Basenotes World Exclusive: Bond No.9 to launch Harrods fragrance duo

by Grant Osborne, 19 June 2009

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Bond No 9 have informed Basenotes of their forthcoming launch, and its neighbourhood is a little closer to home for us than their New York themed fragrances. This time, they have captured the scent of London, or more specifically Harrods.

Harrods for Her, an Eau de Parfum created by perfumer, Laurent Le Guernec (IFF), contains notes of Neroli, Mandarin, Wild Chamomile, Tuberose, Clary Sage, Nutmeg, Amber, Leather, Sandalwood and Vetiver. The fragrance is housed in the iconic Bond flacon which displays a festive gold-on-gold abstracted patterning of the instantly recognisable Harrods’ “H,” with the Bond No. 9 token logo superimposed in Harrods green with gold lettering.

Harrods for Her is also available in a limited edition Swarovski crystal encrusted bottle, which echoes the famous Harrods building.

Harrods for Him, also by perfumer, Laurent Le Guernec, is described as an elegant male fougère that has been updated with gourmand accent flavors. The notes include lavender, violet leaf, sandalwood, musk, rhubarb leaf, star anise, chamomile, and pimento leaves. The bottle echoes that of 'for Her', but the pattern is gold-on-Harrods-green.

Bond No. 9 told us:

Harrods, the celebrated London emporium, and Bond No. 9, Lower Manhattan purveyor of New York-centric perfumes, jointly announce what may well be the first British-American fragrance venture in history: the debut, in July 2009, of Harrods for Him eau de parfum, along with its partner scent, Harrods for Her.

It is a tribute to Harrods’ vision and ingenuity that this iconic luxury emporium, the epitome of London shopping—and shopping anywhere, according to many retail connoisseurs—should reach across the Atlantic to New York for its house fragrances. After all, our two cities are attuned as never before. Disdaining comparison with almost all other cities but each other, London and New York are global boom-towns beckoning with excitement. The West End and Broadway offer the greatest theatre in the world. Equally exciting are the restaurants. Likewise, the art, music, and contemporary architecture. What’s more, Wall Street and the City reign as the world’s financial capitals. So when America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama, gave the Queen a protocol-breaking hug during the May 2009 presidential visit to London, we took it as a sign that our two metropolises were ready to unite even further. And how better to accomplish that than with scents?

The Harrods fragrances are not the only connection that Bond have with London, the company also owns one of the few London taxicabs in New York, which is used to ferry guests around the City.

The Harrods fragrances will be on counter from July 15th 2009 exclusively at Harrods and at Bond No. 9’s four New York stores and on the web at harrods.com and bondno9.com. The scent is available for $230 for 3.4 ounces; $155 for 1.7 ounces. The Harrods Swarovski Limited-Edition will be $ 625 for 3.4 ounces.