It’s about finding that special something—a perfectly tailored jacket, a unique accessory—that tells a personal story and elevates an entire look. I believe the same is true for fragrance. It’s the invisible accessory that completes your style, setting a mood before you even say a word.
On my latest trip to the Netherlands, I was on a mission to find a scent that was more than just a passing trend. I wanted something with a true Dutch soul—something authentic, unique, and effortlessly cool. Let me tell you, I hit the jackpot. Forget the usual designer suspects; the Dutch niche perfume scene is where the real magic happens.
Amsterdam’s Best-Kept Secret
My first stop was the Perfume Lounge in Amsterdam. Stepping inside felt like walking into a chic, minimalist sanctuary. It’s a complete escape from the busy streets, and the staff’s passion for perfume is infectious. They don’t just sell you a fragrance; they give you a masterclass.
This is where I discovered Annindriya, the boutique’s own in-house brand. Their scents are sophisticated and elegant, the kind of fragrance you’d wear to a gallery opening or a quiet dinner. But the real showstopper for me was Francesca Bianchi. Based in Amsterdam, her scents are bold, powerful, and utterly unforgettable. Wearing her perfume feels like making a statement—it’s a scent for a woman who knows exactly who she is.
Of course, no fashion editor’s guide would be complete without a mention of Skins Cosmetics. With multiple locations, Skins is like the high-end department store of niche beauty. They curate a flawless selection of cult-favorite brands, many of which are exclusive to their stores in the Netherlands. It’s the perfect place to explore a wide range of top-tier brands and maybe even discover a new favorite.
Scented Stories from the Dutch Countryside
Beyond the capital, I found that many of the most exciting Dutch perfumers are working quietly from their own studios, creating fragrances that are deeply personal and authentic.
Annindriya
The in-house brand of Perfume Lounge in Amsterdam, known for its refined niche perfumes.
Baruti
Based in Rotterdam, Baruti is known for bold and unique fragrances created by perfumer Spyros Drosopoulos.
Van De Zotte
This brand creates perfumes that are a tribute to Dutch heritage, with scents inspired by locations and elements of the Netherlands like the Wadden Sea and the Veluwe forests. You can find them online and often at specific stockists.
The Scents of Amsterdam
This brand focuses on creating unique fragrances inspired by the city of Amsterdam itself, with scents like “A Touch of Tulips” and “Red Light Love.” They have their own online shop.
Francesca Bianchi
While Italian by birth, this acclaimed perfumer creates her fragrances while based in Amsterdam. Her creations are known for their bold and unique character.
Rituals
While the true Dutch fragrance journey often leads to niche boutique perfumers, no guide would be complete without acknowledging the enormous impact of Rituals. As a brand originally from the Netherlands, Rituals has masterfully merged accessible luxury with Eastern wisdom, creating an entire lifestyle around scented well-being. Although often known for their body and home products, their sophisticated line of Eau de Parfums (such as Samsara or Oud Gourmand) showcases a deep commitment to high-quality fragrance creation. Rituals proved that the Dutch contribution to scent culture could extend beyond the personal spritz to transform one’s entire living space into a daily scented sanctuary.
- House of Rituals (Concept Store)
- Address: Spui 10, 1012 PR Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Rating: 4.6 stars
- Hours Today (Monday): 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Phone: +31 20 705 5180
- Rituals (Beethovenstraat)
- Address: Beethovenstraat 48H, 1077 JK Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Hours Today (Monday): 12:00–6:00 PM
- Phone: +31 20 664 4033
- Rituals (Waldenlaan)
- Address: Waldenlaan 133, 1093 NH Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Rating: 4.3 stars
- Hours Today (Monday): 12:00–6:00 PM
- Phone: +31 20 737 2765
- Rituals (Utrechtsestraat)
- Address: Utrechtsestraat 84 hs, 1017 VR Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Rating: 4.3 stars
- Hours Today (Monday): 12:00–6:00 PM
- Phone: +31 20 626 1760
- Rituals (Ferdinand Bolstraat)
- Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 73, 1072 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Hours Today (Monday): 12:00–6:00 PM
- Phone: +31 20 787 0156
The Final Touch
Ultimately, a great fragrance, like a great outfit, tells a story. My trip to the Netherlands was an inspiring journey into a world where fragrance is treated as an art form. It’s a testament to the fact that true style is not just what you wear, but also the invisible air of confidence and character you carry with you.
These Dutch brands are more than just perfumes; they’re an extension of your personal style. So, the next time you’re in the Netherlands, forget the tourist traps. Find your signature scent. It’s the one accessory you’ll never want to take off.
