Another "Just Got Back From London" thread... (but better!)

[Sorcery of Scent]

Hi friends!

Alright, so threads like these are just a little self-indulgent, but I have been wowed by the Square Mile and all she has to offer! After a full week in London, Im now home in "sleepy hollow", craving the dynamism and verve of the The City.
I spent an entire day navigating the streets, sniffing out the niche and specialist perfume boutiques and visiting the in-store concessions and fragrance floors of the major department chains. Here are some of my experiences for those who dont mind an indulgent ramble. Starting off on foot from Victoria station... here's how the day panned out:

10am

Having sipped hot coffee at the café directly across the road from Les Senteurs in Belgravia whilst waiting for the doors to open - I found this store lived up to its reputation as being one of London's finest stockists of niche scents.
The staff member, Shelley was extremely friendly, engaging, informative and genuinely interested in what I had to say. Their portfolio of brands was impressive and included all those listed on their site, with the addition of the newly acquired Byredo Parfums. It was here that I fully explored the Malles, Lutens, Carons, and Etat Libre d'Orange portfolios.
Purchases made: Vetiver Extraordinaire / Musc Ravageur
Shelley also threw in 4 complementary samples for my wife (Isabey, Creed, & 2 Carons, as well as their current Les Senteurs catalogue).

11am

On foot from Belgravia we made our way to Sloane Square and visited the Jo Malone store on Sloane St. It was impressively decorated and the packaging/merchandising a sight to behold... but already moments after stepping through the door I couldn't help but feel like a lambchop being dangled in a pond full of piranhas!
Sampled Pommegranate Noir, 154, Vetyver, and Kohdo Wood. Unfortunately, though helpful, the SA insisted on spraying cards for me, and not surrendering the bottles for me to enjoy the tactile nature of their weight, feel and the whole spritz/sniff motion.
Purchases made: None

11.35am

Strolling up Sloane Street we were wowed by the designer stores and nipped in to Hermés. Here we headed straight for the Un Jardin après la Mousson. I opted for the card (as serious writst/hand/arm/neck real-estate had been reserved only for serious scent application), and enjoyed UJALM at face value. We also checked the Hermessence range whilst engaged in a very interesting conversation about JC Ellena with the SA. Before any mention of a purchase could be made, we were offered 4 x 4ml samples of our choice. We took the Ambre Narguile, Rose Ikebana, Poivre Samarcande, and Osmanthe Yunnan. We also decided we would try these before comitting to our purchases, so we left the store with these samples, plus a couple of Un Jardin après la Mousson.
Purchases made: None - yet!

12.15pm

Harvey Nichols was a welcome destination at the top of Sloane St in Knightsbridge. Beside the mainstream brands on offer, I was pleased to sample several Comme des Garcons, This Company, Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier, and Rancé 1795 scents, as well as the much anticipated Tom Ford Private Blends!
I swooned over Oud Wood, only to learn of its rarity (400 names on the waiting list - in that store alone!), and found qualities in Purple Patchouli and Moss Breches that I liked.
Finally, after much to-ing and fro-ing it was decided no TF purchase was on the cards... yet! The SA's were very friendly and not the least bit pushy.
Purchases made: Gianfranco Ferre: Bergamotto Marino


