Question:
Best:
Hermes
Chanel
Guerlain
I can't name the worst ones. Most designers with which I am familiar have at least one redeeming fragrance.

Answer:
Originally Posted by Ruggles I'm not clear on how you define "men's designer houses". I think you mean any company that makes men's fragrances, not just designer companies. I strictly meant companies that are considered designer, not niche, that produce men's fragrance. Hence my title. Niche houses such as Creed, Lutens etc. don't belong on this list.
I'm sorry if I caused any misunderstanding.

Answer:
Originally Posted by Shiver I strictly meant companies that are considered designer, not niche, that produce men's fragrance. Hence my title. Niche houses such as Creed, Lutens etc. don't belong on this list.
I'm sorry if I caused any misunderstanding. First of all, I'm not trying to be difficult, but I'm still not clear. Creed is not a designer house and is not a niche house, they are a major traditional fragrance house like Guerlain and Caron. On the other hand, Hermes is a leather accessories house that also makes fragrances. I agree Lutens can be seen as a "niche" house. See what I mean?
Your post holds my interest.
Cheers.

Answer:
Originally Posted by Ruggles First of all, I'm not trying to be difficult, but I'm still not clear. Creed is not a designer house and is not a niche house, they are a major traditional fragrance house like Guerlain and Caron. On the other hand, Hermes is a leather accessories house that also makes fragrances. I agree Lutens can be seen as a "niche" house. See what I mean?
Your post holds my interest.
Cheers. A similar argument can be made that since Serge Lutens sell makeup and skincare, they are an "upscale" designer house. Guerlain sell skincare and makeup too. Many sites have classified Creed, just like Santa Maria Novella, a niche house (note that Caron and Guerlain have their "exclusive" niche line too, just like Hermes). Their fragrance pricing certainly reflects that.

Answer:
IMHO, Creed is not a niche house, as it's available in the U.S. at most Saks and Neiman Marcus branches, as well as from numerous on-line discounters. There are too many points of sale for it to be "niche". Creed is priced niche, but its volume is not niche. Perhaps this is another thread?
Cheers.

Answer:
Best--in no particular order:
YSL
Hermes
Bulgari
Guerlain ? designer house?
Worst:
Liz Claiborne
Hugo Boss

Answer:
Originally Posted by Ruggles IMHO, Creed is not a niche house, as it's available in the U.S. at most Saks and Neiman Marcus branches, as well as from numerous on-line discounters. There are too many points of sale for it to be "niche". Creed is priced niche, but its volume is not niche. Perhaps this is another thread?
Cheers. I think this has been discussed before. L'Artisan and others are also carried by many Neiman-Marcus's etc. Availability doesnt concern me since I can now buy almost every Bond no. 9 on Ebay too (and the number of bottles are growing every week, and it wont be too long before it starts appearing at online sites). Plus, thats just one attribute you are looking at: "points of sale". If we look at the attribute "price", then L'Artisan isn't niche because its priced at the level of many Chanels. I would say all brands listed at "aedes.com" are niche

Answer:
One man's "niche" is another man's necessity.

Answer:
BEST:
*YSL
*Versace
*Gucci
*Dior
*Givenchy
WORST:
*Hilfiger
*Hugo Boss

Answer:
Five best from design houses, dead or alive, and easily accessible :
- Dior
- Hermes
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Givenchy
and Comme des Garcons - if they were available.
All for fragrances I consider wearable for a man
The worst - why bother ?