The iconic French fragrance house Guerlain opens its first Philippine boutique, inviting visitors to a virtual tour of the Paris’ vibrant and romantic side and a whole new world of elegance and unforgettable scents.
By Franchesca L. Tuazon
Guerlain stand-alone boutique’s recent opening at Greenbelt 5, Makati, marks a luxurious addition to Manila’s high-end shopping landscape, presenting a curated experience for Filipino fragrance aficionados. The boutique brings the brand’s Parisian heritage and exclusive collections, especially highlighting the new scent, Patchouli Paris, which is part of Guerlain’s renowned L’Art et La Matière collection.
Patchouli Paris, crafted by Guerlain perfumer Delphine Jelk, is more than a scent — it’s described by its maker as an olfactory journey through the vibrant and eclectic streets of Paris. With its blend of patchouli, vanilla, amber and musk, this fragrance is designed to evoke the sensory allure of the City of Lights after dark.
The composition begins with a fresh, almost electric blend of aldehydes and powdery irises, which mirrors the energy of neon-lit streets and bustling cabarets. As the scent deepens, the warmth of patchouli takes center stage, mingling with vanilla and amber to capture the seductive charm of late-night Parisian venues like Montmartre and Pigalle.
“With Patchouli Paris, I wanted to capture the soul of the Parisian night, convey this daring and reveal its fragrance, the Seine, which blushes and beats in a fresh and lively shiver of aldehydes and musk. I wanted to express the vibration of the streets on fire on a night out in a sillage of powdery, woody iris. Giddy with music and freedom, reveal the eyes that seek each other and skin magnetically drawn together in an overdose of patchouli and vanilla. That night, I captured Paris in a bottle,” Jelk said in a press literature provided by the brand.
The bottle’s bold red hue symbolizes the city’s nightlife and draws inspiration from the rich reds of theatre curtains and stage lights, making it as visually captivating as the fragrance itself.
At the new Greenbelt 5 boutique, visitors can also explore Guerlain’s legacy through a curated selection of scents that include Patchouli Paris and other exclusive releases. The store’s refined interiors channel the elegance of Guerlain’s Parisian boutiques, combining sleek lines with luxurious details to provide an immersive experience.
Every element, from the store’s design to the attentive service, reflects the brand’s dedication to French craftsmanship and luxury. Guests can sample iconic Guerlain scents, uncovering the layers of storytelling and emotion that go into each fragrance.
This boutique, the first in the Philippines, extends Guerlain’s long-standing tradition of creating olfactory masterpieces that pay homage to Paris’s cultural and artistic heritage. In addition to Patchouli Paris, the L’Art et La Matière collection available at Greenbelt 5 includes other unique compositions inspired by the beauty of fine materials and the elegance of Parisian life.
Through this new store, Guerlain not only offers Filipinos its prestigious scents, but also a feel of the romance, art and history of Paris. By opening its doors in Manila, Guerlain also hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the artistry of perfumery, allowing guests to experience the timeless charm of the brand and the unparalleled allure of Parisian nights, right in the heart of Makati.
