If you are an avid reader of WCL, then you already know we love great fragrances and especially those that are mode under the radar. From Creed and Penhaligon’s to Diptyque, Frédéric Malle, and everything in between, we are always in constant search for the ultimate scent to pair with our watches. Byredo and its most iconic scent Bibliothèque is our latest find and a new favorite here at WCL.
Byredo was founded in Stockholm in 2006 by Ben Gorham. Born in Sweden to an Indian mother and a Canadian father, Ben grew up between Toronto, New York, and Stockholm. After graduating from the Stockholm Art School serendipity brought him into perfumer Pierre Wulff from the Robertet Group who convinced him to launch a fragrance line. After hiring world-renowned perfumers Olivia Giacobetti and Jerome Epinette, Byredo was born. Ben’s ambition is to translate memories and emotions into products and experiences and Byredo’s creations are led by that mindset.
Just like Audemars Piguet, Byredo conceives objects using the highest quality materials available, and high-end design details to fuel a renewed approach to modern luxury. That modern luxury has allowed the AP Royal Oak to still look as contemporary today as it did 50 years ago in 1972 when it was first presented.
Byredo Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum was born out of Byredo’s most popular candle. In response to endless requests, the brand decided to create a perfume that would capture the same notes and olfactory memories as their best-selling candle. A candle that would transport many into an old ‘bibliothèque’ —library— with its scent of old wooden shelves and ancient leather-bound books. Much like the smell in the archives room at the old Audemars Piguet Museum with its leather-bound archive books where every Royal Oak ever produced has been written down.
Byredo creates and develops a range of products that includes fragrances, makeup, home and leather goods, and accessories, and is sold in more than 40 countries in a very high-end exclusive network worldwide.
Byredo’s powerful scents are sometimes presented as ‘Extract de Parfum’ —perfume extract— capturing strong emotions and unforgettable olfactory memories that evolve into an all-day sensory love affair. That same love affair you put yourself through when you do a wrist roll with that Royal Oak bracelet and every shimmer and light reflection is unique and utterly captivating.
Byredo Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum features base notes of leather, patchouli and vanilla. At its core, one can find peonies and violets with undertones of plum and tobacco. A unisex but very masculine scent that once you spray it around your neck, will keep you going back to that library where you read that masterpiece of literature or where you gave your first kiss. Even better if it takes you back to the archives room at the old Audemars Piguet museum with that Royal Oak on your wrist.
Byredo Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum is also a very long lasting perfume. Spray it in the morning and find yourself getting those high notes throughout the whole day. A captivating scent that is now one of our favorites along with our also recently discovered Diptyque’s Eau Rihla. Despite its underrated character and' ‘not for the masses’ personality, Byredo won’t break the bank like Creed or other fragrances.
Sticker Price $270 USD. For more info on Byredo click here.
