Welcome to Fragrance Friday, where each week we’ll be keeping you abreast of the newest and most iconic releases in the dynamic world of men’s fragrances. Born out of the desire to showcase one of the most overlooked, yet versatile, elements of any discerning man’s style this weekly column will help you finesse your own signature scent. This week, we’re looking at some of the best Australian perfume brands for men.
When you think of niche perfumery you’ll invariably turn your attention toward Europe. In Australia, the art of manipulating scents isn’t nearly enough appreciated and entrenched in culture as it is in great cities like Florence and Paris. And yet, there are several homegrown fragrance houses waving the flag high for the world’s most discerning perfume fans.
That’s why I want to give you a quick rundown of local brands worth paying attention to when you’re looking for something new – and mostly natural – to add your signature scent. Yes, while Australia’s perfume houses may not have the same kind of high-end appeal as something like the historic Santa Maria Novella boutique or the home of BDK Parfums, there’s a lot to love if you take the time to go through each and decide on what men’s perfume is best for you
The best-known of Australia’s few perfume brands is clearly Goldfield & Banks. which has a solid global following and distinguishes itself well in the market. But there are a few others to take note of as well. And that’s not just because of some patriotic sense of “supporting local” – these modern labels are doing some very fine work when it comes to fragrances – mostly unisex – that are tied to the Australian landscape.
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Best Australian Perfume Brands
Goldfield & Banks
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. Although that’s not to say saturation has at all dulled the appeal of Goldfield & Banks, which was founded in Sydney in 2016 by Dimitri Weber. Dedicated to telling the story of Australia through the country’s rich botanicals and native ingredients, it’s probably the most successful local brand when it comes to really connecting itself with certain landscapes and settings to help illustrate rich, vivid scenes of something like a lavender farm in Tasmania (“Southern Bloom”) or one of the country’s many pristine beaches (“Pacific Rock Moss”).
My top pick from Goldfield & Banks would have to be Pacific Rock Moss, which has a beautiful aquatic character that stays consistent throughout the EDP’s lifetime.
Who Is Elijah?
I wasn’t too familiar with Who Is Elijah? until just a few months ago. Also based in Sydney, the label is focused on natural and sustainable scents to align with modern times and tastes. 2018’s His | Her proved a massive success for the brand, and ever since Who Is Elijah? has been one of the most recognisable Australian brands in the industry, and is definitely the leader when it comes to value.
The beautiful nuanced musk and woods of Nomad are easily my favourite from this label, with Raquel Bouris creating this excellent expression 2021 and helping Who Is Elijah? become one of the front-runners when we’re discussing Australian perfume brands.
Roemy
Romey is an interesting one and easily the most affordable of these three Australian perfume brands. It’s all-natural and sustainable for this Melbourne-based perfumery, compromising slightly on longevity and opting for formulas that are completely non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free and hypoallergenic. While that may be off-putting to some who expect powerful, statement-making perfumes, there’s actually a lot of value in having a most-days go-to that helps give your senses a bit of a break. And Roemy does this well, striking that fine balance between clean and natural, and satisfying unisex perfumes that won’t break the bank.
