Annick Goutal Boutique  NYC Photo HC for ÇaFleureBon

On December 7th, 2014,  Sniffapalooza's Seasonal Holiday Event headed down to New York City's West Village to the beautiful tres francais,  Annick Goutal boutique, located on 397 Bleecker Street. And what a most wonderful boite this is! The beautiful sunny sky and (very) brisk morning greeted close to sixty fragrance aficionados and experts for a most enjoyable two hour experience led by Sniffapalooza Founder Karen Dubin who prepared us for quite a treat -delectable gourmand desserts and Annick Goutal perfume pairings (courtesy of Financier Patisserie) presented for our sensory pleasure.

Karen Dubin, co founder of Sniffapalooza with Francoise Alessi Annick Goutal Boutique Manager Photo courtesy of Sniffapalooza

The Master Class (there were two sessions) was conducted by Francoise Alessi (Boutique Manager) and Cristina Valdes (Associate Brand Manager).They highlighted the house's origins founded in 1981 by the legendary icon of independent perfumery Annick Goutal.

Photo of Annick Goutal in the NYC Boutique by Valerie Lee Vitale for ÇaFleureBon

 The story of Annick Gouta'sl life, her passion for perfume,  her love of all things romantic, her classical music background and her passing (she bravely fought but lost her battle with breast cancer at age 53) resonated with me in a most personal way as do the fragrances.  Mme Goutal’s daughter Camille Goutal who has great style and flair is carrying on the tradition of French Haute perfumery with perfumer Isabelle Doyen who has worked with Annick Goutal Parums since1986.

Photo of Annick Goutal perfumes and Un Matin D'Orage Limited Edition Butterfly Bottle (center)HC for ÇaFleureBon

The emotion of fragrance was the underlying theme of the presentation. Francoise spoke of the brand's love of their clients, the one on one consultations, the layering instead of blending one's scents and the House's continued dedicattion to Haute Perfumery. She stressed that love is always present in the House's creations, as if Mme Goutal was still with us.  Mme Allesi took our collective breath away as she showed the limited edition Annick Goutal  Un Matin D'Orage Butterfly Bottle (one of only ten in the United States) and its jewel-gift box.The butterfly is an important motif of the House.

 Leigh Shirvan the Director of Marketing for Financier Patisserie was on hand to guide us through their exquisite treats Photo HC for ÇaFleureBon

The Pairings:

Eau de Charlotte (1982), named for Annick Goutal's stepdaughter, (a favorite of  Sr Editor The Silver Fox ) is a fruity gourmand with notes of vanilla and a superb  chocolate cacao which merged well with the Coconut Rochers

Christina Valdes with a perfect pairing: Eau de Charlotte and Coconut Rochers

The glorious Eau de Hadrien (1981 and a 2008 FiFi Award Hall Of Fame recipient) with its wonderful citrus accords paired marvelously with the Key Lime Tarte and Lemon Madeleine (to die for!).

The masculine woody Sables fragrance (1985) was created by Annick Goutal for her husband, along with the Boite d'Epices candle, went well with the Pumpkin Spice Macaron (most delicious) best in context of a seasonal pairing the cinnamon and immortelle notes).

Quel Amour ! (2002), is a beautiful feminine floral and was the least successful pairing for me (on their own both wonderful). The Berry Tarte was fresh and the healthiest of line-up.

Vanille Exquise (2004) is a seductive feminine Oriental Vanilla  and a perfect pairing with the Vanilla Macaron.

Vent de Folie debuted earlier this year and its inspiration is New York City women,  their boldness and femininity.  Word has it that Catherine Deneuve wears it as does our own New York City woman Editor in Chief Michelyn Camen (good enough for me!) The elegant floral with notes of raspberry and blackcurrant enhanced the Raspberry Macaron.

 

Annick Goutal Home Fragrances courtesy of Annick Goutal

 I was very impressed with Annick Goutal's extensive  body, bath and candle line, which was new to me. There is a Noel perfumed candle and a scented diffuser available for the Holidays, which is a joy to experience as the blending of citrus and pine is sublime. If you live in or are visiting New York City you must stop by this bijou of a boutique, and experience the beauty of the fragrances, the exquisite décor and lovely sales associates.

Hernando Courtright, Guest Contributor

Camille Goutal and Isabel Doyen photo Valerie Lee Vitale for ÇaFleureBon

Editor's Note: For more insight into the lives and passion of Annick Goutal, Camille Goutal , Isabelle Doyen and the launch of The Annick Goutal Boutique in NYC, please read  an interview with Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen from earlier this year here and my interview with Camille Goutal from 2009 here

Thanks to Annick Goutal Boutique in New York City  we have a holiday gift bag of assorted perfumes and goodies for a US reader. To enter please leave a comment with your favorite Annick Goutal perfume. and if you have ever attended Sniffapalooza. Draw closes December  23, 2014

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume