In the world of niche luxury fragrances, Neesh Perfumes has carved out an extraordinary place by blending India’s rich olfactory heritage with modern perfumery techniques. At the helm of this trailblazing brand is Rishi Verma, Founder of Neesh Perfumes, a visionary entrepreneur determined to bring Indian fine fragrances to the global stage. Rooted in a 120-year-old family legacy, Neesh Perfumes continues to redefine the art of scent-making with its masterfully crafted compositions and exquisite packaging.

In an exclusive interview with Gurbir Singh Gulati, Editor-in-Chief of IFAB MEDIA, Rishi Verma shares insights into the brand’s heritage, design philosophy, product innovations, and the meticulous craftsmanship that sets Neesh apart in the world of haute perfumery.

A Legacy Rooted in Fine Craftsmanship

Neesh Perfumes carries a rich legacy rooted in a 120-year-old tradition. Can you share the story of how a renowned jeweller, F. Chand, first ventured into fine perfumery?

The origins of Neesh Perfumes trace back to 1904, when F. Chand, a celebrated Indian jeweller, crafted an exclusive fragrance masterpiece, Vergis, for Punjab royalty. This exquisite blend of rare Ambergris, wild vetiver, and Mysore sandalwood became a hallmark of bespoke perfumery within the family. Over four generations, this tradition flourished alongside the family’s jewellery business. Recognizing the untapped potential of India’s perfume-making tradition, the fifth-generation heir launched Neesh Perfumes in 2014, honoring his heritage while innovating for a global audience. Staying true to its luxurious roots, the brand introduced its iconic shard bottle design, inspired by emerald-cut jewels, symbolizing timeless elegance and craftsmanship.

As a fifth-generation scion of a jewellery house, what inspired you to shift focus from jewellery to luxury fragrances?

Growing up surrounded by fine craftsmanship, I developed a deep appreciation for artistry and luxury. While Indian jewellery brands had already gained global recognition, our rich perfumery tradition was underrepresented in the niche luxury market. Unlike European and Middle Eastern brands, India lacked a modern luxury perfume house that could compete on an international scale. This inspired me to launch Neesh Perfumes—a brand that merges Indian heritage with contemporary perfumery, much like how my family’s jewellery business balances tradition with innovation.

Design Philosophy & Craftsmanship

How does the heritage of fine craftsmanship from the jewellery business influence the design, packaging, and essence of Neesh Perfumes?

The philosophy of Fateh Chand Bansi Lal Jewellers—where craftsmanship, exclusivity, and intricate detailing are paramount—has seamlessly transitioned into Neesh Perfumes:

• - Design & Packaging: Our perfume bottles are designed with the precision of fine jewellery, making them objects d'art.
• - Ingredient Selection: Much like sourcing the rarest gemstones, we procure the finest raw materials, including natural cardamom, sandalwood, and oud, ensuring unmatched quality.
• - Exclusivity & Luxury: Just as high-end jewellery pieces are timeless, our fragrances are crafted to be long-lasting, unique, and luxurious.

The Art of Perfumery: Neesh’s Exquisite Collections

Could you give us a detailed overview of your complete fragrance collection and the philosophy behind each range?

Neesh Perfumes is built on the philosophy of luxury, longevity, and uniqueness. Our collections include:

• - Luxe Collection: High-end, long-lasting extrait de parfums designed to make a bold statement.
• - Heritage Collection: Reviving traditional Indian ingredients with a modern twist, inspired by royalty (e.g., Shafran, a regal saffron-infused scent).
• - Bureau Collection: A tribute to global perfumery, blending international influences with niche craftsmanship.
• - Miss NEESH Collection: A special collection crafted for modern, confident women who appreciate elegant, long-lasting floral fragrances.

Who is the ideal Neesh Perfumes customer?

Our ideal customer is someone who appreciates high-quality niche fragrances over mainstream designer perfumes, values long-lasting scents with premium ingredients, and prefers luxury experiences. Predominantly, our clientele includes urban males aged 25-44, fragrance enthusiasts, and collectors.

