THE ALCHEMY OF LUXURY

Like its immaculate, jewel-like perfumes, Henry Jacques' first boutique in Paris dazzles with sumptuous private salons, endless decor objects and even a blooming garden. Crystal Lee drops in for a visit.

It was a Wednesday evening and AnneLise Cremona, Henry Jacques’ chief executive officer and daughter of founders Henry and Yvette Cremona, had closed the brand’s new Paris flagship boutique to host a small group of media, including Prestige, for a tour and dinner. But when we stepped through its wrought iron gates, we realised we weren’t the only visitors. Among us in what Cremona called “the perfumer’s garden” were bees flitting from flower to flower, foraging for pollen before sunset.

Situated at the start of Avenue Montaigne, one of the most exclusive luxury arteries in the capital, the store was a sight to behold with its luscious blooms and vibrant foliage out front – a rarity around these parts. Beyond the garden, one could catch a glimpse of the French haute perfumer’s intriguing universe through windows that peek at a lab-like space, as well as an elegant reception room for Les Boites à Parfums, Henry Jacques’ line of plush perfume boxes.

A black monogrammed island housing some 70 Henry Jacques perfumes welcomed us as we entered the duplex. Inside the magnificent display, lavish crystal flacons – designed by artistic director Christopher Tollemer, who is also responsible for the swish interiors of all the maison’s addresses worldwide – glinted in the summer rays like precious jewels in a glass case, setting the tone for a sybaritic experience within the world of Henry Jacques.

A HERITAGE OF ALLURE