New Bond Street is not the kind of place you expect to come across a department store. It’s a neighbourhood packed with designer flagships, and the sort of jewelry shop with no prices in the window and a large chap with an earpiece standing near the entrance.
Fenwick is an upmarket UK department store chain, with a good track record on niche perfume lines. The New Bond Street store is where many new cosmetic and perfume lines are tested before percolating out to other branches. Currently undergoing refurbishment, it’s a bit of an oasis after the bling of the rest of New Bond Street (especially as it has really excellent air-conditioning, unlike so many other stores in London).
It’s well-equipped with paper strips, and the assistants give you plenty of space.
Fragrance brands: Acqua di Parma, Alyssa Ashley, Annick Goutal, Antonia’s Flowers, Bobbi Brown, Bvlgari, Chantecaille, Chloé, Christian Dior, Clinique, Cowshed, Creed, Diptyque, Dolce & Gabbana, E. Coudray, Estée Lauder, Etro, Guerlain, Hermès (not Hermessences), Issey Miyake, Jacomo, Jean Charles Brousseau, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jil Sander, Jonathan Ward, Kenzo, Lalique, Lanvin, Laura Mercier, Liz Earle, Manuel Canovas, Marc Jacobs, Max Benjamin, Miller Harris, Narciso Rodriguez, Nasomatto, Nez à Nez, Ortigia, Paul & Joe, Prada, Ruth Mastenbroek, Serge Lutens, Sisley, Tom Ford (not Private Collection), Van Cleef & Arpels (including Collection Extraordinaire), Yves Saint Laurent
Getting there: Nearest tube is Oxford Circus. Head for the Regent Street (west) exit, and walk south along Regent Street, turning right at Hanover Street.
Fenwick
63 New Bond Street
London W1A 3BS
Tel: 020 7629 9161
website
— images & report filed by Nina.
See also: Perfume Shopping in London