London - Arabstoday
A single spritz from Kate Middleton on her wedding day was all it took to see White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum, a fragrance described as “fragrant as a vase of white flowers quivering in the breeze by an open window”, sell out within minutes. A two-week waiting list for the 117 $, 50ml bottle promptly followed as it caused worldwide hysteria. Now the British perfumer behind the brand, Michael Boadi, is cashing in on his surprise success and next Monday Illuminum is opening one of the world’s largest independent perfumeries in London’s Mayfair. The four-room 1,500 sq ft shop is in an elegant Georgian townhouse on Dover Street. Visitors to The Perfume Lounge will be encouraged to sniff the 32 scents while relaxing on a sofa and enjoying a cup of coffee, more like a boutique hotel than a traditional beauty counter. With the Royal seal of approval making this a must-visit destination for tourists and Brits alike, success should certainly smell sweet for this home-grown brand.