, inspiring, and filled with light, giving the entire event a sense of importance and elevation that felt new compared to previous editions.

With over 160 brands from all over the world – France, Italy, the UK, South Korea, Hong Kong, Lithuania, and beyond – the event reached a completely different scale this year. Compared to last year, which felt small and intimate, this edition seemed to have truly exploded. Even though the space was significantly larger, it still could barely accommodate all the visitors. At peak hours, moving through the aisles became difficult, and before the opening, people were already queuing outside in the street.

It clearly showed one thing: people love niche perfumery, and they are hungry for new discoveries. This applies equally to professionals, media, and perfume lovers.

For me, the event was a delicious experience. Even after more than a decade immersed in niche perfumery, many brands were completely new to me. Many of them are relatively young or just launched this year, bringing fresh energy and new perspectives into the industry.

Beyond the main event, Paris Perfume Week 2026 extended throughout the city. Numerous events, talks, and scented experiences were taking place both on-site and off-site, making it impossible to stay in one place.

Parfums Dusita Workshop / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

My first stop was at the boutique of Parfums Dusita, where the lovely Pissara Umavijani held a small workshop. She introduced several raw materials she is working with and the perfumes in which they are used. The boutique itself is very inviting and meeting her always feels like meeting an old friend. She has a natural warmth and openness, and she is endlessly inspiring – not only as a perfumer but also as a painter, sharing her latest drawings in the boutique. I was particularly impressed by her latest perfume, Light of Bangkok, created exclusively for the hotel Mandarin Oriental Bangkok to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The fragrance is limited and available only through Dusita’s website or in store, but it is so beautifully executed that it deserves attention. Built around lemongrass – a material that is notoriously difficult to handle – Pissara managed to avoid any overly culinary associations. Instead, the scent feels bright, luminous, and fresh, with a refined elegance. @parfumsdusita

Dusita Light of Bangkok / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

My next stop was the brand-new boutique of Maison Spoturno, located at the stunning Galerie Vivienne. This is not an ordinary perfume boutique. Starting from the poetic location and extending to every detail within the space, everything feels intentional. Every design element, every color, every artwork carries a story and reflects the vision of founder Véronique Spoturno.

Spoturno boutique / Photo credit: Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

And it is not without reason – Spoturno is not just another brand. It carries the heritage of French perfumery as imagined by her great-grandfather, François Spoturno of Coty. The perfumes aim to bridge tradition with modernity. The creation of the first collection of five fragrances was entrusted to Christopher Sheldrake, the nose behind many iconic perfumes, including my all-time favorite Coromandel from Chanel. It was a true privilege to hear him speak about his process working with historical formula books while never imposing limits on his own creativity.

Véronique Spoturno, Kristina Kybartaite-Damule, Christopher Sheldrake / Image from personal archive

Every fragrance impressed me, but Spoturno 1921 resonated deeply. It has everything I personally love about vintage perfumery – florals and a rich resinous base – yet none of the elements I tend to find challenging. The animalic components have been replaced with modern molecules, allowing the original formula to shine with clarity and elegance. @maison.spoturno @veronique.spoturno @christopher.sheldrake

Luc Gabriel and Kristina Kybartaite-Damule / Photo from personal archive

Back at the Palais Brongniart, one of the launches I was most curious about was the new extrait collection from The Different Company. The brand surprised not only with a refreshed design and more youthful aesthetic, but especially with the fragrances themselves.

These are not ordinary extraits – each composition has a concentration of 50% and above. As founder Luc Gabriel explained, many high-concentration perfumes today tend to rely on similar overpowering bases. His goal was to create something different. The result is a collection that is as bold as its concentration. Crazy Tubereuse is dark and intensely sensual, while Gothic Incense feels elegant and modern. Maddy and Salty Kiss are unapologetically gourmand – one evokes a madeleine, the other a biscuit with salted caramel. Smelling them, I could almost taste the desserts – dangerous, but perfect when you want sweetness without calories. My favorite, however, was Gin-Seng, a modern aromatic interpretation inspired by ancestral Chinese medicine. Slightly exotic and unexpected, it stood apart from the rest. @thedifferentcompany

Cherigan Shanghai Le Soir / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

At Cherigan, I tried the new Shanghai Le Soir(Maxime Exler), a sweet and fruity fragrance with blackcurrant, lychee, and pink pepper in the opening, followed by a floral heart of rose, violet, and iris, and a musky woody base. It is mouthwatering and generous, ideal for those who enjoy lush fruity compositions. @cheriganparis

Tobba – Jasper Li and Adrian Yu / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

Hong Kong-based Tobba presented Asura, a fragrance that resists easy classification. It is the first black bottle in their collection, and the brand deliberately avoids disclosing a traditional note structure, leaving space for personal interpretation. To me, it revealed a soft hazelnut-like nuance – not clearly gourmand, but gently suggestive – combined with a creamy, powdery texture and a subtle floral facet, possibly tuberose. As co-founder Adrian Yu explained, their process starts with a concept rather than an ingredient. Named after a mythological figure associated with both beauty and force, Asura is built around contrast, and that duality is present throughout its evolution. @tobbaparfums

