Martin V
Google
I’m going to break the lucky number and write the 778th review here. Sorry!
First of all, Paris is a picturesque and multi-faceted web of streets but rue Bachaumont must be one of the most stylish spots in this town. The rain gave the cobblestones a polished glow and the trees shone a vibrant green over the red break lights. There was also fresh, clean air.
I found this store to be more artisanal than Jovoy (rue Castiglione), Galeries Lafayette, Bon Marché and other commercial perfumeries. Even the widespread brands (Penhaligons, Creed, etc) are those operating close to the artisanal level.
Among the smaller brands, Unum was an intriguing discovery. The perfumes are so unique and strange, that they offer whoever wears them a whole new level of self-expression. Once I use some of my current stock, I will be choosing an Unum.
My favorite was the amazing line by Nishane, namely the Hacivat X Istanbul and the Wūlóng Chá Shanghai. Both are beautiful and balanced, but also alluring and surprising. Wūlóng Chá refers to Oolong tea: a specialist tea type famous for growing on solitary rocks and Taiwanese mountains. It actually forms a part of the blend.
This store’s prices revolve around €150-€250 per 100 ml - the same as you would pay for a generic synthetic blend sold at an international airport.
My only disappointment came from bringing the store’s agarwood sample to my nostrils and not smelling any agarwood in it. The sample should be renamed to aquilaria, as I smelled positively zero oud in it.
I love this area and I want to visit this store again. The thought of my next olfactory journey is exciting.