February 2, 2018
Caron Paris Boutique in New York City Closes “End of An Era”
Caron Ernest Daltroff and his longtime partner Felicie Vanpouille
The renowned perfumer Ernest Daltroff of Caron fled to America to escape the threat of World War II. At aged 74, weak and in ill-health he arrived in NYC in November 1940. Approaching Ellis Island, his eyes fell upon the majestic splendor and imposing beauty of the Statue of Liberty welcoming him to the safe haven of America. Sadly on Feb.13 1941 he died, some say of a broken heart.
Diane Haska at Caron Paris Boutique in New York with Michelyn Camen 715 Lexington Avenue in mid 2011
It is with sadness that I write that the Caron Paris boutique in New York (the only in the USA) has shuttered its doors. Felicie Vanpouille was the muse and later on the ambassador to Caron throughout Ernest’s life and until her own passing. In some ways Diane Haska, my friend of 14 years and the Caron US Ambassador for the boutique for 18 years was our Felicie. Diane Haska has let me know that the crystal palace that was once the Caron Paris Boutique in New York City is no more. The Caron Paris boutique in New York City first opened in 2000 675 Madison Avenue in 2000, then moved its location to 715 Lexington Ave and was an oasis for perfume lovers. Just over two years ago, the Caron Boutique in New York City was moved to a small showroom space at One Grand Central Place| 60 E 42 St/54th Floor.
Michelyn Camen with Diane Haska at the Caron Paris boutique in New York City at One Grand Central Plaza (photo Hernando) 2016
Over the years, Diane Haska has given so much to ÇaFleureBon and perfume lovers all over the USA. She hand poured our beloved urn fragrances: Poivre, Tabac Blond, Farnesiana, En Avion, N’Aimez Que Moi, and Farnesiana (to name a few) with love.
The Caron Urn Fragrances (Photo Hernando)
Diane was so generous to our current (and past) contributors and editors offering countless draws and samples which she mailed from the Caron boutique in New York City. Anyone who knows Diane or has spoken with her understands how special she is.
Michelyn’s Limited Edition and Numbered Caron Baccarat bottle designed by Marc Rosen
The end of an era. Diane wishes to extend her gratitude to all our readers and all “Caronistas” throughout the years who share her passion for this storied House. While I have no information where you can buy the fountain fragrances in the USA at the present, I will keep you posted. From her heart to yours, thank you for helping to make her career at the Caron boutique in New York so very special.
–Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief
Photo: The New York City Skyline 2/1/2017 at Sunset by Diane Haska
Diane Haska will be reading your comments so please feel free to leave a memory you had of her generosity to the readers, of working with Diane at the Caron boutique in New York or by phone.
This is a terrible shame. I made frequent stops into the gorgeous, cristalline boutique opposite Bloomingdale’s over the years and brought friends there as much for its instant glamour and Diane’s warmth and generosity as for the perfumes themselves. Diane encapsulates what service used to be about: a deep dedication to and knowledge of the the line, attentiveness and kindness, and a genuine desire to see her customers happy. I hope she finds a position where these skills are as valued by her employer as they are by me. She is one-of-a-kind.
This is heartbreaking. I have always wanted to visit the Caron boutique in New York City to meet Diane, who has been my fragrance angel since 2004.
Many years ago, I’d been smitten with a picture of one of the gorgeous Caron lie-down bottles on someone’s vanity, and dreamt of having one filled with Nuit de Noel, Poivre, or Tabac Blonde.
This Appalachian hillbilly was more than a little intimidated about calling such a fancy place and asking about the price, but I was obsessed with that divine bottle, and knew I’d have to save up for it, and I needed to know how much.
Such was my ignorance about perfume buying that when she told me how much the lie-down bottle would be, I asked her how much it would be with the perfume in it. I would easily forgiven her laughter, but this incredibly gracious woman did not miss a beat and simply said that the price included the fragrance. She has answered any amount of silly questions from me over the years, and her elegance and kindness has only intensified!
(And if it isn’t too forward of me , may I just say that it’s amazing how little the passage of time seems to have affected you and Michelyn. Amazing.)
Thank you, Diane, for everything you’ve done for me over the years!
Such a poignant, beautifully written article, but such devastating news.
Diane IS Caron to me. I have never known a brand ambassador who combined so much knowledge and obvious love for her products with so much class. Gracious is a perfect word for her.
And I still need a pink purse spray with En Avion, and a gold one with Or et Noir! What on Earth are we to do now?!
I wish you all the best, Diane! Thank you for your help and kind attention over the years.
I have never been to NYC or met Diane but I have read the many reviews of the Caron Paris perfumes here. I also have to comment that you both look the same even after years .
Good luck
While I never had the chance to visit in person, I was always aware of this beautiful establishment through the reputation of its gracious ambassador. I mourn the loss of such an iconic part of perfume history and wish Diane good fortune in all her future endeavors.