1.30pm

On to Harrods! The layout of this store was overwhelming, and pretty much as we had expected - lavish and inviting. The ground floor "apothecary-inspired" beauty hall was nice - stocking Floris, Trumpers, Penhaligon's, Diptyque as well as many mainstream brands. I sampled the fabulous Prada exclusives and fell in love with the Myrrh edp, but not the 140-pound price tag they were asking for a 30ml bottle.
Our only gripe: the crazed L'Occitane consultant who would NOT leave us alone, and ruthlessly tried to shake us down for a L'Occitane purchase, despite the fact we were wishing to try the Floris portfolio! This woman needed a swift kick in the tits. But I was feeling charitable.
An ABSOLUTE must-see is the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie on the 5th floor. This is about as close to niche perfume heaven that one can expect from London. Coal black walls surround a dazzling array of gem-like baccarat crystal flacons, shimmering crystal decanters, and display cabinets holding bottles both antique and rare! Clive Christian, Lalique, Dior Couture, Guerlain, Jean Patou, Lanvin are only a few of the exquisite lines on offer. I was approached by a young chap who I found to be the most interesting and engaging consultant on the whole trip! He introduced me to the store, walking me through all the main displays and installations, and also the Roja Dove signature line of scents. His knowledge was flawless, and he fulfilled all my expectations of what a true consultant ought to be. When I left the store, he walked me to the door and bid me farewell.
Purchases made: None - I was still holding out!

3pm

A LONG walk up toward Picadilly saw us on the doorstep of Fortnum and Mason; an amazingly refurbished department store. Here I enjoyed strolling around the beauty hall upstairs and lavishing over their beautiful counters of crystal decanters crowned by shimmering crystal chandeliers. At this stage my nose was in need of a rest, so we sat and ate a killer strudel, and shopped for tea on the ground floor.
Purchases made: Nope!

4pm

Immediately around the corner we reached Jermyn Street - home of Czech & Speake. A small store it is, but when we entered we were met with the rousing perfume of scented candles and incense sticks! A warm and homely environment that saw us drop a few pennies, whilst chatting with Flavia, C&S' very dedicated SA.
Purchases made: Citrus Paradisi EDT, / Frankincense & Myrrh Scented Candle, Frankincense & Myrrh incense sticks.

4.40pm

Almost exactly opposite Fortnum and Mason, the old-world charm of Burlington Arcade houses the Penhaligon's boutique. Beautifully stocked and merchandised, we sampled scents from their boutique range, and fell in love with their exquisite silver perfume solids. After ABSOLUTE confirmation that my beloved LPNo9 for Men is dead and gone (and by poo-pooing the SA's cheeky suggestion that Malabah is the perfect replacement!), we decided to leave the store.
Purchases made: None!

5.10pm

After deciding that we would forego a visit to Ormonde Jayne in favour of 2 or 3 more department stores, we headed for Liberty's. I was very excited to visit the Le Labo installation. First however, we strolled around the small fragrance area under the eternally watchful eye of the female SA who paced to and fro nervously. We exited the hall and almost walked right past the Le Labo counter that was located next to the stationary department(!) I said hello to the LL SA and asked if I might try the Rose 31. He picked up a cup of blotters from under the desk and sat them in front of me and said "here you go". He then went back to pottering on his computer. I invited my wife to try some scents and said "this is lovely, and comes highly recommended... maybe you might like to try the Fleur d’Oranger?". The SA didn't even flinch and his eyes never left the computer screen. The Rose 31 and Le Labo Olfactionary were very possible purchases we had in mind when visiting this concession... but this treatment left us stone cold.
We left the store via the back door, disappointed with his blatant shrug-off. Not even the amazing Diptique concession near the exit could tempt me to stay a minute longer.
Purchases made: Not now, not ever!

6pm

Strolling up towards Oxford Circus we reached Debenhams who were holding a 10-25% off special on their beauty hall. Unfortunately there was nothing we "had" to have. My wife toyed with her Chloé 2008 EDP purchase here, but opted for skincare products instead.
Purchases made: None.

7pm

Selfridges was our final port of call for the day. We spent a great deal of time walking around their beauty halls, sampling the different scents on offer. The place was in a semi-crazed state as Paris Hilton had made an appearance earlier that day peddling her own lolly-water. I re-tested the Tom Ford Private Blends, and TF Extreme which left me thinking of the topnotes of Black Orchid. We also managed to find our Eau d'Orange Verte Massage Oil which had, until now, managed to elude us.
By around 8pm we were borderline anosmic to ANYTHING anymore... and the dogs were not only barking... they were also shitting on the carpet!
We collapsed into two chairs in the store restaurant and enjoyed a good stiff drink before making our way to the nearest tube station and making our way back to our friend's home.
Purchases made: Eau d'Orange Verte Massage Oil


All in all it was a day to remember. We had good intentions to return to Hermés to purchase bottles from the Hermessence range, but after a mock-pack we could soon see our in-flight liquid allowance was sky high.
We will return to London, and we will explore her streets and fragrant treasures again. But we won't be visiting Le Labo. Bitches!

