The Art of Smelling Expensive
In every industry, there are fanatics. Most of us, especially this Collector Mag readership, are very aware of the Car, Watch, Art and Fine Wine collectors who have created almost micro-industries within themselves. However there is a lesser known niche within Beauty, that is the world of Haute Parfumerie.
Harrods Salon de Parfums, London
Just like different types of fragrance, from your light cologne all the way to a headier l’extrait, there are different types of fragrance collectors. There are those who want to collect everything belonging to a fragrance brand, or line. There are also those who want to collect fragrances based on single notes. However this article is focused on the most exquisite pieces of today; ones that can ignite a new desire to collect that you didn’t know you had...
On the sixth floor at Harrods, there exists a secluded, chandeliered space for some of the most spectacular fragrance collections and pieces in the world. Ascending an escalator to a very marbled floor, you will find Harrods‘ Salon de Parfums.
Whilst it is of course open to all that enter any of the retailers‘ many doors, the sixth floor has a certain air to it that makes it feel especially exclusive. It is essentially a curated fragrance gallery; luxurious, branded spaces occupied by perfume power houses such as Tom Ford, Roja Dove, Chanel, Kilian and a more recent entrant, Graff. There is also the wonderful, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, whose space offers a comfortable environment to discover all of his eclectic perfume library.
The majority of brands retail their most special collections and limited editions such as what is available currently at Dior – an iconic J’Adore bottle, reimagined by renowned architect, India Mahdavi. Just 1,000 numbered pieces are available.
J’ADORE X INDIA MAHDAVI
Though indisputably where you will find the most breathtaking collectable pieces, is at Guerlain. For almost two centuries, the Maison has and continues to produce all of it’s fragrances in France. Guerlain is reputed for it’s House Perfumers and its special “Guerlinade”, a unique olfactory signature which combines the House’s favourite ingredients: Rose, Iris, Vanilla, Tonka bean, Bergamot and Jasmine.
One of the items on display, is a striking1.5-litre format of L’Heure Bleue created in partnership with Yves Klein Archives. Celebrating 110 years of L’Heure Bleue, the bottle becomes a sculpture and art-work in its own right adorned with a velvety blue colour thought to have inspired the original fragrance. There are just 30 pieces available worldwide retailing at £13.5k.
L’Heure Bleue, Bleu Klein Edition by Guerlain.
Moving up the price ladder, crafted in black crystal, there is the result of a collaboration across three houses, Bäumer, Baccarat and Guerlain - the Black Bee Prestige.
It contains 245ml of the fragrance Imagine Guerlain; an Extrait de parfum blending orange blossom, rose and jasmine, exalted by creamy sandalwood and vanillic powdery benzoin. There are just 22 limited pieces, retailing at £22.5k.
The ultimate piece however, where Haute Joaillerie and haute parfumerie are combined is the Secret de La Reine. Designed by jeweller Lorenz Bäumer, a diamond-set Queen Bee is a creation to be worn as a brooch or pendant. When pressure is applied to a stunning 2-carat pear-shaped diamond, it’s diamond pave wings are opened, revealing a delicate lace of gold in a harmonious honeycomb pattern; the area in which holds one of Guerlain’s mythical perfumes. The fragrance of this exceptional piece, is of course the choice of the fortunate Buyer. Viewable only by request, there are just two of these pieces available; one in white gold, the other yellow gold. Retailing each for £360k.
Le secret de la Reine by Guerlain
Whilst the sillage will definitely last longer with haute parfumerie, it is your new awakened knowledge of the quality of the raw ingredients and exquisite craftsmanship, that lasts forever. You become a fragrance snob overnight. Once you’ve opened your world to haute perfumery, it is very hard to return to purchasing your fragrance in the lounge at Terminal 5, London Heathrow.