Labels crop up in the most unlikeliest of places … at first glance that is and when they do, you slap your head in realization.

There is a distinct cottage industry that has sprung up around bottling antique scents and marketing them, typically using online auction sites such as eBay.  When we say, “Antique Scent” we are not talking about a 100 year old pong but rather the production of scents and perfumes from a bygone age or era produced to order in many instances and which has carved out a specialist but growing niche in the billion dollar perfume market.

An issue for the suppliers has been to really differentiate their product from the mass marketed scents and perfumes which are backed by multi-million dollar marketing campaigns, tanned supermodels and exotic locations and situations.  All try to promote individuality with a huge price tag but antique scents can do this far more effectively and enhance the wearer (or giver’s) reputation for individual personality and flair.

perfume 1

No wonder that this cottage perfume industry has latched onto bespoke labels to enhance the differentiation from the mass market with their offering.   Not only has this led to modern designs aiming at a “bygone days” theme but a resurgence in original label designs resurfacing for use today – the designs are frequently as refreshing as the often simpler scents in the bottles they adorn.

orange perfume

While the perfume industry has almost universally been influenced by the French it has not always been the case in history with many distinguished “perfumiers” based in London, England and especially during the Victorian era:

vistoriana

Look a little closer though and you’ll see this example is from New York, USA !

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