Established in 2018, Essential Parfums has secured its position in the fiercely competitive niche market by emphasizing the core of perfumery: the scent itself. Every fragrance is meticulously crafted by a distinguished perfumer who centers their work around an exceptional natural ingredient, ensuring a truly inspiring olfactory experience.
The emerging French label has defined its brand around a back-to-basics approach, encapsulated in a concise mission: "Simplicity as the pinnacle of luxury."
An exceptional product range
"Essential Parfums stands out as the sole niche label endorsed by top perfumers, embodying a conscientious and sustainable ethos, all at an accessible price point. Our eco-conscious components reflect our core principles," remarks Géraldine Archambault, the brand's founder. Every eau de parfum is devoid of artificial colorants, and the secondary packaging showcases FSC-certified virgin corrugated cardboard, minimizing the use of adhesive.
The product range swiftly captured customers. Since 2019, the brand has been available at the Scent Room in Printemps Haussmann, and a temporary store debuted at Galeries Lafayette on the Champs Élysées in June 2024. In the interim, two flagship stores were inaugurated in key Parisian locales—the Marais district and Boulevard Saint-Germain.
Presently, the founder highlights that "Essential Parfums is self-sustaining and thriving."
"In comparison to similar brands, our fragrances are priced equivalently per kilo, yet they represent only half the production cost. This is unprecedented, especially within the niche market. Therefore, we make deliberate decisions: opting for a straightforward cap instead of a magnetic one and utilizing a basic box made from virgin cardboard," elaborates Géraldine Archambault.
A customized bottle for a higher-end positioning
Due to the impressive sales figures, Essential Parfums has opted to transition from using a generic bottle provided by Coverpla to introducing its own distinctive signature bottle.
"The fresh bottle aims for simplicity, elegance, and prestige. It aligns with the brand's objective of shifting towards a more upscale market," emphasizes Géraldine Archambault, who commissioned Alnoor Mitha de Bharat, the founder of Objets de Convoitises design agency, to oversee its creation. "The process involved delicate enhancements akin to a facelift, incorporating personalized touches into the container," elaborates the designer.
The agency refined the brand's visual guidelines and crafted retail components, specifically for the Champs-Élysées corner. "I incorporated the green hue from the storefronts to echo the natural essence of Essential Parfums. The design draws inspiration from Géraldine's initial boutiques, featuring consistent elements like wood, copper, brass, metal tubes, light marble, and cane detailing. The objective was to unite these components in clean, uncomplicated forms that complement the bottle's aesthetic," highlights Alnoor.
With this encouraging momentum, Essential Parfums is now contemplating the expansion of new stores beyond Paris, beginning with Lyon and Bordeaux. The brand's successful exportation efforts also pave the way for an upcoming boutique in London.