Fragrance Is My Specialist Subject—These New Perfumes Will Be Future Icons

Key notes: Strawberry, gardenia, brown sugar, patchouli

One of my new favourite scents has to be Miu Miu Miutine. Designed to capture the youthful spirit of the Miu Miu woman, this perfume is practically bursting with flirtatious energy. It starts sweet and light, with shimmering accords of wild strawberry and brown sugar. However, as time goes on, a whisper of patchouli reveals a more sophisticated side that, although unexpected, keeps you totally hooked.

The bottle itself is a tribute to the iconic Miu Miu Matelassé leather, in a warm chestnut colour that feels perfect for this time of year. Pulling this out of my handbag feels like the ultimate fashion statement.

Key notes: Jasmine, lemon, black tea, guaiac wood, orris

Who What Wear beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden, can't get enough of Acqua di Parma's newest scent. "I’m pretty sure this fragrance is about to become my new favourite perfume. If creamy florals are your thing, Acqua di Parma’s take will sweep you up—it’s soft yet smoky, with a smouldering woody depth."

"What makes it even more special is the way the house extracts its jasmine petals. It uses a traditional cold enfleurage method that preserves the flower’s natural richness and intensity. The result is jasmine at its creamiest, brightened by a sparkle of Italian lemon and grounded by smooth woods and earthy patchouli that cocoon the skin. It's utterly hypnotic—I keep catching myself leaning down to my wrists throughout the day because it’s just that addictive." 

Key notes: Iso E Super, cistus

If you're a fan of the original Escentric Molecules fragrance, then you'll be delighted to know that the brand has just created a new iteration for the colder months. "Molecule 01 is a teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing favourite scent—formulated with just Iso E Super, the scent is subtle and personal, sure, but its sharp and fresh nature makes it the pinnacle of cool. But as Molecule 01 becomes more and more popular with every year that passes, my eyes are on the M+ range, which adds unique notes to the iconic Iso E Super base," says beauty director Shannon Lawlor.

"My favourite (and possibly one of my favourite scents of all time) Molecule 01 + Iris is a soft powdered delight, but there's a new addition on the block that has made me very excited indeed. Miles away from the fresh and delicate nature of my other go-to Molecule scents, Molecule 01 + Cistus is a deep, leathery delight. The thing that makes it so delightfully comforting, however, is the way in which it remains sheer and light on the nose. It has a whiskey-like sweetness that tickles your nose hairs, while the leathery base possesses a water-like freshness. I'm basically wrestling this scent out of my husband's hands on the daily because I want it all for myself."

Key notes: Bergamot, frankincense, ginger, rose, oud, patchouli, sandalwood, myrrh, liquorice root, tonka bean

Another new scent Lawlor is loving? Creed's Oud Zarian. "A deep, wintery delight, Creed Oud Zarian is a scent to have on your radar this autumn/winter. As someone who doesn't wear much oud (I'm one of those people who finds it overwhelming), I can't put into words just how special this scent is," she tells me.

"Yes, it's oudy, and obviously so, but after just a few moments of being around it, you realise quite quickly that it doesn't impede on your space in the way a typical oud fragrance might. It has a fresh, zesty bite as the top, thanks to ginger and bergamot, and the animalic oud is wrapped up in a richly powdered smokiness of rose. Throw in some tonka bean and patchouli for good measure, and what you have is a scent that smells like the most expensive aroma in the world."

Key notes: Lemon, verbena, lavender, mimosa flower, amber

If you've been lucky enough to use any Sisley hair products over the years, then you'll know just how luxurious they smell. Now, the brand has bottled the iconic Hair Ritual by Sisley fragrance and created a multi-purpose hair and body perfume so that you can scent yourself from head to toe.

This perfume has a rich, citrusy opening that makes me feel as if I've just stepped out of a five-star hair salon. However, once it dries down on both the hair and skin, a warming woody base comes through, which elevates the fragrance as a whole and gives it this captivating element that has earned me plenty of compliments over the past few weeks.

Key notes: Bitter orange, labdanum, amber

New from Jo Malone London is the perfect autumn scent. This is a statement fragrance, so it's not for the faint-hearted, but if you want to turn heads, then this might be for you. Bitter orange blends with warming amber, smooth vanilla and woody oak for a deep, rich finish that has me dreaming of cosy, darker evenings.

Vousden is also a fan. "This fragrance is warm, glowing, a little smoky and reminds me of sitting next to a fire pit at golden hour as the sun slowly descends below the horizon, the sky a smouldering amber as you sip a cocktail. It's absolutely divine and impressively long-lasting. It's a great scent to take you through summer evenings and into autumn and winter to feel like you've wrapped yourself in cashmere."

Key notes: Bitter almond, orange blossom, tuberose, sambac jasmine, mimosa absolute

I'm a huge fan of Givenchy's original L'Interdit fragrance, so when I heard that the brand was launching a new iteration of the scent, I was immediately intrigued. Another ideal perfume for autumn, this floral, woody concoction is infused with a bitter almond essence, giving it a distinct finish. It's warm, sensual, sophisticated and everything you'd want in a luxury fragrance. I'm reserving this one for date nights only.

Key notes: Geranium absolute, red peony, osmanthus, oud, cypriol

I don't usually gravitate toward oud fragrances; however, this new launch from Tom Ford is an exception. It's that good. Yes, it has that warm muskiness that many oud fragrances feature, but the addition of a fresh red peony accord lifts the scent, making it feel beautifully floral and captivating. If you find typical oud scents a bit too heavy, I encourage you to give this a try.

Key notes: Leather, raspberry, sandalwood, jasmine, rose

If a transitional fragrance is what you're after, let me introduce you to Balmain's Cuir Élysées perfume. Like slipping on your favourite leather jacket, it's rich, deep and expensive-smelling, with notes of sweet, juicy raspberry cutting through to add a playful touch. It's a complex scent that will carry you from the end of summer and into the start of autumn with ease.

Key notes: Elderflower, blackberry accord, jasmine, oak

Speaking of playful fragrances, Dior's newest lineup in the Miss Dior range is not to be missed. This fragrance manages to make a statement while remaining deliciously fruity and fresh on the skin. It's more intense than other Miss Dior scents, with these striking gourmand notes that make you want to become your most fun and flirtatious self. Whenever I spritz this, I immediately have a spring in my step.

Key notes: Granny Smith apple, pear, violet, watermelon, praline, musk

As much as I love a designer perfume, sometimes you can't go wrong with a good old-fashioned body mist. Case in point, this new scent from Phlur. Centred around notes of Granny Smith apple, it's crunchy and fresh, like walking through crisp autumn leaves on a bright, sunny morning. No, it doesn't last as long as an eau de parfum, but it's so easy to top up throughout the day.