Scent is experiencing nothing short of a renaissance.

This year CEW identified independent fragrance as the topic to explore for its annual Indie Report. The 33 brands reported on don’t just represent where fragrance is, but where it’s going, and the founders who are leading the way. The takeaway? Fragrance is no longer just a finishing touch — it’s the main event. Stay tuned for the report, accessible to CEW members, dropping June 24.

Billed by WWD as a “fragrance brand and art and music collective,” Icelandic scent company Fischersund is making beauty headlines with its activations at Copenhagen’s 3DaysofDesign festival this week. A family affair, the brand was founded by sisters Lilja, Ingiborg, and Sigurros Birgis, and their brother Jonsi. Fischersund’s activations at the festival include a “scent concert,” which is taking place this evening.

Speaking of scent, Beauty Matter turns the spotlight on Stéle, the independent fragrance brand with two New York City boutiques, which is creating a buzz in beauty circles. Founded by Jake Levy, who has a background in interior design, and Matt Belanger, the stores are located in  Brooklyn — where the brand made its debut — and Nolita.

In executive news, Galderma has tapped Heather Wallace as President of its U.S. operations, and has relocated it U.S. headquarters to Miami, as it expands its presence in the country’s rapidly growing dermatology and aesthetic skin care market. Meanwhile, Boots’ CMO Pete Markey has stepped down from his role with the U.K. health and beauty retailer. Since joining the company in 2021, Markey is reported to have played “a key role in leading a widespread data-driven overhaul and growing the Walgreens Boots Alliance-owned company’s loyalty proposition,” according to Cosmetics Business.

Closer to home, Shiseido has taken over Herald Square in New York City this week, with an immersive pop-up event to mark the launch of its new Ultimune Power Infusing Serum.

Catch up on these and other news stories by clicking on the links below.

Fischersund Hosts “Scent Concert” In Copenhagen. The Icelandic fragrance company has a range of activations planned for the 3DaysofDesign festival this week, including a “scent concert”. “We’re at the intersection of scent, sound and art,” said co-founder, Lilja Birgisdóttir. Attendees will each receive a vial of seven scents, paired with poems and flower sculptures. (WDD)

The Story Behind Stéle. Beauty Matter takes a deep-dive into the independent fragrance company with two, buzzing NYC stores. “Sales are generally split evenly between the brand’s two locations and online presence,” reports Beauty Matter. (BEAUTY MATTER)

Galderma Appoints Heather Wallace As President Of U.S. Operations. It has also moved its U.S. headquarters to Miami, which, as an area, reports a 30% annual growth in cosmetic treatments and a high concentration of medispas and dermatology clinics. (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)

Boots’ CMO Pete Markey Steps Down. “Pete has made a significant contribution during his time with us, leading our marketing transformation and delivering many creative campaigns alongside our talented marketing team,” said a Boots spokesperson. (COSMETICS BUSINESS)

Shiseido Pops Up In New York City. At the Herald Square immersive event, consumers over 21 years old are invited to try Ultimune Power Infusing Serum through product testing, gifting and complimentary treatments. (BEAUTY PACKAGING)

Latina Business Summit Celebrates Women. The  Sussex County networking event took place on June 14, at Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford, organized by La Plaza Delaware and the Delaware Alliance of Latino Entrepreneurs. (CAPE GAZETTE)