Feb editorial - news from our perfume studio
Behind the scenes ...
We've got plenty in the works for the coming year, with a number of new compositions at various stages of finessing. I'm in the mood for florals, playing around with orange blossom and jasmine at the moment.
Our London perfume, which has a hero note of rose, was featured in the brilliant Fortnum & Mason advent calendar; we had a lot of compliments about that - so it got us thinking about other sophisticated and intriguing ways of showcasing iconic florals.
More to be revealed - but you can an expect a new opulent scent later this year ...
What I've been wearing...
It's been a cold start to 2025 here in London. So I've been wearing Gdańsk, a scent that makes me feel warm and cosy. I've been to Poland many times in winter and the Poles know how to make life snug when it's freezing outside. Our comforting Gdańsk scent with its plum, honey and amber certainly warms the soul
What is amber?
When we talk about amber, it's not the gemstone (though the Baltic coast is famous for that - hence our nod to it in Gdańsk.) 'Amber' is an accord - think of pianists playing a number of notes together at the same time to create one sound. We typically use vanilla, a leathery material, and resins, to create that rich, warm, sensual ambery feeling.
Some of my other favourite ambers are Ambre Sultan from Serge Lutens and L'Eau d'Ambre from L'Artisan Parfumeur (where I worked before starting GALLIVANT). And of course our bestselling Istanbul is a classic amber scent
Armchair escapism
Our Berlin scent, an elegant citrus-tea-vetiver, is a firm favourite for many of you. And the city itself is a place I love to visit. I haven't been there in a while, but I have been enjoying some armchair travel watching the superb TV series Berlin Wall (Preis der Freiheit, in the original German ). It's a fascinating drama about the fall of the Wall and its consequences for one family. There are plenty of powerful performances but Barbara Auer stands out, with an extraordinary screen presence
This made me happy
It's always a pleasure to read your messages, and this one put a big smile on my face. When I started GALLIVANT almost eight years ago, right from the beginning I always wanted to give great service as well as make chic, memorable scents. Small authentic perfume-makers can't always compete with the big fragrance brands but one thing we can do better is to provide that human touch. We're so pleased that you appreciate that.
And, if you're ever near our studio in Hackney, east London, you're very welcome to pop in and meet us in person
"Every time a scent catches my attention and I ask the wearer what it is, it's by GALLIVANT!. Thanks again Nick for your care & attention, the personal touch is greatly appreciated, especially as it's so rare these days."
Here's to fragrant adventures!