[Vivek]

The guy at Le Labo is a right prick, i've had telephone conversations with him that have led me to want to pepper spray him. The lady, Sumaya is fantastic, she sent me out 8 - yes EIGHT! 5ml vials (she said they were 10ml, but I swear they're 5ml) of Rose 31, just because she would have had to throw them away due to their silly sell by date gimmick. It's a shame you didn't get served by her, she would have probably been fantastic. (She sent me those, one 5ml vial of the Iris, and sprayed cards of all the rest!)

If you do head to London again, please do go into Liberty, but just avoid the Le Labo counter (remember, just a concession, Liberty have no control over the staff!) otherwise its fantastic!

[manicboy]

The people who work for Le Labo only reinforce my love for furry animals. Their attitude practically begs you NOT to buy their frags. Faux French is just stupid. See my post on my experience with them.

http://community.basenotes.net/showt...highlight=labo

[nyczhoey]

Very interesting review D. Keep up the good work.

[Otto]

Thanks for this Dimitri...I love London and will visit there again next February when I come over for a Wedding. Sorry about your experience at Le Labo..it baffles me why folks act the way they do...severe narcissism irritates me. I had a good experience at the New York Store.

Best,

Otto

[Kevin Guyer]

Nice travel/shopping journal!

[ChuckW]

One of my life's dreams is to go to London. With the US dollar in the tank, it's just way too expensive right now. I'm 40, so I'd like to go while I'm young enough to really enjoy the trip.

For those who would know, is there a city in Canada that would provide a cosmopolitan feel that would be similar to London or Paris? In other words, Europe on the cheap?

[Otto]

One of my life's dreams is to go to London. With the US dollar in the tank, it's just way too expensive right now. I'm 40, so I'd like to go while I'm young enough to really enjoy the trip.

For those who would know, is there a city in Canada that would provide a cosmopolitan feel that would be similar to London or Paris? In other words, Europe on the cheap?

Montreal is amazing but I don't know about the cheap part. Yeah you are right about the US dollar..for you to go to London now..well you just would not be able to handle it...

Best,

Otto

[eric]

Looks you had a great time Dimitri. Realy enjoyed reading it.

It's a pitty that guy at Le Labo treated you that way. You should send a complain at
founders@lelabofragrances.com I'm sure they won't like the fact that this kind of behaviour prevents people from buying their stuff.

I recently purchased the Rose31 and mailed them (with the obvious question about the expiring date) and I got a really nice mail back from Eddie, one of the founders.

Fab purchases you made with the Malles. Vetiver extr. aand Musk Ravageur,..wow!
I still haven't tried the Hermessences. Lord knows I want too.

cheers,
Eric

[jenson]

so you had a "scentemental" journey and a "magnifiscent" trip !!

[Delmar]

I enjoyed reading how the trip went! I've got a sample of Citrus Paradisi - really like that one! And congratulations on those two Malles!

[mikeperez23]

One of my life's dreams is to go to London.

Me too - always wanted to go, never have. (sigh)

I'm super jealous Dimitri - the trip sounds fabulously overwhelming.

Glad you were sufficiently piqued by the Hermessences and Tom Fords - and of course, the Vetiver Extraordinaire (the only one I own, in the line).

[nthny]

i loved reading this Dimitri! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mostapha]

I'm not familiar with any of the fragrances you mentioned, but your post was a pleasure to read. Thanks for sharing the experience.