Your brand launched with Haute Tobacco and Luxe Hayat, which received remarkable reviews. What are your most iconic and bestselling fragrances?

Some of our most iconic fragrances include:

• Haute Tobacco: A warm blend of tobacco, spices, and vanilla, offering an intense yet sophisticated scent.

• Luxe Hayat: A luxurious, ambery fragrance with deep, mysterious notes exuding elegance.
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• Tobacco Vanilla: A powerful yet smooth mix of spicy tobacco and creamy vanilla.
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• Glazed Water: A fresh, aquatic scent with woody undertones, perfect for daily wear.

• Mehr: A tribute to Indian perfumery, blending saffron, florals, and rich woods into a regal composition.

Each of these embodies Neesh’s philosophy—exclusivity, high-quality ingredients, and masterful blending.

Does Neesh Perfumes offer special collections, such as gift sets or limited-edition fragrances?

Yes, we offer:

• Heritage Collection: A tribute to India’s royal olfactory traditions, featuring luxurious blends like Shafran, inspired by regal perfumery.

• Luxe Collection – Premium extrait de parfum creations crafted by award-winning master perfumers, offering long-lasting, opulent scents.

• Limited-Edition Releases: We periodically launch exclusive, small-batch perfumes that are available for a limited time. These are designed for true connoisseurs who appreciate rare and collectible scents.
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• Luxury Gift Sets & Customization: Luxury Perfume Gift Boxes – Ideal for special occasions, featuring beautifully packaged sets. Custom Engraving & Personalization – Available for select fragrances, adding a bespoke touch to gifts.
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Whether you're a fragrance enthusiast or looking for the perfect luxury gift, Neesh Perfumes offers an exceptional selection to suit every preference.

Commitment to Ethical & Sustainable Practices

Is Neesh Perfumes committed to being vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes, Neesh Perfumes is proudly committed to being cruelty-free, ensuring that no animal testing occurs at any stage of production. While the majority of our formulations are vegan, select fragrances may contain natural musks or honey-based elements, which we transparently disclose. Sustainability and ethical sourcing are integral to our brand values, and we continuously strive to meet global clean beauty standards. Additionally, we are actively working towards obtaining recognized cruelty-free and vegan certifications to further reinforce our commitment.

Are your fragrances IFRA-compliant and dermatologically tested?

Yes, Neesh Perfumes are IFRA-compliant, adhering to the highest global safety standards. Our fragrances strictly follow the guidelines set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), ensuring they are safe for skin use and free from restricted or harmful ingredients.

Master Perfumers & Fragrance Creation

Neesh Perfumes has collaborated with world-renowned perfumers. Can you share insights into these creative minds?

We are privileged to work with some of the most renowned master perfumers:

• - Christian Provenzano: Known for his work with Clive Christian and Xerjoff, he creates bold, opulent compositions emphasizing depth and longevity.
• - Christophe Raynaud: a master perfumer known for his work with Paco Rabanne and YSL, specializes in creating sophisticated, well-balanced fragrances. His contributions to Neesh’s collections seamlessly blend timeless elegance with modern refinement.
• - Chris Maurice: the renowned nose behind Xerjoff’s iconic Alexandria II, excels in crafting rich, complex oriental and gourmand compositions. His creations for Neesh highlight luxurious raw materials and masterful layering, resulting in deeply sophisticated fragrances.
• - Kevin Mathys: A rising star in niche perfumery, known for crafting highly diffusive, long-lasting blends. With experience working with brands like Armaf and other Middle Eastern luxury houses, he specializes in modern interpretations of classic notes, ensuring versatility and uniqueness in every creation.

Each of these master perfumers has played a vital role in shaping Neesh, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation to craft fragrances that embody luxury, artistry, and timeless elegance.

Are you looking to onboard more celebrated master perfumers to further enhance Neesh Perfumes’ offerings?

