Penhaligon's London Pure English Traditions

The history of Penhaligon's trading house dates back to 1860, when its founder William Henry Penhaligon left his hometown of Penzas and arrived in London, where on the street of "luxury, elegance and style" - Jermen Street opened its barber shop and small shop.

Thanks to the proper conduct of business, the barber grew and flourished, which allowed in 1872 to release Penhaligon's first signature fragrance “Hammam Bouquet”, which was dedicated to the popular “hammam” Turkish baths among Londoners. Just a few years later, William Henry Penhaligon became known as a supplier of perfumes, eau de toilette and lipstick for the first persons of the capital of Misty Albion. In the 20th century, Penhaligon's trading house was appreciated by many royal families, including Queen Alexandra, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales. In addition, the British royal family awarded Penhaligon's high title of supplier of the British court!

Penhaligon's brand continues to be an integral part of the British aristocracy even after Sheila Pickles and Franco Zefirelli bought the company in 1970. The new owners continue the work they have begun and release new collections of women's fragrances, fragrances for the home, shaving accessories and for the road. By the way, the new owners use classic recipes and guarantee the purity and pristineness of all aromas.

Emily Mayben, Penhaligon's marketing manager, flew to Dubai to see how things were going in a company boutique at Wafi, and kindly agreed to answer some of our questions.

Emily, how do British perfume traditions differ from French ones recognized all over the world?

English perfumes are built on the pronounced floral aromas of those plants and flowers that grow on our earth - lavender, roses, violets, lilies of the valley. These are traditions that have been adhered to in England for centuries. We do not strive for complex aromas in which exotic shades or ingredients such as pronounced spices or musk are present. It is no coincidence that for a long time among the best-selling books of Penhaligon's House there are such spirits as Gardenia, Lily of the Valley, Rose. The exception, perhaps, is only the fragrance “Hammam Bouquet”, which is still being produced by us.

Penhaligon's boutique in Wafi is also unlike any other perfume store. Please tell me what is his secret?

The main secret and philosophy of all our boutiques is that they encourage customers to experiment with flavors until people know themselves.

Even so?

Exactly! Perfume is a part of your personality, and only correctly selected perfumes allow a person to convey feelings, emotions, character to others. Perfume is a message, a way to communicate with others.

Do you think that every person can find in your boutique those same "his" perfumes?

That's right. In Penhaligon's boutique, everyone will be able to choose for themselves the "same" perfume. True, this will need to spend a little more time. You, along with our sales assistant, will have to try a lot of flavors, and cutting off those that you don’t really like or don’t like at all, in the end, come to that “yourself”. To your aroma. This is a very interesting experience, similar to a game. But, on the other hand, the result of all the research will be what you really needed. Be sure to try, and you can surprise yourself.

Penhalogon's House is the supplier of the royal court of Great Britain. Which celebrities also like your works?

For over 140 years, Penhaligon's has been a unique example of sophisticated luxury and impeccable taste. This is probably why our brand's regular customers are representatives of royal families and worldly celebrities such as: Tom Ford, Christopher Veili, Manolo Blanic, Paul McCartney, Judy Dench, Kate Moss, Sadi Frost, Pierce Brosnan, Kate Winslett, Evan Magreggor.

I hope that your readers will definitely want to fill up this list with their own names.