This is such an unfortunate happening.
I love Caron, their iconic fragrances and adorable feather powder puffs. Thank you Diane for running such a wonderful bastion of french perfumary!
This terrible decision to close the NYC location, rather than modernize and make the iconic fragrances more easily available to consumers. Caron buyers love its history, the fragrances that built the house, and its aesthetic.
I can only hope that they reconsider such a foolish decision that alienated all of their USA Caron customers and enthusiasts. Much love to you Diane and..where am I going to get my powder puffs and Or et Noir???
A sad day indeed.
Very sad news. But I hope Caron will not closed its doors completely in US. Maybe there will be a way to keep
Best of luck in everything Diane. We have never met but I ordered many times over the phone. Caron was on the best hands during the time you were their ambassador. Always very gracious and knowledgeable.
This is, indeed, very sad. I did not know Ernest Daltroff fled to America. This has only increased my love for America and, especially, my love for NYC. NYC represents the best of what America has to offer. All the best wishes to Diana. I would like her to know Caron perfumes are some of my most treasured items in my perfume collection. Caron has a very unique DNA that represents the best of rich perfume tradition of the past.
I am saddened by this article. I had the pleasure of meeting Diane years ago and purchased two fragrances from her. I loved everything about the Caron store; she made it more special. Will dab some French Can Can and Narcisse Noir soon. Best wishes and good luck to you Diane.
How sad! My last purchase of Pois de Senteur will remind me of her thoughtfulness and perfect attention to detail, and her love of Caron!
Diane was the person who made the perfumed island of tranquility known as the Caron boutique something special in today’s fragrance world. It is sad to think it is no longer going to be around.
🙁 This is bad news. Caron has been so important in our industry for so long. I hope Diane finds here way in American Perfumery and the Caron brand can grow in another way in New York. Best of luck, Diane!
I so treasured the many times on the phone you helped me get stocked on all my many Caron loves from Poivre to Alpona. You always gave me your best advice on sizes from polka dot lay down bottles to classic stopper crystal bottles. The world looses the very best of people knowledgeable about Caron. As well, NYC and America will no longer have Caron! Wishing you the very best and know you will be terribly missed!
But… surely Diane and Caron are one and the same? Surely one does not exist without the other? Although there were always others there when I shopped the boutique this past year, Diane’s emails and chats always diagnosed my scent needs, knew which scent I wanted better than I did, and led me into the clutches of Parfum Sacre.
And the boutique – ah, the boutique. Coffee and perfume, never feeling rushed in making final decisions on purchases, feeling as if shopping were still a civilized experience. The great days are gone.
It has been a few years since I last visited the boutique, but that doesn’t take away the sense of loss that I feel at this news. Diane, thank you for your knowledge, guidance and thoughtfulness over the years. Best wishes to you.
I’m crushed. A shopping trip to Caron was at top of my wish list.
This is sad news indeed. I visited the Caron boutique only once, but Diane was so gracious and I passed a very happy hour or so there, encouraged to try fragrances to my heart’s desire. I left with many samples and a couple of bottles. The whole experience reminded me of those gorgeous scenes in movies from the 40’s and 50’s where perfume counters in department stores were islands of glamour and tranquility. Best of luck with wherever life leads you next, Diane.
Dear Diane,
You have been so gracious and delightful over the years, a true friend.
I treasure every flacon (empty ones as well) you ever sold me!
It is a modern tragedy for those of us who loved spending time with you in such a regal environment, surrounded by history and beauty.
Thank you, dear lady – for all your kindnesses spanning the years.
Hello, Diane,
I am sorry to hear of the boutique’s closing. I am in Canada, and there is not really a method to ship to Canada. I was so disappointed but you sent me samples-huge, huge samples, of so many Carons, with a personal note on Caron stationery explaining that this was your gift to me. I still have it, and treasure it. In time my American perfume friends were able to complete a transaction for me, and so when I wear Poivre, En Avion, Coup de Fouet, Or et Noir, I will remember your kindness and your warm voice. I appreciated everything you dod, and I hope life treats you gently. You are so lovely.
Very best regards,
Carole MacLeod
I once visited the Lexington Avenue boutique and Diane was so gracious and welcoming. We talked about watching old movies and looking for old perfume bottles on vanity tables during bedroom scenes. She gave me a sample of Tabac Blonde. She put it in a little envelope and wrote Tabac Blond on the envelope in the most beautiful cursive I have ever seen in my life. I still have that envelope.
I wish Diane the best.
Diane…I am so sad about the closing of Caron in NYC. I was coming to your store while in NYC and was looking up the address because I wasn’t quite sure if I had the correct and found out the store had closed. You were so sweet to send me my favorite perfume. I had met you twice and was looking forward to seeing you again this week! Please let me know if you will open another boutique!
Any idea why it closed, due to overall sales perhaps?