There is one major development this week that absolutely clears the bar: Roja London has been acquired by Middle East-based Extravaganza Beauty, announced September 18. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Founder Roja Dove is stepping away from day-to-day ownership/operations and moving into a consultancy role, while CEO Audrey Minard remains in charge. Extravaganza says the investment will fund international expansion plus new product development across Prestige, Elysium, Aoud, Isola and Art. This is particularly interesting because Extravaganza already has relationships with houses including Amouage, Ex Nihilo, Nishane, Maison Crivelli and Marc-Antoine Barrois. Buying Roja outright takes it beyond distribution partnerships and further into ownership of high-end niche perfumery. There's also a meaningful raw-material development: Symrise completed its acquisition of Floral Concept, the Grasse natural-ingredient specialist. Floral Concept will be combined with Lautier 1795 to create a dedicated natural-perfumery hub specializing in materials including rose, jasmine, orange blossom, ambrette and blackcurrant bud. That's important upstream consolidation in the supply of premium naturals used by fine-fragrance perfumers. One more trend is worth keeping on our radar: the International Perfume Museum is opening a six-month exhibition devoted to contemporary Asian fragrance brands on September 26, in collaboration with Cosmoprof and Esxence. That's another institutional signal supporting what we've been discussing about Asia becoming an increasingly important source of original niche/artisan perfumery, rather than merely a market for Western houses.

Enjoying this extremely rare beauty tonight. When I wear this, it's like visiting someone who has been around the world, seen and experienced things that most people never will. You sit across from this man and you know the conversation and the stories will be ones to remember. Sitting in his office, only lit by a fireplace, surrounded by old books, aged leather seating, cigar and drink on the table. Notes of this exclusif beauty: Vanilla, Tobacco, Blond woods, Black Musk, Amber, and leather

This one doesn’t need presentation. I got a free decant in Spain when I bought the discovery set of the niche brand Contes de Parfums. I was not too impressed by it, but I wanted it for my collection. I will share my candid and general thoughts about it after my first full wearing. It’s the best selling fragrance of the line for good reasons. For collectors, it’s a must have. It’s well regarded and hyped by the community “ad nauseam”. It definitely deserves a spot in any collection. It’s quite “unique”, but maybe “an alternative, inspired by, response…?” to its famous predecessor and discontinued Mugler A*Men Pure Havane. I also have one of the earliest alternatives to Pure Havane: “Reyane Tradition Insurrection II Wild” (also very similar to Naxxos.) It’s versatile, sophisticated, elegant, and refined. Although it’s a very subtle and inoffensive aroma, it has great protection and longevity. It’s not ground breaking and it’s also very simple. A beautiful scent that has its places and occasions. To my taste, it’s too simple, too subtle, and forgettable IMO. This is why I normally don’t wear fragrances many others love. I might like them, but they just don’t suit my expectations, so I will not reach for them as much. Website Notes: Top notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Lavender, Incense from Oman. Heart notes: Jasmine Sambac, Honey, Cinnamon, Cashmere. Base notes: Vanilla, Tobacco Leaf, Tonka Bean.

Went with this sweet & woody fragrance for today, it’s very versatile and signature scent worthy, you can wear it year round, work, office, errands, weekends, date nights, professional and upscale environments, you name it.

I don't recall if we have done this before, but let's give it a spin again. I have done this before in another hobby and it turned out great, so let's give it a whirl with frags. Post your 5 tops dream frags to try, maybe someone in this group can help make those dreams come true. This can be hard to find, discontinued, rare, and just something that you have always wanted try, but haven't had the opportunity. If you can fulfill, reply to the poster so we know it's happening. Please don't try to sell samples or decants, it's all about the community and trying to make someone's day. If you receive, please share your experience with the frag and if so inclined tag the generous person who made it happen.