[Sorcery of Scent]

Thanks for the comments everyone... Im glad some of you found it a worthwhile read.
I may very well take your advice Eric and email Le Labo - if not to make them aware of the discourteous and unhelpful sales assistant, then perhaps to satisfy my rage at being snubbed. He screwed up my day, so I'll screw up his (no, Im not above that)...

I have to give two thumbs up to the C&S scented candles! We lit one tonight and the air is thick with exotic aromatic fragrances and the entire home feels warm and inviting. Our downstairs neighbour who is usually an angry hobbit of a man actually commented when he knocked on the door tonight to ask if we'll feed his cats over the weekend. (Now that has to speak for something)!
I am also enamoured with all my purchases, particularly the C&S Citrus Paradisi. There's some classy pepper and patchouli and spices going on here that makes this a welcome respite from your "average" citrus fragrance.

Top marks to the Roja Dove consultant. I wish I got his name so I could write a hand-written letter of thanks for sharing his insights and exceptional customer service. Highly recommended if anyone is thinking of visiting London.

Wish I could have fit the Ambre Narguile and Vetiver Tonka in the hand luggage, but we were not taking checked-in baggage back home. Damn those liquid restrictions! Am also still contemplating a Tom Ford split with Vivek on the Oud Wood... does it ever end??

[Otto]

Top marks to the Roja Dove consultant. I wish I got his name so I could write a hand-written letter of thanks for sharing his insights and exceptional customer service. Highly recommended if anyone is thinking of visiting London.

... does it ever end??

If I were you I would try my best to get the Roja Dove Consultants name even if you have to call to find out. Superb, Sterling and Superior Customer Service is becoming rare anywhere so I believe it should be rewarded when found. I try and get names on my travels when good service is found just so I can write a letter.

And does it ever end.....AH.....No.....

Best,

Otto

[seattlelight]

That was a great read and it's great you included the time line to give a sense of the pace - thank you! sounds like the roja dove experience cancelled out the le labo. I haven't been to London in about 10 years - love the energy of that city.

[Trebor]

Hey, glad you had a (largely) great shopping experience in London. Thanks for sharing it with us. I have to agree that the Roja Dove consultant offers top notch customer service. No attitude or pretense - just down-to-earth, friendly, very knowledgeable and patient. I felt a little guilty that I didn't purchase anything, on the one occasion I visited the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, but I would definitely recommend anyone to pop in there for a very enjoyable experience.

[Scentologist]

Oh Dimitri, what a good read this was and how I laughed at the *Bitches* at Le Labo! It seems I have read where others have had similar experiences with the le labo staff. For some reason, I have never cared to sample their products and now, I am certain of it.

[kbe]

I may very well take your advice Eric and email Le Labo - if not to make them aware of the discourteous and unhelpful sales assistant, then perhaps to satisfy my rage at being snubbed. He screwed up my day, so I'll screw up his (no, Im not above that)...

Wonderful read Dimitri!

As for the LL SA and contacting Le Labo, I say do it..and maybe include a link to this thread?..I am sure they will be thrilled with their well deserved exposure on Basenotes.

[leor_77]

Great thread Dimitri...You made some excellent purchases which you will be enjoying for a long time, i'm sure.

[Jeff C.]

Thanks for sharing Dimitri. I enjoyed it, although it took me awhile to clean off my keyboard, as I had just taken a swig from my coffee cup when I read "a good swift kick in the tits". I'm still chuckling over that one......... Best Wishes.

[Sorcery of Scent]

Thanks for sharing Dimitri. I enjoyed it, although it took me awhile to clean off my keyboard, as I had just taken a swig from my coffee cup when I read "a good swift kick in the tits". I'm still chuckling over that one......... Best Wishes.

Thanks Jeff... OK, so the "kick in the tits" comment is not one of my finer moments. I tend to save the seriousness for the actual shopping experience, but when disgruntled I cant help 'vent' in written form at a later time.

