Front & Center

Stop and smell the roses—plus the neroli, freesia and jasmine—at Rockefeller Center today as the venerable British perfume house Penhaligon's launches its first NYC fragrance boutique at 620 Fifth Avenue, and celebrates its grand opening all week long. Not only can you peruse bottles to your heart's delight inside the shop, but you'll be greeted by British footmen at the door, and can even bask inside one of the scent-emitting telephone booths adorning the Plaza.

Founded by William Penhaligon in 1870, the brand has served as a perfumer to royalty, and is known for fragrances that evoke places and journeys. Among its dozens of scents for men and women are Lothair (inspired by tea clipper ships), the cocktail-ready Juniper Sling, and Vaara, fueled by Indian florals, spices and woods. The hand-finished bottles have a signature stopper tied with a bow, and the scents are also blended into bath and body products, men's grooming items and candles.
 
The chic, modern shop will honor the company's U.K. heritage with some playful opening fanfare in the Channel Gardens this week. From October 8-14, British telephone booths on either side of the rink entrance invite guests in for a light spritz of scent, while October 8-9, natty English guards are welcoming visitors to the Penhaligon's boutique. And from today through October 11, samples will be distributed by bike to lucky passersby.
 
So bring your favorite Anglophile, and stop by Penhaligon's to find the most irresistible scents for fall.