Etat Libre d'Orange

etatlibredorange.com

Paris house opened in 2006 by Etienne de Swardt, known for names that make people laugh or wince, and for scents that are more careful than the names suggest. Secretions Magnifiques became famous for shocking people, while Fat Electrician, Jasmin et Cigarette and Rien sell quietly year after year. There have been collaborations with Tilda Swinton and Rossy de Palma. Bottles are 50 and 100 ml, and the boutique in the Marais lets you smell the whole wall in one visit.

Suits a wearer who wants provocation with actual perfumery behind it, and does not mind explaining the label. Squeamish buyers should read the notes before ordering blind. Quality across the line is uneven and a few older releases feel dated. Prices sit in the middle for niche, which makes a full bottle less of a leap than in most houses on this level.

Address: Paris, 69 rue des Archives, 75003