Ormonde Jayne founder and perfumer Linda Pilkington has unveiled her stunning new flagship boutique in Mayfair in The Royal Arcade, Old Bond Street. Celebrating 25 years of innovative British niche perfumery, Ormonde Jayne’s new store at Number 16 The Royal Arcade is four times bigger than the previous boutique, allowing for exciting new retail experiences with more emphasis on personalisation, launching later this year.
We sat down with Linda to find out a little more about this exciting new development.
Tell us about your connection to Mayfair?
Ormonde Jayne’s history and Old Bond Street are intrinsically linked, sealed with a top note of happenstance. After delivering my scented candles to Chanel’s Fine Jewellery boutique 25 years ago, I spotted a ‘For Rent’ sign in Number 12 The Royal Arcade and opened our doors to our boutique 23 years ago. Ormonde Jayne’s heart and soul has been in Mayfair ever since, and it’s a source of daily inspiration and a hub of creativity all around us.
How has this part of Mayfair changed in the past 25 years?
The Royal Arcade is steeped in history, as well as being London’s first shopping mall and one of Queen Victoria’s favourites. Old Bond Street, Albermarle Street and Brown’s Hotel are referred to in numerous novels from Phileas Fogg to Peter Pan. Original features within the Royal Arcade include the saddled glass roof and iconic pillars. Looking out at our own beautiful curved glass shop front, it’s humbling to note they are 150 years old, and look as stunning today as they ever did.
But contrasted against this historic backdrop, Old Bond Street is an epicentre of creativity for the world’s designers from fashion to jewellery. It is known around the world as the Golden Mile of luxury. What’s perhaps less well known is how strong the community spirit amongst retailers remains, whether it’s lockdown or boom time.
How did you design your new boutique?
After 25 years of experience of designing our stands for department stores and trade shows, we were able to design our new store very rapidly – less than two months. A wonderful team of trusted craftspeople and designers know our clients and understand the retail experience we envisage for the future. We have increased our ground space by four times, and we will also host private groups of up to six people downstairs.
Ormonde Jayne’s trademark orange is very much present in the displays, which also fits well with The Royal Arcade.
Number 16 is a tremendous space and the outstanding feature is the full length floor to ceiling windows. It’s an endless pleasure looking out onto the streets of Mayfair at all times of the day; when the sun shines, it lights up the entire boutique, and when it’s dark, the warm welcoming lights of Browns are very inviting. It’s really beyond beautiful!
How long had you planned to move?
I have passed Number 16 several times a day for over two decades and always loved this space. It’s a boutique I have always wanted. Plans like this are often a result of happenstance and after seeing it empty for a few months, I began to toy with seeing Ormonde Jayne at this gateway spot. One day this past summer, the time was suddenly right and because Ormonde Jayne is a privately owned family business, I can take decisions with agility. I have a management team and CEO and always respect their opinions and listen carefully to their advice.
What are you looking forward to in 2024 and what can Ormonde Jayne fans look forward to?
As with any move, it takes a while to sort out any kinks. I have given myself a deadline to make sure everything is perfect which is another two months. At the same time, I’m working on an exciting new retail experience which will offer a more personalised fragrance, which I am hoping to launch in spring.
Montabaco fans are in for a treat from February 8th when we launch The Montabaco Series 2024 – a trilogy of leather, suede, magnolia, celebrated with Montabaco Rio, using notes of pineapple and caramel; Montabaco Flor, using elegant gardenia absolute; and Montabaco Cuba, with vanilla and mandarin. The new bottle design is absolutely stunning incorporating 88mls with an 8-sided bottle shape – for prosperity and eternity.
Vanille des Afriques Intensivo launches in spring and I have been wearing it every day this month – it’s truly spectacular.
