The term old lady perfume really P***es off people on the perfume boards.
What happened in the early 90's a total change from the heady fragrances of the 80's and before ended. In came the aquatic Issey etc and since then this has been the main style of fragrance. So anything that smelt of classic fragrance become known as old lady. This meant it came from a generation before before. Strangely Chanel No5 is still worn and loved by thousand upon thousands of people, yet it was created way back in the 1920's. The trend seems to be changing from the watery non fragrances towards the classics again. Trouble is the industry is trying to create their version of what they think the classics should be.
LE is not niche and never will be. The true sense is a perfumer stepping outside the box and creating something very different from the mainstream.
Serge Lutens especially the Paris exclusives
Divine
Frederic Malle
Chanel Le Exclusives
Dawn Spencer Hurtwiz
These are niche in the true meaning.
Etro Messe de Minuit which smells like an ancient crypt, damp and even mouldy. Get pass and you get the patchouli and amber in there. Now that is niche.
Some of the great classics are over 100 years old and still produced because they sell. Jicky 1889 is still there, worn by men and women Sean Connery being one. Apres L'Ondee 1909, L'Heure Bleu 1914 and Mitsouko 1919. The latter is still considered the greatest chypre ever.
Creed Private Collection
created for Cary Grant, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly's wedding day, Marlene D, Natalie Woods, Errol Flynn.
Believe it or not there are over 1000 new perfumes released every year. Many disappear very quickly other go into the bargin bin. The industry is all about what is new and will sell, especially with the celeb name on it.
LE does not even figure and by the sound of it will disappear very quickly.
Oh and as for her not testing on animals for this fragrances. Every ingredient used in her No 1, will at some time in the past been tested on animals.