Map of the Heart launch at Harrods (and we've lost our hearts already!)

The highly acclaimed niche fragrance house Map of the Heart has (hoorah!) launched in the UK, exclusively at Harrods.
Map of the Heart is a range of six fine fragrances in the most exquisite anatomical-style heart flacons by the legendary bottle designer, Pierre Dinand – and truly they look like art pieces, straight from a gallery.
Each fragrance was conceived in Australia by founders, Sarah Blair and filmmaker Jeffrey Darling, with a heart of Australian sandalwood proudly throbbing through each of the creations by perfumer Jacques Huclier.
It’s a strong line-up, to be sure, and with the fragrances made in France using the finest materials, the range is now available in 80 selected stores worldwide, including their flagship store in Sydney. Each of the fragrances are unisex and conjure stories of both place and character: challenging and exploring the idea of ‘what it is to live’.
Sarah and filmmaker Jeffrey wanted Map of the Heart to draw on their ‘…passion for story and understanding that scent is as transporting and intoxicating as words, images and film.’ And my goodness, get ready to be transported. We think you’ll be charmed by their descriptions, impressed by the evocative, contemporary imagery and (most importantly!) blown-away by the scents themselves…
The iconic heart-shaped bottle is definitely eye-catching, the colours and finishes changed to reflect each of the fragrances, and it was chosen because it ‘…plays with the paradox of ugly beauty.’
Pssst! You can try Map of the Heart Gold Heart v.4 in our Velvet Collection Discovery Box – a warm gleam of comforting spices, be sure to indulge yourself with this one…
Map of the Heart’s collection £150 for 90ml eau de parfum
At Harrods’ Salon de Parfums and harrods.com
Written by Suzy Nightingale

A visit to the Sixth Floor – where the scented story continues

Over a year since it first threw open its doors, seven new boutiques have opened at Harrods prestigious Salon de Parfums, all the better to seduce your senses. So we thought it was time for an update.
Armani Prive, Penhaligon’s and Burberry have settled into luxuriously appointed spaces alongside Bond No.9Sospiro and Frédéric Malle (we loved the scent booth – what looks like a full-sized shower cubicle, in which perfume is sprayed and wafted for you!)
A worldwide exclusive sees the launch of beautifully presented, Japanese-inspired brand, Floraïku (above) – brought to you by the creators of MEMO, immersing visitors in a Japanese style tea ceremony as they learn about the fragrances and two layering scents the house call ‘shadows’ to amplify their individual characters…
Meanwhile, back at Armani Privé, you can be ushered through gilded doors to strecth out on a chaise lounge and invited to enjoy the immersive ‘Privé Experience’, relaxing as you breathe in gentle wafts of scent until you find your favourite.
Both Sospiro and Frédéric Malle will be offering personalisation and monogramming services within their boutiques, while perfumistas visiting Penhaligon’s and Bond No.9 will be able to create, to varying degrees, their own custom fragrance. Surely the ultimate gift…?
 
It may seem a bit of a marathon trek up the escalators to the Sixth Floor of the world-famous department store. (Although we’ve figured out a nifty short-cut: up to Fifth, through shoes, and up the final escalator).
But however you get there, and wherever you’re coming from, we promise you it’s worth the trip – particularly when you can browse and sniff in a completely unhurried manner (where else can you legitimately lie down and relax in a shop, without getting thrown out?!) and be treated to advice from true experts on-hand.
Harrods Salon de Parfums is on the Sixth Floor at Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL
Written by Suzy Nightingale