Yes, Neesh Perfumes is committed to pushing the boundaries of luxury perfumery, and collaborating with renowned master perfumers is integral to our vision.

Recently, we partnered with Cecile Zarokian, a highly acclaimed Paris-based independent perfumer who founded her company in 2011. With over a hundred creations for prestigious European, Middle Eastern, and Latin American brands, her expertise adds a new dimension to our fragrances.

We will continue to onboard celebrated perfumers, refining and diversifying our offerings to ensure Neesh Perfumes remains at the forefront of global niche luxury perfumery.

What is the creative process behind developing a signature fragrance at Neesh, and how do you blend tradition with modern perfumery trends?

At Neesh, crafting a signature fragrance is a meticulous process that harmonizes heritage with contemporary trends.

• - Conceptualization – Every fragrance begins with a story or inspiration, often drawing from India’s rich heritage or a specific emotion we aim to evoke.
• - Collaboration with Master Perfumers – We partner with renowned perfumers to translate our vision into a refined olfactory experience.
• - Ingredient Selection – Only the finest, high-diffusion ingredients and natural extracts are chosen to ensure depth and authenticity.
• - Prototyping & Testing – Multiple iterations undergo rigorous testing for longevity, projection, and uniqueness.
• - Finalization & Production – Once perfected, the fragrance is crafted in small batches to maintain exceptional quality.

By blending timeless craftsmanship with modern innovation, Neesh continues to redefine niche luxury perfumery.

Retail & Market Expansion

How has Neesh Perfumes positioned itself in the market? Where can customers experience your fragrances—whether through e-commerce, luxury high streets, large-format retail stores, or multi-brand outlets?

Neesh Perfumes has established itself as a high-end niche fragrance brand, seamlessly blending Indian heritage with global luxury standards. Unlike mass-market offerings, Neesh specializes in Extrait de Parfum concentrations, premium ingredients, and collaborations with award-winning master perfumers to craft unique, long-lasting scents.

Where to Find Neesh Perfumes:

• Official Website – neeshperfumes.com (Flagship D2C store with exclusive collections and offers)
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• Premium Online Marketplaces – Available on Nykaa, Myntra, Tata Cliq, and Amazon, making luxury accessible to a wider audience.
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• Luxury Retail Partnerships –
• Taj Khazana – Exclusive presence in Taj Hotels' luxury retail spaces.
• Select Boutique Perfume Stores – Expanding to high-end perfumeries and niche fragrance boutiques across India.

While Neesh is primarily a D2C-driven brand, we are strategically expanding our offline retail presence in select high-end stores to enhance brand visibility and accessibility.

Airport retail is a strategic avenue for luxury fragrances. Is Neesh Perfumes exploring duty-free or travel retail expansion?

Yes, duty-free and travel retail are key components of our global growth strategy. Airports offer a prime opportunity to reach international travellers who appreciate premium fragrances. We are currently in discussions with duty-free retailers and travel retail partners to establish Neesh Perfumes in major international airports.

Our goal is to introduce exclusive travel sets, limited editions, and bespoke fragrances that celebrate India’s rich olfactory heritage. Through this expansion, we aim to:

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• ● Enhance global brand visibility among discerning travelers.
• ● Strengthen our presence in international markets through premium retail spaces.
• ● Cater to luxury perfume enthusiasts seeking unique, high-quality scents.

This move aligns with our vision of establishing Neesh Perfumes as a globally recognized niche luxury fragrance brand.

What are Neesh Perfumes' retail expansion plans? Are there any flagship stores or key markets on your priority list?

We have an ambitious retail expansion strategy focused on strengthening Neesh Perfumes' presence in both domestic and international markets while maintaining the exclusivity and prestige of our fragrances.

Key Expansion Plans:

● Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs): Launching flagship stores in luxury shopping districts, starting with Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

● Luxury Department Stores & Boutiques: Partnering with high-end retail chains to place Neesh in curated niche perfume stores and luxury beauty outlets.

