I have been to Berlin several times before and evertime I experienced this city from different perspectives. It has so much to offer that it’s impossible to get bored of it. This time I wanted to delight myself with an olfactory journey around Berlin to explore the emerging boutique perfumeries landscape.
My goal was to explore the emerging well-curated fragrance shops scene. I always found luxury retail fascinating. It is all about the overall sensory experience It does not matter if you do the transaction at your first visit as the overall impression will make you come back. It feels a bit like in an interactive museum where you can see, touch and smell the art. You can hang for an hour, chat with people who work there and try some of the most hard-to-find fragrances in existence.
What are niche fragrances?
Fine perfumeries are not for everybody. There are no commercial smells so you might spend a lot of time choosing the right scent. It’s a risk and an advantage at the same time. It feels like a great break, a spiritual moment in a busy city surrounded with exquisite essences.
Niche or artisanal fragrances are created in small quantities by smaller, independent fragrance houses or individual perfumers. Small batch perfumes have more exclusive, personal, and artisanal touch which might interest those who are looking for something more distinctive and special which sets them apart from mass-produced perfumes.
Why are niche fragrances important? They offer creativity and exclusivity that evoke emotions and memories and offer a personal signature scent. Owning it is like having a piece of art – it’s a reflection of our own style and individuality.
Where to find the best niche perfumes in Berlin?
Among various boutique perfumeries in Berlin, Dyptique Boutique Mitte is the most alluring and sophisticated niche perfumery I have visited in the city.
Dyptique Boutique Mitte
Neue Schönhauser Str. 19
The design is absolutely stunning. The botanical window display highlights elegant organic details such as stone finishes or wooden accents. You enter the boutique and you see the products carefully arranged on the ceramic shelves. The mirrors on the walls and blue tiles are reflecting the light and make the store look bigger. The pictures hanged around will not let you leave the store anytime soon. Wooden furniture and floor, warm and inviting lighting and non aggressive staff convinced me that it’s not the last time I visit this place.
I also found what is missing often in other stores, the brand’s or product’s history described in specific brand’s corner. I tried several unique and artisanal fragrances there, scented candles and home products, but my attention was driven by the solid perfume from Dyptique brand. Imagine you can actually touch the favourite scent and rub the balm on your skin. I learned that solid perfumes allows for layering and tend to contribute to a longer-lasting fragrance experience when applied correctly. I loved the refill option. Once your initial solid perfume is finished, you can purchase a refill and place it in your compact case. The packaging is a piece of art with the elegant botanical patterns on the oval case.
Le Labo
Alte Schönhauser Str. 26
Le Labo is an American artisanal perfumery located in Berlin’s Mitte district where I had a pleasure to buy my favourite Le Labo Santal 33. A visit there feels a bit like in an old, vintage pharmacy. The brand is proudly producing their fragrances in small batches and offers bespoke perfumes. The blending of the custom fragrance is done in-store.
Customers can join the process, making choices regarding the concentration of specific notes. This heavy wooden furniture and old tiles on the walls make the visit truly pleasant. The brand is famous for its minimalist packaging, labelling the bottles with the buyer’s name and the details about the fragrance. Some Le Labo boutiques may host special events where customers can engage in the fragrance creation process with the guidance of expert perfumers.
Mekkanische Rose
Leibnitz Str. 47
Mekkanische Rose is a true gem on Berliner olfactory landscape situated near Kurfürstendamm. It’s a natural perfumery in the Leibniz Strasse created by two German brothers. The noble products are based on the high-quality essential oils. A bit fairy tale design in a compact store creates an unique atmosphere and my opinion truly matches with the products sold here. It’s possible to test some oils on your skin after a careful advise provided by the most knowledgable staff.
Atelier Oblique
Almstadt Str. 5
Atelier Oblique did not surprise me with its minimalistic and very modern style. The high quality fragrances are the most important here and any additional decoration seems redundant. The brand highlights perfumes personality and shares their stories with the delicate lightening and curated displays.
Ryoko Store
Friedel Str. 11
I could describe Ryoko Store as a delicate, calming and natural perfumery. The furnished well organised shelves with a large selection of essential oils and labelled hand-crafted home fragrances. The fine decorative flowers and accessories play an important role here and makes the interior a true piece of art.
I could not go to all the fantastic fine fragrance stores this time but i already planned to visit two more next time: AromA and Schwarzlose. I wish to explore those boutiques in winter time to see how the beautifully lightened and decorated displayed.
If you look for other things to do when being a bit tired of walking I would recommend to step by the most beautiful caffees in Berlin Mitte:
- House of Small wonders is situated 13 minutes from Dyptique Boutique in a former Jewish Girl’s School. I had my delicious brunch there and was positively surprised. The portion was really big and served with a twist. I would recommend to make a reservation upfront.
- Clarchens ballroom should be on your bucket list if you are a vintage enthusiast. It feels like travelling in time. We had a late lunch there inside the restaurant but I would advise to sit in the terrace for a moment and enjoy the idyllic vibe.
