The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite beauty important as Jovoy’s seamless customer service. Having annual meetings with brand owners over dinner, learning about their new ranges and why they do is always on the agenda. Leading my nose into temptation at the surrounding ev- er-more-interesting line-up of very accomplished, master per- fumers, Oliver made me familiar with the most sought-after brands, such as MDCI, Masque Milano, Berry, Neela Vermeire Creations, and Prudence, which are Jovoy’ friends from Paris, Milan, Normandy, India and Russia respectively. The vast col- lection will make your jaw drop. Perhaps you are looking for a customised super luxurious gift for your loved one? London-based brand, Dauphine offers a very innovative arti- san guilloche available in hand-ground enamel colours that is all about a ritual of applying a fine perfume with a little dabber. Being limited to just 99, hand-made to order, hallmarked, the most expensive option reaching above £6,000 can be delivered in 21 days. The coolest one-off item to have for a starter! Resurrected and restored back to its former glory in 2010, Jovoy in-house range is a modern interpretation of fragrances oozing with opulence and character. On a mission to share his passion for high-quality artisanal perfumes, Francois traversed the globe to learn the secrets of distilling natural essences in Asia and the Middle East. Distinctive and lavish, each fra- grance has its own story, taking multiple inspirations from memories or a special place. Trust me there is more… various ranges of oud, mixed with other astounding ingredients such as rose, jasmine and musk, each one of them screaming ‘SMELL ME’ at every corner. Through the magic of blotter paper, I sampled over sixty fragrances in just two hours! No jogging your memory required. Paper strips and pencils are placed discreetly throughout the boutique. Experimentation is widely encouraged with free samples across the brands offered in brick and mortar stores. Jovoy also operates ‘TRY ME’ sampling program with fragrance samples available to purchase online. As for olfactory fitting experience, Oliver advises that “not everyone is very forthcoming when they come through the door.” However, an exceptional team of experts is always on standby, ready to walk you through intriguing treasures with their intuitive service. One remarkable feature that will make your experience memorable is the exhibit of ambergris pieces in the glass-panelled display-room downstairs. Referred by Ol- iver as a ‘stony-looking’ thing, ambergris is a natural in- testinal secretion that is produced by the sperm whale. As I learnt there is no proven theory on which end this part comes out of the whale but eventually ends up in the ocean. Once it has bobbed on the surface of the ocean for years, soaked in salt, washed up on the shore and baked in the sun, it forms an intensively-smelling fixative used in perfume making. I must admit that the smell on its own is very intense and a bit unpleasant, almost like a sewer-like odour. Ranging in colour and smell, each piece has distinctive olfactive characteristics but the general rule is - the whiter, the sweeter. It definitely is not something you would expect to be in your perfume; however, this rare, mythical raw material is highly prized for its longevity effect rather than its scent. It has an ability to incredibly extend the life of the citrus and floral notes which tend to vaporise quickly. While the buying and trading process is very secretive, Jovoy is the only store in the UK where you can view, smell and buy this world’s rarest material. Five percent ambergris tinctures, macerated in coconut oil and priced at £750 for 30 ml are creations by Coronation Ambergris, which execute the bold concept of public access to the world’s most expensive material. I challenge you to have your senses educated. A little drop goes a long way! The power of scent is undeniable, so is an upscale destination like Jovoy. Their fragrance selection marked by a luxurious charm and niche character will appeal to those looking for new impressions of quality perfumes brim- ming with character, discerning taste, less known but more artisanal. A short walk up Oxford Street, the Mayfair store is a perfect spot to finish off your shopping spree and catch a whiff of rare perfumes. I am certain you will find more than a few loves demanding to be taken home!