● Duty-Free Stores: Expanding into airport duty-free shops in India and the Middle East to cater to global travellers.

● Taj Khazana & Hospitality Partnerships: Strengthening our presence in luxury hotel boutiques like Taj Khazana and exploring five-star hotel retail collaborations.

●International Expansion: Entering premium markets like the UK, USA, and UAE through niche fragrance boutiques and high-end department stores.

Our vision is to establish Neesh Perfumes as a globally recognized niche luxury brand, available in select premium locations while staying true to our heritage and craftsmanship.

Is Neesh Perfumes currently exporting to international markets? If so, which countries, and are there plans to expand global distribution further?

Yes, Neesh Perfumes has already expanded into international markets, with a strong presence in Canada and the USA. As part of our global growth strategy, we are actively working on further expanding our distribution.

Plans for Further Global Expansion:

● Duty-Free Stores: We are in discussions to position Neesh Perfumes in major international duty-free outlets, targeting global travelers.

● Luxury Retail Partnerships: Expanding into niche perfumeries and high-end boutiques across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. ● E-commerce Expansion: Strengthening logistics and fulfillment capabilities to enable seamless global shipping directly through our website. ● Exclusive Global Launches: Developing region-specific collections to cater to diverse fragrance preferences in different markets.

Customer & Future Innovations

How do you engage with your audience to build brand loyalty and create a strong community around Neesh Perfumes?

At Neesh Perfumes, fostering brand loyalty goes beyond selling fragrances—it’s about creating an immersive, community-driven experience. We engage with our audience through multiple touchpoints:

1. Exclusive Customer Engagement Initiatives

• ●Fragmeets & Events: We host fragrance community meetups where enthusiasts can experience our perfumes, discuss notes, and share feedback.
• ● Personalized Consultations: Customers receive tailored perfume recommendations to find their perfect scent.
• ●Loyalty Programs & VIP Perks: Regular customers enjoy early access to new launches, exclusive discounts, and personalized gifting experiences.
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2. Digital Engagement & Content Creation

We actively engage with our followers on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook by responding to comments, DMs, and resharing user-generated content, making them a vital part of our brand story.

3. Community-Driven Marketing

• ●User-Generated Content (UGC): We encourage customers to share their Neesh experiences through reviews, videos, and unboxings, fostering an authentic brand conversation.
• ● Influencer & Fragrance Enthusiast Collaborations: We partner with fragrance reviewers, influencers, and niche perfume lovers to create unbiased, organic content about Neesh.
• ●Customer Feedback Integration: We take community feedback seriously, incorporating it into fragrance tweaks and packaging enhancements.
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4. Seamless Customer Experience

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• ●  7-Day No-Questions-Asked Return Policy: Builds trust and confidence among customers.
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• ● Fast & Personalized Customer Support: Our team ensures quick resolutions to queries, further strengthening customer relationships.

By blending luxury with personalization and community engagement, Neesh Perfumes has cultivated a strong and passionate following that appreciates the artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Are there any upcoming product lines or new fragrance collections in development?

We are excited to reintroduce Milky Way, a beloved classic from our collection. Due to overwhelming demand from our customers, we are bringing it back with the same essence that made it special, ensuring it retains its signature allure. This revival reflects our commitment to honouring our best-loved creations while continuously evolving our fragrance portfolio.

Beyond perfumes, do you envision expanding into complementary luxury categories, such as scented candles, home fragrances, or body care products?

As Neesh continues to establish itself as a global niche fragrance brand, we are actively exploring expansion into complementary luxury categories. Our vision is to extend the Neesh experience beyond personal fragrances into refined lifestyle essentials, including:

• - Scented Candles & Home Fragrances – Crafted with the same high-quality ingredients as our perfumes, designed to create an immersive olfactory ambiance.
• - Luxury Body Care – A range of body oils, shower gels, and scented lotions infused with Neesh’s signature fragrances for long-lasting scent layering.
• - Limited-Edition Collections – Exclusive seasonal and collaboration-based launches that blend artistry with fragrance.

