FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about art
perfumery, interior fragrances, scent design, and Margessa's
signature creations.
Answered by Markéta Pekárková, Founder & Perfumer.
What does a niche perfume mean to you?
To me, a niche perfume is an original creation, crafted with a passion for authenticity, exceptional ingredients, and individuality. Unlike mass-market fragrances, it is not created to follow trends or appeal to everyone. Instead, it is born from a vision—a personal olfactory story waiting to be experienced. A niche perfume is more than something that simply smells beautiful. It does not need to be defined by its fragrance notes or ingredients alone. It is something to be felt, experienced, and remembered. It is authentic. And sometimes, I truly believe that a perfume chooses you, rather than the other way around. That is exactly how I create every Margessa fragrance. I invite you not simply to wear my perfumes, but to read them like a book. Every fragrance tells a story—and only you can decide whether it becomes part of your own.
Why natural ingredients? Why pure alcohol?
Natural fragrance ingredients are vibrant, complex, and ever-changing—just like people. They represent the most precious gift nature has to offer. Each botanical essence possesses its own unique character, depth, and delicate nuances that gradually unfold as the fragrance develops on the skin. Pure alcohol allows the composition to express itself with clarity, preserving the integrity of the ingredients while supporting the fragrance's natural evolution from the first impression to its lasting trail.
Not every fragrance ingredient can be obtained from nature. How do you approach this?
You're right—not every fragrance ingredient can be sourced from nature. Whenever I need to recreate a scent that exists only in synthetic form, I do my best to capture its character by carefully blending the natural fragrance materials available to me. For example, while creating a fragrance for the Redlich Apartment at Vila Austerlitz, I wanted to include the scent of raw cane sugar. Since no natural ingredient can provide that aroma, I first immersed myself in its scent and then recreated it by composing a blend of natural materials until it reflected the character I was looking for. This is a far more demanding and delicate process than reaching for a synthetic ingredient. Yet, for me, this is where the true beauty of natural perfumery begins. It is craftsmanship, genuine artistry, and a touch of mysterious alchemy. And that is something that simply cannot be copied.
How do I choose the right fragrance?
Don't choose a fragrance based solely on its notes—or on what other people like. Perfume is deeply personal. It interacts with your skin, your emotions, and even the atmosphere of the moment. The way a fragrance smells in the first few minutes can be completely different from how it reveals itself several hours later. When choosing a perfume, pay attention above all to how it makes you feel. Sometimes you choose the fragrance, and sometimes the fragrance chooses you. If you're unsure where to begin, start with a discovery sample. Give the fragrance time to unfold on your skin and discover its true character throughout the day. One piece of advice from me: if you recognize yourself in the description of one of my perfumes, there's a good chance you've just found your fragrance.
Why can a natural perfume seem softer than a conventional fragrance?
Natural niche perfumes behave differently from conventional commercial fragrances. They often feel softer, more natural, and blend more harmoniously with your skin. Rather than leaving an intense synthetic trail, they offer an authentic olfactory experience that evolves beautifully throughout the day. The projection and longevity of a fragrance also depend on several factors, including your skin type, the ambient temperature, the way you apply the perfume, your individual sense of smell, and whether you are accustomed to synthetic fragrances with a very strong projection. Many people eventually discover that others do not notice a natural perfume any less—it simply expresses itself in a more elegant, intimate, and authentic way. Every Margessa fragrance is crafted from natural fragrance ingredients and pure natural alcohol, with an unwavering commitment to authenticity, exceptional quality, and a harmonious composition.
Curious about the fascinating world of fragrance? Write to me. I'd love to hear from you—I could talk about perfume for hours.
Last updated: May 2026
