The Founder’s Edit: Libertine’s Curated Perfume Set

When Libertine launched in 2008, the goal was simple: introduce niche perfumery to Australia. “Until then, niche had barely made an impact, with designer brands dominating the space,” recalls Nick Smart, Founder and CEO. “We set out to give the consumer something different — a new experience altogether.”

Today, niche fragrance occupies a very different landscape, no longer reserved for the few but celebrated by even the casual consumer. In marking this journey, Nick has curated The Founder’s Edit Sample Set — a selection of scents that shaped Libertine, and the brands that have been instrumental in bringing niche perfume to the forefront in Australia.

Nick refers to the earliest years of Libertine as the “First Wave” — the formative chapter that set the foundation for everything to come. “Costume National was the very first brand we signed,” he says. “For that reason — aside from it being an amazing couture-inspired brand in its own right — it will always mean the world to me, and was a must for the set.” Its contribution to the set, Sea Thru, captures that early spirit: fresh, aromatic, and effortlessly wearable.

Then came Juliette Has a Gun, a house that helped define the attitude of niche in its rise. Libertine has worked with creator Romano Ricci for many years, championing the brand long before niche fragrance became mainstream. Its inclusion, Miami Shake, is a playful gourmand with all the flirtatious energy Juliette is known for — a perfect snapshot of the bold, characterful scents that helped shape the First Wave.

As niche fragrance began to take hold, it paved the way for iconic houses to re-enter a changing market. Robert Piguet, Trudon, and, more recently, Clive Christian joined Libertine’s roster, offering not just niche fragrance, but niche with a storied past. “Robert Piguet literally defined the idea of a statement scent, not to mention creating what is considered the benchmark of tuberose, Fracas,” says Nick. In The Founder’s Edit, V by Robert Piguet — originally created in 1945 — continues to impress with its pioneering fruity-leather character, a timeless example of the house’s signature boldness.

Then there’s Trudon, a brand whose history reads like a royal chronicle. As the official candle maker to the French royal court, its heritage is nothing short of breathtaking. For the set, Nick chose a deeply personal favourite: Cyrnos. “It was the scent of my wedding day — it’s incredible!” Its inclusion speaks to both the brand’s enduring legacy and the personal connections that have shaped Libertine’s journey.

Rounding off the iconic houses is Clive Christian, whose lineage traces back to the UK’s Crown Perfumery. Renowned for unmatched quality, complexity, and compositions often containing hundreds of ingredients, the brand exemplifies super-luxury in every sense. For the set, Rock Rose showcases this mastery — a beautifully layered aromatic that commands attention and turns heads.

As the niche market has matured in Australia, a space for what Nick calls the “Second Wave” emerged. “In recent years, brands like Matière Première, BDK, Xerjoff and Nishane have really caught the imagination and taken on the baton,” he explains. “With Matière Première, we have something truly unique: scents created and cultivated from an overdose of a single ingredient, while BDK, Xerjoff and Nishane are all excellent examples of modern niche perfumery pushing boundaries.”

This new wave reflects the evolution of niche fragrance — bold, experimental, and unafraid to redefine expectations. The Founder’s Edit Sample Set captures this shift perfectly, with Vanilla Powder Extrait (Matière Première), Meant To Be Seen (Nishane) and Coro (Xerjoff) all offering a glimpse into the creative energy and innovation driving this chapter of Libertine’s story.

“Then, I wanted to include the newest additions to the collection — the brands who are just beginning to write their part of the story, but are already making waves,” says Nick. Room 1015 and Fugazzi embody this fresh energy, creating fragrance for a new audience. Room 1015 (Wavechild) revives the spirit of counterculture, while Fugazzi (Angel Dust) approaches perfume with a confident, ironic twist, challenging conventions at every turn.

Rounding out the set is Flower Lust by D’Orsay, a house that balances tradition with bold innovation. Their modern, daring approach breathes new life into classic perfumery, making it a fitting finale to this carefully curated selection.