Buying fragrance, whether it's for home or for self, is an intimate thing. Notes diffuse differently on individuals, and words often fall short when it comes to describing the way a fragrance makes us feel. For this reason, it's one of the few shopping experiences that's better done in person.
Fortunately for those in Sydney, esteemed British fragrance house Penhaligon'shas just opened an Australian flagship in the Queen Victoria Building.
Founded back in 1872 by William H. Penhaligon, the house is like old world London in olfactory form — it's actually a long-time favourite of the British royal family. It's also the purveyor of iconic perfumes like Halfeti (spice, grapefruit), Quercus (oat, zest moss), and Much Ado About The Duke (rose, gin, leather). Whimsy, luxurious and steeped in British heritage, Penhaligon's is arguably one of the earliest fragrance houses that still feels niche, like an in-the-know secret.
The QVB boutique is a feast for all senses. It's home to the complete Penhaligon’s offering, including the Portraits, British Tales and Trade Routes collections. There's also in-store exclusives like the Potions & Remedies line-up, and iconic scents like Hammam Bouquet. Fun fact: Hammam Bouquet was the first personal perfume conceived by William Penhaligon: a spicy mix inspired by Turkish bathhouses in Mayfair. To complement the personal perfumes, there's also scented soaps, body care, candles and trinkets worth knowing about (case in point: these lip balms).
And if you're overwhelmed with all of the above, the boutique also offers the Penhaligon’s fragrance profiling experience, where in-store experts can help you find a new signature, or choose the perfect gift for someone else. There's also the option to add charms, personalised engraving, an embossed leather pouch and bespoke gift-wrapping. The way every scented shopping experience should be.
You'll find the Penhaligon's boutique located on the Ground Floor of the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney.
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