Photo Oli Marlow

Atelier Materi introduced the new Tonka Kumaru, created by Céline Perdriel. Built around a rich gourmand structure, it balances bitter almond, roasted tonka bean, and vanilla with impressive precision. The sweetness is undeniable, yet it never feels heavy or cloying – rather, it unfolds as something radiant, textured, and quietly sensual. There’s a subtle contrast between the toasted, almost nutty depth of the tonka and the smoother, enveloping softness of vanilla, giving the composition both warmth and dimension. What makes it even more interesting is its inspiration: the iconic Cléopâtre glue from childhood, a small but deeply familiar object for generations of French schoolchildren. That slightly mischievous temptation to taste it translates here into a fragrance that feels nostalgic without becoming literal. @ateliermateri @celine.perdriel.perfumer

Kristina Kybartaite-Damule and Franck Salzwedel / Image from personal archive

I then had the pleasure of meeting Franck Salzwedel, founder of Élisire, who introduced me to his vision of desire translated into scent. Franck explained that his starting point was rooted in classic perfumery, but with the intention to push beyond it, exploring something more mysterious, more instinctive, and at times even slightly avant-garde. There is a deliberate tension in his approach – between structure and abstraction, familiarity and experimentation – which gives the fragrances a distinctive identity

Élisire / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

He guided me through some of the key creations, including Desired (and Érose, as well as latest Aliksir and In Fabula by Berenice Watteau, each expressing a different interpretation of attraction, intimacy, or fantasy. Two additional bottles stood alongside the presentation – new creations that are not yet officially released. While I can’t share more details at the moment, I can give a hint that what is coming next is definitely worth waiting for. @elisire_parfums

Angelos Créations Olfactives Pothos / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

From Greece, Angelos Créations Olfactives presented Pothos, a name that translates to “lust.” While it is described by its creator Angelos Balamis as a honeysuckle soliflore, the reality feels far more complex and layered than that definition suggest. On skin, the fragrance unfolds with a richness that goes beyond a single floral note. The honeysuckle is certainly there – luminous, slightly nectar-like – but it is surrounded by subtle nuances that give it depth and movement. There is a sense of warmth, a gentle sweetness, and a textured quality that keeps evolving rather than settling into something linear. I was clearly not the only one drawn to it – the tester bottle was almost empty by the time I arrived at Angelos’ stand, which says everything about how well it resonated with visitors. @angelos_creations_olfactives @angel_bal

FUMparFUM Tokyo Songs / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

Lithuanian FUMparFUM expanded its Alchemist Charlatan collection with Tokyo Songs, continuing its Japanese-inspired narrative following last year’s Touching Hinoki. Positioned within their more conceptual and avant-garde line, the fragrance explores a modern, almost urban interpretation of Japan – less about tradition in a literal sense, and more about atmosphere and impression. Featuring notes such as ume (fermented plum) and yuzu, Tokyo Songs unfolds as clean and delicate, yet not simplistic. There is a subtle interplay between freshness and softness, where the citrusy brightness of yuzu is gently rounded by the slightly tangy nuance of Ume. The composition feels airy and refined, with a quiet elegance that doesn’t try to dominate but instead lingers close to the skin. .@fumparfum

Kristina Kybartaite-Damule and Neela Vermeire / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

I could never skip visiting Neela Vermeire of Neela Vermeire Creations. Meeting Neela herself is always a highlight of any event. There is something deeply engaging in the way she speaks about perfume – every creation carries a sense of history, culture, and heritage, and you can feel that nothing is accidental in her work

Neela Vermeire Creations perfumes/ Photo credit: Darius Damulis

Just a few months ago, she opened her first flagship boutique in Paris, at 83 Boulevard Malesherbes, a space that finally gives her universe a permanent home in the city. If anything, it feels like a natural extension of her brand – refined, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in storytelling. For those who missed Paris Perfume Week 2026, it’s the perfect place to truly immerse themselves in her collection at a slower pace. Although she didn’t present a new launch in 2026, Eshal, launched last year continues to attract well-deserved attention. For me, revisiting the Fragments collection felt also rewarding. While I already owned Purpureum – a favorite of my husband – I found myself completely captivated by Thyina. Dark, resinous, and gently infused with a subtle coffee nuance, it feels enveloping and deeply comforting, yet incredibly refined in its construction. @neelavermeirecreations

Thomas De Monaco Parfums Luisant Haze / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

At Thomas De Monaco Parfums, a new fragrance from the Gold Collection was introduced: Luisant Haze. Described as a neo-gourmand, it takes the familiar language of sweetness and completely redefines it through a lighter, more contemporary lens.

