Paris, known for its traditional parfumeries, has just welcomed a new arrival – a slightly less conventional ‘perfume bar’ known as Liquides. Located in the Haut-Marais area of Paris, Liquides is the brainchild of designer Philippe Di Méo and David Frossard, founder of Différentes Latitudes, a label for independent perfumers.
What led to the establishment of Liquides?
David Frossard: Through my own label I assist independent perfumers in distributing their products. So having our own store, our own way of expression, has been a dream. I met Philippe at his exhibition, Liquides Imaginaires, and loved the perfumes he’s developed. We have the same vision of perfumes and their creation, so we decided to work together.
Why did you choose a somewhat bare aesthetic and a palette of black and gold?
DF: We wanted to express modernity and luxury in a cool way that would help people to understand the preciousness of our fragrances – but also to feel good and to relax in the store. The inspiration was a bar, because we love cool bars. Our goal was an authentic place with sound, expensive materials, such as wood and brass, but not one that would be ‘old-fashioned modern’.
What’s the main difference between Liquides and other parfumeries?
DF:It’s the whole experience: shopping in a store in a 17th-century building, browsing in a cool and contemporary interior, being guided by our ‘barmaid’ through a selection of the best independent fragrances.
Philippe Di Méo:It’s a new style of perfumery, a place where you find both connoisseurs and amateurs. Liquides encourages discussion, offers refreshments and hosts various related events. It is not self-service. At the bar you get advice about fragrances and are invited to select one or more that correspond to your desires and personality. My concept was an intimate, minimal, sober space – no marketing, no advertising – the bottle says it all.
Photos Constantin von Heuduck
Liquides, 9 Rue de Normandie, 75003 Paris
Check out Liquides in the September/October issue of Frame.