Penhaligon’s launched its Trade Routes collection in 2014, each inspired by the luxurious goods which were traded through the historic docks of London during the turn of the 19th century. What is most intriguing about these oriental fragrances is that they are both reminiscent of the past but also incredibly modern. What always draws me into Penhaligon’s collections are the stories behind each scent, their perfumers weave the notes of the individual perfumes with these concepts beautifully and transport you to a magical place. A perfect example of this is with the fragrance Empressa, an ode to the pearls and expensive fabrics from the east. Silks in the 19th century had a scent, patchouli which serves as the foundation of the fragrance. The silks would have been multicoloured and embroidered with flowers, for this the perfumers added in floral and fruit notes to allow them to translate this concept into a perfume.
“What always draws me into Penhaligon’s collections are the stories behind each scent, their perfumers weave the notes of the individual perfumes with these concepts beautifully and transport you to a magical place.”
Penhaligon’s London is a quintessentially British brand. It was founded in the 1860s by William Penhaligon a Cornish barber who moved to London and became a court barber and perfumer to Queen Victoria. Within a traditional Jermyn Street Hammam, Penhaligon’s created his own products to sell to his clients. The first standalone shop was in Jermyn Street, next to the Hammam where William Penhaligon had been a barber. Many years later, Penhaligon’s is a well known perfumer with a flagship store on Regent’s Street and stores across London and the world.
I have been working with Penhaligon’s for years and I know their collection very well. Our collaborations have allowed me to explore many different types of fragrances and I have in the process also become quite adventurous. Halfeti Leather, Cairo and Babylon are all part of the Trade Routes collection, they are individually very unusual fragrances, quite different to each other and have become a well-loved part of my fragrance collection.
Halfeti Leather
“Named after a small Turkish village, this perfume starts with bold bergamot and a subdued citrus fusion, accompanied by sweeter notes of lavender, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon. When the haze begins to settle, you’re left with the heady base notes of oud, patachouli and, of course, leather. The iconic fragrance – but not as one knows it.”
Halfeti Leather is a unique, warm fragrance and it envelops you in a magical mix of floral notes, oud and patchouli. It’s a symphony of rich aromatic spice, alluring and seductive. Whilst I love the original and iconic Halfeti, Halfeti Leather is an unusual twist on the classic fragrance. The notes of cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon make the fragrance warming and perfect as a winter fragrance.
Cairo
“Penhaligon’s Trade Routes collection ‘offers a journey to magical, distant lands’, and features scents infused with exotic scents that can be summed up as magical and opulent. Cairo eau de parfum is evocative of a Mediterranean melting pot, with piercing head notes of Damascan Rose, blended with leathery saffron and based with spicy touches of Cedarwood.”
Cairo is a strong, imposing fragrance and I initially wasn’t sure whether it would be too heavy for me. It’s a warm fragrance with notes of saffron spice evocative of an ancient city. Damascena rose and labdanum bloom above sensual patchouli to add a floral hint to the scent. This is a statement making perfume and my go-to evening fragrance. The mixture of spices, oud and rose make it really indulgent, however it is not for everyone and more suited to those who typically prefer oud based perfumes.
Babylon
“Babylon is the gourmand extension of the Trade Routes Collection from Penhaligon's. Warm, elegant notes of sandalwood and cedar are brought to life with the rich aromas of saffron and nutmeg. A red-gold shimmering duo that provides aromatic opulence and spicy sophistication. The composition is addictively permeated by the iconic scent of vanilla. Divine. Enveloping. Fascinating!”
I fell in love with Babylon from the first time that I tried it. It is an intoxicating, magical fragrance with subtle spicy notes and a sweet note of vanilla. The addition of vanilla adds a soft, sweet element which is completely unique to any other fragrance which I have tried before. If you are looking for a very different oriental fragrance I would recommend trying Babylon.
Each fragrance from the Penhaligon’s Trade Routes collection is authentic, telling an historic tale of the trade routes through London's docks. There are many more fragrances from the collection which I would recommend trying. Two other favourites are:
Lothair
Inspired by the famous tea clipper ships bringing exotic goods to British shores, and comprised of a smoky, black-tea top note, softened by fig milk and magnolia heart notes and followed by a vanilla, musk and cedar-wood base.
Empressa
Inspired by the beauty of pearls, silks and fine fabrics being transported through London to grace reputable women of power - featuring blood orange and mandarin top notes, lustrous heart notes of rose and neroli, and sweet base notes of vanilla pod and cocoa.
While all of the fragrances in the collection are are undeniably delicious, I particularly love Babylon.
You can find out more about Penhaligon’s fragrances by visiting a store or at https://www.penhaligons.com/
Photographs contain clickthrough URL’s
Note: All products were gifted