Nestled in the serene 16th arrondissement of Paris, where the city’s heartbeat slows to a whisper, lies The Peninsula—a hotel so grand it feels like a stage for royalty or the glitterati. Within its walls, the storied perfume house Krigler has planted its flag, marking a triumphant return to the City of Light after decades of absence. This isn’t just a store; it’s a portal to a bygone era, where scents tell tales of Hollywood legends and Parisian nights.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a scene straight out of a Belle Époque apothecary. Perfumes line the walls like jewels in a treasure chest, each bottle a tiny masterpiece. The air hums with the whispers of Grace Kelly’s Chateau Krigler and Marlene Dietrich’s Lieber Gustav, fragrances that once graced the wrists of icons. Ben Krigler, the mastermind behind the brand, has crafted a space that feels timeless—a bridge between 1909, when the house first opened in Paris, and the modern day. “It’s not just a store,” he says, “it’s a story.”
For the connoisseurs, the Peninsula store offers something even more exclusive: the Silver Tray collection. These are not mere perfumes; they are liquid heirlooms, with only one or two bottles of each scent in existence. Priced at $1,700 a pop, they’re as elusive as a Birkin bag and just as coveted. The waiting list is long, the anticipation palpable. “It’s not about owning a fragrance,” Krigler muses. “It’s about owning a piece of history.”
For those who prefer the classics, Krigler’s core collection is a treasure trove of olfactory delights. Audrey Hepburn’s beloved English Promenade 19, a delicate white floral inspired by the Italian Riviera, sits alongside Emeraude Noir, a spicy concoction that captures the essence of 1970s Parisian nightlife. “That scent,” Krigler says with a smile, “is Paris in a bottle. It’s the sound of laughter, the clink of glasses, the thrill of the night.”
In a world that often feels too fast, too loud, Krigler’s Parisian outpost is a sanctuary. It’s a place where time slows, where every scent tells a story, and where the past and present dance in perfect harmony. C’est la vie, indeed.