I have just emailed Le Labo and Liberty's, outlining the experience we had at that concession in their store. In the Le Labo email, I also provided a link to this post, and one other here on Basenotes that speaks of similar experiences at Le labo stores. I feel it only fair that the voices of their target demographic be heard... after all, niche scents arent for everyone so they would do well to listen to the cross-section of people that represent their number 1 customer base.
I dont know if i will hear anything back, but I will keep you posted.

[Jeff C.]

Thanks Jeff... OK, so the "kick in the tits" comment is not one of my finer moments. I tend to save the seriousness for the actual shopping experience, but when disgruntled I cant help 'vent' in written form at a later time.

I have just emailed Le Labo and Liberty's, outlining the experience we had at that concession in their store. In the Le Labo email, I also provided a link to this post, and one other here on Basenotes that speaks of similar experiences at Le labo stores. I feel it only fair that the voices of their target demographic be heard... after all, niche scents arent for everyone so they would do well to listen to the cross-section of people that represent their number 1 customer base.
I dont know if i will hear anything back, but I will keep you posted.

Dimitri, One would think that feedback, especially negative would (should) be addressed with the utmost concern. I hope they shower you with a "cornucopia of gratuitous gifts". Btw did you ever manage to obtain any Costume National 21?

[Sorcery of Scent]

Dimitri, One would think that feedback, especially negative would (should) be addressed with the utmost concern. I hope they shower you with a "cornucopia of gratuitous gifts". Btw did you ever manage to obtain any Costume National 21?

Lol... a 'cornucopia of gifts' I doubt,... but a sincere message that the feedback has been received and further acted upon, would be welcomed. Lack-lustre customer service is my pet hate, and I would like to imagine someone might be spared from a similar experience in the future, if my words have any weight. As for the products themselves, I am unlikely to be traveling anywhere anytime soon where Le Labo has a stockist - so I guess they missed out on my intended purchases in a big way. Its a lose-lose situation really.

Strangely enough EVERY store I asked in London told me CN fragrances have been discontinued in the UK. There is apparently a CN boutique in London, but if so, it was well off my radar. I think I will have to source a sample from the net.

[Santemon]

Sounds wonderful but a pity you didn't make it to Ormonde Jayne - a little pocket of pleasure due to both the scents and the excellent service. Sounds like there WILL be a next time so hope you will include it then.

[Sorcery of Scent]

Yes, missing Ormonde Jayne was the payoff for wishing to hit the 25% off sale at Debenhams.
Although I would have loved to visit the store and enjoy the fabulous packaging and merchandising, I have little love for their 2 men's scents. My wife, on the other hand, is rather enamoured with Ta'if.

Next time indeed!

[mikeperez23]

I swooned over Oud Wood, only to learn of its rarity (400 names on the waiting list - in that store alone!), and found qualities in Purple Patchouli and Moss Breches that I liked.

Funny, I checked Neiman Marcus online and it's out of stock here in the States also.

[Sorcery of Scent]

Funny, I checked Neiman Marcus online and it's out of stock here in the States also.

There are apparently 2 or 3 scents with a world-wide waiting list. Oud Wood and one other which I cant recall now, are those that are completely out of stock in both the 50ml and 250ml sizes.
How daft can that be??!

[odysseusm]

Thanks for this entertaining "tour", it is was fun to read. Couple of comments... on Jermyn Street (in addition to Czech & Speake) Geo. F Trumper is an absolute treat to visit. An old-school barbershop vibe, and I love many of their men's scents. Lovely staff at Penhaligon's in nearby Burlingon Arcade. I found Harrod's to be (as expected) large to the point of opulent excess. I liked Fortnum and Mason's much better: smaller scale but very well done, a lovely scent area with very helpful and low-key SA's, and a super place on the lower ground level for lunch! A question was raised about Canada. The flagship stores of Holts carries the entire Jo Malone, Creed and Frederic Malle lines. Those stores are in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Certainly Montreal has a lot of European charm and is well worth a visit. Cheers!