If you're a fan of Imaginary Authors, you already know the magic of a fragrance that tells a story. Their scents aren't just perfumes, they're invitations to fictional worlds, bottled moods, and unique narratives. It's a brand for people who want to wear something that sparks imagination and stands out from the mainstream.
For those of us who love that artistic, storytelling approach to scent, the good news is there are other amazing brands exploring similar concepts. If you're ready to expand your fragrance library, here are 16 brands like Imaginary Authors that offer unique and captivating scents.
L'Artisan Parfumeur is an original in the niche fragrance world, known for its creative, nature-inspired scents. Like Imaginary Authors, it values craftsmanship and originality, often taking you on a journey with its complex compositions. Where they differ, L'Artisan leans more towards a classic, Parisian elegance fused with artistic spirit, while Imaginary Authors has a more modern, quirky indie vibe.
Expect prices between $100 and $150 for scents that feel both timeless and unique. If you love the artistry of Imaginary Authors but are looking for something a bit more refined and graceful, this is a beautiful place to start. Their fragrances are complex and layered, making them perfect for scent connoisseurs.
Shop now at www.artisanparfumeur.com
Famous for its minimalist apothecary aesthetic and freshly blended perfumes, Le Labo shares Imaginary Authors' passion for artisanal quality. The brand's focus is on high-quality raw ingredients and scents that evolve on the skin, telling a personal story that is unique to the wearer. Its city-exclusive fragrances and customizable labels add to the bespoke experience.
With prices ranging from $80 to over $200, Le Labo attracts those who appreciate clean, sophisticated, and deeply personal fragrances. It's a bit more stripped-back and modern than Imaginary Authors but delivers a similar impact of wearing something truly special.
Shop now at lelabofragrances.com
Byredo is the epitome of Scandinavian cool, blending sleek, minimalist design with deeply evocative and emotional scents. Each fragrance is built around a memory or an idea, giving it the narrative quality fans of Imaginary Authors adore. Byredo feels a bit more modern and luxury-focused, with fragrances like "Gypsy Water" and "Mojave Ghost" becoming cult favorites.
Sitting at a higher price point of $140-$250, Byredo is for the design-conscious fragrance lover who sees perfume as a form of art. If you love a good story but want it housed in an impeccably chic bottle, Byredo is your match.
Shop now at www.byredo.com
While known for the globally sensational "Baccarat Rouge 540," Maison Francis Kurkdjian offers a whole wardrobe of impeccably crafted, luxurious fragrances. The brand excels at creating scents that feel both elegant and surprisingly modern, with a storytelling quality rooted in classic French perfumery. It's a step up in terms of luxury and sophistication from Imaginary Authors.
Priced from $150 to $300, MFK caters to those seeking true artistry and opulence in a bottle. This is the brand you turn to when you want your personal narrative to scream quiet, confident luxury.
Shop now at maisonfranciskurkdjian.com
Arguably one of the closest relatives to Imaginary Authors on this list, D.S. & Durga builds perfumes around stories, worlds, and "olfactory snapshots." With scent names like "I Don't Know What" and "Cowboy Grass," the Brooklyn-based brand shares a similar quirky and creative spirit. Their vibe often pulls from music, history, and Americana for inspiration.
Priced typically between $100 and $180, these scents are for anyone who believes fragrance should be a conversation starter. If your favorite part of Imaginary Authors is the world-building, you will feel right at home with D.S. & Durga.
Shop now at dsanddurga.com
Known for their chic apothecary bottles and botanical-forward formulas, Aesop's fragrances are grounded in nature and atmosphere. Like Imaginary Authors, they create unisex scents meant to evoke a mood rather than just smell "pretty." However, Aesop's creations are often more earthy, herbaceous, and minimalist.
With most scents in the $80-$150 range, Aesop is perfect for those who want a fragrance that feels introspective, grounded, and subtly sophisticated. Think of them as the quiet, intellectual cousin in the narrative fragrance family.
Shop now at aesop.com
Juliette Has a Gun brings a modern, edgy, and slightly rebellious attitude to the fragrance world. Their concept revolves around a modern-day Juliette who is armed with perfume as her weapon of seduction. This character-driven storytelling echoes Imaginary Authors' approach, but with a more provocative and bold twist.
With prices between $80-$150, the brand is famous for exploring single notes in unexpected ways, most notably with its bestseller "Not a Perfume." It’s ideal for fragrance lovers who want something modern, confident, and a little bit flirty.
