Smell the Rainbow

An explosion of colour in packaging, bottles, labels and fragrance ‘juices’ meant vibrant hues giving clues as to the mood of a scent. Many brands showcased a rainbow palette – an effective, visually striking way of engaging consumers, allowing them to pick a colour they’re drawn to or feel they need to echo the energy and mood of a particular day.

Fantastical Escapes

An invitation to escape reality via our sense of smell was a theme presented by many brands. Again using bright colours, the scents were inspired by fantasy worlds, landscapes not yet travelled, memories of happy holidays or more familiar surroundings, imbued with a joyous sense of naivety untouched by the troubles of modern life. 

Gourmand Grows Up

“Gourmand” in fragrance has usually meant chocolate, cupcakes and caramel-drizzled concoctions. Now, a sophisticated palate of food-inspired scents caters to more savoury, grown-up tastes. Coffee’s bitterness is mixed with pungent, animal-like and spicy notes, where the leatheresque heat of saffron sizzles. Meanwhile, notes of peas, bubble gum and mushrooms offer familiar, comforting smells rendered joyfully surprising in a fine fragrance.

Sense & Sustainability

Mycelium packaging and 3D-printed algae point towards plastic-free solutions while full transparency of ingredient origins is not only encouraged but expected – especially by younger consumers. Artificial intelligence technology enables perfumers to choose the most sustainable ingredients, whereas being eco-conscious is now lauded as desirably luxe.