With notes of wild strawberry and cotton candy, it could easily have drifted into something overly edible or nostalgic in a literal sense – but instead, it does the opposite. The sweetness is there, but it is diffused, almost weightless, like sugar suspended in air rather than anchored in density. The result is something bright, airy, and unexpectedly radiant, with a kind of effortless luminosity that keeps it from ever becoming cloying. A soft, sweetened tuberose runs through the composition, adding a floral dimension that is crucial to its balance. Rather than turning creamy or carnal, the tuberose remains airy and slightly fruity. Luisant Haze, crafted by perfumer Karine Chevallier, feels joyful in a very natural, unforced way. There is a sense of optimism in the way it unfolds – an invitation to stay present, to enjoy the moment without looking behind or projecting too far ahead. It doesn’t try to impress through intensity; instead, it wins through clarity, balance, and emotional ease. I already know this is going to be one of my summer staples. @thomasdemonaco @thomasdemonacoparfums

Voyages Imaginaires Comme Un Gant/ Photo credit: Darius Damulis

Discovering Voyages Imaginaires made me feel like I had been living under a stone. It was my first time trying the brand, and I genuinely don’t know how it escaped my radar before. Created by Isabelle Doyen and Camille Goutal, the perfumes are composed entirely from natural ingredients – yet they completely defy the common perception that natural perfumery lacks depth, projection, or complexity. What struck me immediately is how expressive and nuanced the compositions are. There is nothing flat or predictable about them. Instead, they feel alive, evolving on the skin with a kind of quiet sophistication that doesn’t rely on volume or obvious effects.

I genuinely enjoyed the entire collection, but Comme un Gant became my absolute favorite. Creamy, spicy, and wrapped in a soft, slightly vanillic sandalwood, it feels both comforting and refined. @voyagesimaginairesparfums@camillegoutal 

Mabelle O’Rama / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

I also really enjoyed discovering Mabelle O’Rama. The brand feels deeply personal, rooted in the founder’s journey as a Lebanese British perfumer and artist who turned to scent as a form of emotional exploration during the pandemic.  The collection is small – just three fragrances – but it feels cohesive and thoughtfully constructed, with each scent expressing a different emotional tone. Phoenix Flame is the most recent addition, bringing a slightly more assertive energy, but it was Lunar Dust that resonated with me the most. Built around white woods, iris, amber, and cedarwood, it unfolds as something soft, enveloping, and almost meditative. @mabelle_orama

Madagascar Le Baume Vanille / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

Passing by Parfum d’Empire, I had to stop for Madagascar Le Baume Vanille. As a vanilla lover, I’ve explored countless interpretations of the note, and many of them tend to blur into one another. But Marc-Antoine Corticchiato managed to create something that truly stands apart. This is not a simple sweet vanilla. It’s rich, layered, and full-bodied – boozy, slightly spicy, and deeply addictive. There is a warmth to it that feels almost enveloping, yet it maintains a level of refinement that keeps it from becoming overwhelming. It’s the kind of fragrance that immediately draws you in and lingers in your memory long after. Without hesitation, I would say it’s one of the most impressive vanilla compositions I’ve tried in recent years – and I still regret not purchasing a bottle on the spot. @parfumdempire

Millesève / Photo credit: Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

Before wrapping up, I stopped by Millesève, a newly launched French brand that had been generating quite a buzz throughout the event. Naturally, I was curious to see what the excitement was about. The collection feels authentic and well-crafted, with a clear sense of direction despite being so new. There is a certain ease to the fragrances – nothing feels overly complicated, yet they are far from generic. Among them, Chère Colette stood out immediately. Its interpretation of linden blossom feels both fresh and distinctive, capturing a slightly nostalgic atmosphere while still feeling modern. There is something very evocative about it – almost like a memory you can’t fully place but instantly recognize. I have a strong feeling this might become a standout favorite as the brand continues to grow. @milleseveparis

Paris Perfume Week 2026  crowds / Photo credit: Darius Damulis

Paris Perfume Week 2026 confirmed something I’ve been sensing for a while: niche perfumery is evolving rapidly. It is no longer a small, insider-driven world, but a growing, expanding universe filled with new voices, new ideas, and new aesthetics. What stood out the most this year was the balance between emerging brands bringing fresh perspectives and established names continuing to refine their identity without losing depth. There is more experimentation, more freedom, and less fear of stepping outside traditional structures.

And while it is impossible to see and smell everything in just a few days, that’s part of the beauty of it. You leave knowing you’ve only scratched the surface – with a mind full of impressions, a list of new discoveries, and the quiet excitement of knowing there is still so much more to explore.

–Kristina Kybartaite-Damule, Guest Contributor

 Disclosure: I received samples, purchased some fragrances; opinions my own

 

Notes: Wild Mentha Citrata, Honeysuckle, Orris Root; Boronia, Frankincense, White Thyme, Heliotrope, Fig Leaf; Oakwood, Australian Sandalwood.

Thanks to the generosity of Parfums Dusita, we have a 50 ml bottle of Le Pavillon d’Or for one registered reader. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, in the EU, USA, UK. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what you find most interesting based on Kristina’s Paris Perfume Week 2026 report and where you live. Draw closes 4/19/2026

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