Shop now at juliettehasagun.com
Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle is like an art gallery for the world's greatest perfumers. Malle acts as an "editor," giving perfumers total creative freedom to craft their dream scent, resulting in a collection of diverse, masterpiece-level fragrances. Each one tells a clear and powerful olfactory story with unparalleled depth.
The iconic "Portrait of a Lady," a dramatic and opulent Turkish rose scent, is a perfect example of this narrative depth. Priced between $200-$300+, this brand is for serious collectors who appreciate fragrance as high art.
Shop now at frenchmalle.com
Commodity has a genius concept: they offer perfumes designed to be intuitively understood and layered. Many scents come in three "Scent Space" projections - Personal, Expressive, and Bold - allowing you to control the story your fragrance tells. This focus on mood and experience aligns with Imaginary Authors' brand ethos.
Their fragrances are modern, minimalist, and often center on familiar notes like "Book," "Gold," or "Paper." With single bottles priced from $40-$90, Commodity makes experimental, high-quality fragrance more accessible.
Shop now at commodityfragrances.com
Ormonde Jayne is a London-based perfume house known for its sophisticated and worldly scents that use rare and unusual ingredients. The brand’s essence is built on the elegance of travel and the beauty of far-flung places, aiming to transport you to another world. This escapist quality is highly attractive to fans of Imaginary Authors.
At a luxury price point of $150-$250, Ormonde Jayne offers complex, unforgettable fragrances that feel refined and utterly unique, perfect for anyone whose wanderlust extends to their scent collection.
Shop now at ormondejayne.com
Fornasetti is where art and fragrance become one. The brand is famous for its surreal and whimsical decorative art, which it translates into scents housed in stunning ceramic vessels. The story begins with the beautiful object and continues with the complex, room-filling fragrance inside.
While mostly focused on home fragrance, their essence is deeply connected to evocative narrative. Priced from $150+, buying a Fornasetti candle or diffuser is like acquiring a piece of art that tells a multi-sensory story, much like a wearable Imaginary Authors scent.
Shop now at fornasettiprofumigroup.com
As the name suggests, Gallivant is all about travel. Each perfume is an olfactory ode to a specific city, like Los Angeles, Tokyo, or Istanbul. The brand aims to capture the unique vibe and hidden stories of these destinations, making it a perfect match for anyone who loves the narrative focus of Imaginary Authors.
The indie brand offers creations that are fun, wearable, and always inspired by a strong sense of place. With prices around $100-$160, it's a fantastic choice for those who want their signature scent to be a souvenir from an adventure.
Shop now at gallivant.com
If you're drawn to the bold and unconventional side of fragrance, Strangelove NYC is for you. This niche brand specializes in luxurious, oud-based perfumes that are raw, daring, and deeply sensual. Their narrative is one of artistry, passion, and rebellion against mainstream perfume norms.
Priced around $80-$130, Strangelove NYC’s scents are complex and statement-making tools of self-expression, sharing Imaginary Authors' commitment to standout individuality. It's the perfect choice when you want a fragrance with an edgy, artistic soul.
Shop now at strangeloveshop.com
While Creed represents the pinnacle of luxury perfumery, signature scents like the legendary Aventus are defined by their story. Aventus was inspired by the dramatic life of a historic emperor, celebrating strength, power, and success. This character-driven philosophy connects with the core of Imaginary Authors, albeit on a far more opulent scale.
With an ultra-luxury price tag from $250-$500, Creed is an investment piece. It's for those who want their signature scent to convey a powerful and unambiguous narrative of achievement and distinction.
Shop now at creedboutique.com
Escentric Molecules revolutionized fragrance with a conceptual, almost anti-perfume approach. The brand celebrates single aroma-molecules (like Iso E Super) that interact with your natural skin chemistry to create a unique scent that's more of a personal "effect" than a traditional perfume. Its story is one of science meeting art.
Priced around $100-$150, this brand is for the minimalist who loves how Imaginary Authors tells a mood-driven story, but prefers it told in a whisper. The magic is in its beautifully simple and personal impact.
Shop now at escentricmolecules.com
Nomenclature is a celebration of the art and science of perfumery, building its fragrances around pioneering synthetic molecules. Each scent tells the story of a specific ingredient, elevating it with poetic and artistically blended compositions. This highly focused brand of storytelling is perfect for fragrance lovers who love learning what's inside the bottle.
Ringing in at around $150-$200, Nomenclature is ideal for those who appreciate Imaginary Authors’ creativity but want something with a chemistry-loving, modernist edge. The scents are bright, clean, and futuristic.
Shop now at nomenclatureparfum.com
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