Remember when Almost Famous‘ Penny Lane said all you needed to do when you missed your friends was go to the record store?
Well, Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York City flagship has launched the olfactory version of that, where you can visit all of your favorite Fictitious Fragrance Fans from Lisa of Weird Science to Katharine Parker to Jody Sawyer.
Among the fabulous fragrance finds to grace the floor are Le Labo (score the Santal 33, a fiercely coveted favorite of mine) and Hermes along with eight other new shops within Saks that will be offering exclusives (Swarovski-studed perfume bottles from Bond No. 9, for example). Because let’s be real, I’ve always thought that London had the right idea sectioning off sanctioned fragrance territories, i.e., Liberty of London and Harrods’ special, dedicated rooms. When you’re shopping for fragrance, you’re shopping for fragrance: it’s all about test-driving a metric ton of them until you land on your special scent.
To fete the floor’s redesign, Saks is hosting events now through October 5, with a gift given to the first 500 customers to buy a fragrance. Then, every Thursday throughout the fall Saks will host weekly events including master classes with fragrance experts, customized gifts with purchase, special wrapping services and themed happy hours.
Cartier: Monday, September 30
Commemorate the relaunch of Le Baisier du Dragon and receive a key for a chance to win a gift when you unlock the Cartier jewel box.
Diptyque: Tuesday, October 1
Limited-edition candles typically only sold in Diptyque boutiques—Cannelle, Chene, Tilleul and Aubepine—will be available at Saks; customers will receive complimentary gift wrapping with any purchase.
Creed: Wednesday, October 2
A retrospective of Creed’s “Seven Generations” of fragrance will include a timeline featuring a notable fragrance from each generation in the brand’s rich history.
Bond No. 9 New York: Thursday, October 3
In celebration of its 10th Anniversary at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bond No. 9 will be hosting a cocktail hour in the brand’s new shop.
Kilian: Friday, October 4
Creator Kilian Hennessy will be offering one-on-one fragrance consultations, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Jo Malone: Saturday, October 5
A Jo Malone artist will craft one-of-a-kind watercolor paintings live on its boxes and as a gift with purchase, customers will receive a gorgeous display of pink peonies.
Saks Fifth Avenue is located at 611 Fifth Avenue in New York City.