Every product will reflect our commitment to craftsmanship, premium ingredients, and timeless elegance, reinforcing Neesh as a complete luxury fragrance house.

Final Insights & Brand Vision

What differentiates Neesh Perfumes from other premium Indian and global fragrance houses?

Neesh Perfumes sets itself apart through a distinctive fusion of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern luxury. Here’s what makes us unique:

I- Extrait de Parfum Concentration – Unlike many premium brands that offer Eau de Parfum (EDP) with 12-18% oil concentration, Neesh exclusively creates Extrait de Parfum (25%+ oil concentration), ensuring superior longevity and projection.

II- Collaboration with Award-Winning Master Perfumers – Our fragrances are crafted by globally renowned perfumers such as Christian Provenzano, Chris Maurice, Christophe Raynaud, and Kevin Mathys, who have worked with esteemed brands like Clive Christian, Kilian, Xerjoff, Nishane, and Paco Rabanne.

III- Rare and High-Quality Ingredients – We source the finest raw materials, including natural oud, saffron, sandalwood, and rose, creating complex and luxurious scent profiles. Our blends incorporate high-diffusion aroma molecules to enhance depth and sillage, prioritizing natural ingredients over synthetic-heavy commercial perfumes.

IV- India’s Only Niche Perfume Brand with a 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee – We are the only premium Indian fragrance house to offer a no-questions-asked 7-day return policy, demonstrating confidence in our products and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

V- A Strong Urban Male Customer Base – While many Indian perfume brands cater to mass-market consumers, Neesh has cultivated a loyal following among affluent, urban men (ages 25-44) who seek high-end, niche fragrances.

VI- A Global Vision for an Indian Luxury Brand – Unlike most Indian perfume brands that focus on attars or mass-market scents, Neesh aspires to:

• - Compete with global niche brands like Amouage, Roja Parfums, and Clive Christian.
• - Establish itself as India’s first true luxury niche fragrance house with an expanding international footprint.

With its blend of artisanal craftsmanship and global appeal, Neesh Perfumes is redefining Indian luxury perfumery.

Where do you see Neesh Perfumes in the next five years, and what key milestones do you aim to achieve?

Over the next five years, Neesh Perfumes envisions becoming a globally recognized niche luxury fragrance house, redefining Indian perfumery on the world stage. Our key aspirations and milestones include:

• International Expansion – Strengthening our presence in duty-free stores, luxury boutiques, and niche fragrance markets across Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
• Exclusive Flagship Stores – Launching immersive, experience-driven retail spaces in India and select global locations, offering personalized fragrance consultations.
• Strategic Global Partnerships – Collaborating with prestigious retailers such as Harrods, Selfridges, and Bloomingdale’s to position Neesh among the world’s leading niche perfume houses.
• Expanding the Fragrance Portfolio – Introducing limited-edition collections, heritage-inspired perfumes, and customized scent experiences that blend artistry with innovation.
• Establishing a Cult Following – Strengthening our direct-to-consumer (D2C) presence by building a passionate global community of fragrance connoisseurs, making Neesh India’s most sought-after luxury perfume brand.
• Recognition Among Global Luxury Brands – Elevating Neesh to stand alongside Kilian, Amouage, and Clive Christian, demonstrating that Indian perfumery can compete at the highest level.

With a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and global appeal, Neesh Perfumes is on a path to becoming a defining name in luxury niche perfumery.

A Global Dream, Rooted in India

Neesh Perfumes, an Indian brand with a bold global vision, is redefining luxury perfumery with its artistry and innovation. As it pushes boundaries and captivates fragrance connoisseurs worldwide, Neesh is proving that Indian craftsmanship can leave an indelible mark on the world stage.

For more information and business inquiries, visit Neesh Perfumes at www.neeshperfumes.com.