Le Labo’s New Manhattan Location Crafts Perfumes Inside the Boutique

Unlike wine, perfume fades over time. This is why Le Labo makes and bottles all their own perfumes in the store. Founded by Fabrice Penot and Edouardo Roschi in 2006, Le Labo is a leader in artisanal fragrances, with boutiques in New York City, London, Paris, Tokyo, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Le Labo recently opened its newest location on 29th Street, just feet from the Ace Hotel, which was featured in our list of the Top 10 Bars Where a Drink is Served with a Work of Art.

Le Labo focuses on scents made of a single essence rather than blends, and they come from Grasse, the “perfume capital” of France. They range from florals, like rose, fleur d’oranger, bergamot and neroli, to citruses, spices and musky scents, like sandalwood. The number printed on the bottle next to the name of the scent identifies how many ingredients are used to make the perfume. Though fragrances are often thought of as gendered, Le Labo’s customers tend not to adhere to such guidelines. Women often buy the more masculine scents, and Le Labo’s Rose 31 is marketed to men.

In addition to perfumes, Le Labo sells scented candles, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion and massage oils. Prices range from a $30 bar of soap to $820 for 500 ml of perfume.

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