Let’s Go London: Le Labo Poivre 23 (Youtube) Perfume Review + Christmas Gift from Across the Pond Draw

le labo poivre 23 london city exclusive and boutique cafleurebon

London's Le Labo Boutique and  City Exclusive Poivre 23 by Nathalie Lorson

London's Devonshire Street is the UK home of Le Labo flagship boutique is in a neighborhood so inherently trendy that scores of passing cool-hunters may in fact have no idea what the shop actually sells.  Le Labo takes you on a uniquely comprehensive olfactory journey that spans the sensory chasm between obscurity and transparency wherein your own intuition rules supreme. Rather then relying on the visual language of mainstream perfume marketing, with its swirly calligraphic marquees and store-front photographic crutches, instead what you get is a customized experience like no other perfumerie offers, which awaits you behind the submarine grey door of the shop. We invite you to enter Le Labo for a brief tour and my review of the coveted hometown hero of the London boutique, the City Exclusive Poivre 23.

–Alex Law, Contributor (MastersofStyle on Youtube)

Editor's Note BREAKING NEWS: We send our prayers to the the two victims and all those impacted by the Hurricane force winds that have left many in London without power and the 10,0000 people who were evacuated along the Eastern  English Coast earlier today December 5, 2013.  I received this message from Alex just a few hours ago " Michelyn, I was standing on the platform and a Train cable exploded a meter away from face, loudest bang I've ever heard in my life, sparks hit my jacket, people screaming, my left ear hasn't stopped ringing all day. It's serious here".

We would like to thank our friends at Le Labo and especially Co Founder Fabrice Penot for offering a Christmas gift to one one CaFleureBon reader worldwide , a .5 oz of Poivre 23. As most fragrance aficiandos know, Le Labo City Exclusives are only offered every two years online or in store and that window closed October 15, 2013 (that is a rule that is never broken, and the next worldwide opportunity is in 2015).

To be eligible to win, please leave a comment with what you found interesting about Alex's video review of Poivre 23 and  brief tour inside Le Labo's UK boutique. Please state the country you live in. Draw closes December 10, 2013.

We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook Page Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize wil be just spilled perfume

 

 

 

 

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83 comments

  • cdb73110 says:

    I love , love, love Le Labo fragrances. I so wish I could get my hand on a few of the city exclusives. I had no idea the boutique was ran the way it is. How informative. How great would it be to have the ingredients there wight before your eyes. If they ever open a store in Oklahoma (YEAH RIGHT) I might would bug the hell out of them exploring. To great. In the USA.

  • Sandi L says:

    I loved the tour! Thanks, Alex <3 I loved learning that your purchase is poured and packaged on the spot. I knew this but it seeing it done was amazing. I love the simplicity of Le Labo packaging myself. Thanks for the draw.

  • julesinrose says:

    Love Alex’s reviews! I did not know what the number at the end of the a Le Labo frag meant. I did not know that they mixed the perfume right the the shop. I was in a NY Le Labo shop and it was so busy I neither learned nor sniffed a thing. Ah, next time!

  • Barbara says:

    The whole video was interesting. I didn’t know what the number at the end of the Le Labo fragrance meant. I am in the US and have never sniffed Le Labo and would welcome the opportunity. Thank you for the draw.

  • helical gnome says:

    First of all, I love Le Labo and I found really interesting how Alex explains the brand’s attitude towards showcasing imperfection.
    Thanks for this wonderful draw. I am in the US

  • FearsMice says:

    So interesting to see that book on Wabi Sabi for Artists, Designers, etc., displayed on the counter, along with Alex’s comment about the emphasis on imperfection! I’m in the US; thanks for the draw.

  • wefadetogray says:

    I find interesting how Le Labo seems to approach perfumery from the stand point of a designer instead of a perfumer and how they arrange their scents from light to dark. I want to go there now!
    I am in the US and many many thanks for this draw. I am dying to try Poivre.

  • xtopher says:

    Gosh, how incredible is to be able to know what’s in the perfume you love as they show you “the ins and out” of your own taste. Amazing!
    I never imagine Poivre to be a woody scent, more reasons to want to try it.
    I am in the US. THanks.

  • StephenMc says:

    Intrigued to try this now that I know that the perfumer behind one of my favourite scents, Encre Noir, made this too! Thanks for the draw! I live in Ireland.

  • TracyS says:

    Loved the mini tour! The absence of gloss and emphasis on imperfection certainly make for a unique fragrance-acquiring experience. Looking forward to visiting one day soon.

  • StaceyW says:

    I love Alex’s video reviews and appreciate seeing some of the houses in Paris and London which I may never see in person! Le Labo is one of my favorites. I snagged a sample of Poivre 23 during the fall window this year and absolutely adore it. I didn’t know each bottle was made fresh for you…that is quite impressive and makes me love them even more. I am in the U.S. Thank you for the wonderful draw.

  • annabel r says:

    I love Le Labo and am always delighted when i go in and watch my bottle being poured and personalized. Thank you for the draw and i live in the us. I got to spend two months in London this year, an amazing city and would be tickled to win this draw.

  • Jackie b says:

    I would love to have the experience of going into that shop, I love the scientific aspect of the decor, and the fact that the fragrances are made up on the spot.
    It makes choosing your scent a bit easier having them laid out from light to dark I think.
    I am in Australia, thanks for the draw, Poivre sounds stunning.

  • beth says:

    I love how Le Labo Boutique was shown in Alex’s video and his review is intriguing.
    I’m in Russia. Many thanks for the opportunity to win.

  • Bel says:

    I found Alex’s descriptive language so beautiful to hear. Really evocative! I also find it interesting how Le Labo lay their perfumes out from light to dark – it’s something that I should pay more attention to should I ever get the opportunity to get the full Le Labo shopping experience.
    Thanks for the draw! I am in Australia.

  • Mujo says:

    The tour at Le Labo Boutique was very interesting. I love Le Labo’s industrial presentation and giving the opportunity for the fragrance to shine because of this minimalistic design. Also loved Alex’s review of Poivre 23. Thanks for this wonderful draw! I live in the Netherlands.

  • Lindaloo says:

    Have and like Le Labo Rose 31. Enjoyed learning from the video the way in which a customer at the boutique can sample the ingredients that went into a scent. I like the idea that the scents are displayed from light to dark.
    Thanks for the generous draw opportunity.

  • Elia says:

    I liked the video tour and seeing the on the spot bottling, I also liked that one can smell natural ambrette seeds there. I think Le Labo are a high quality house with some amazing fragrances.
    I’m in Cyprus,
    ty for the draw

  • Marcopietro says:

    I love Le Labo and I’d like to visit their shops, I love the industrial aspect of the interior and the brand’s look.
    I am excited at the idea of ​​making fragrances at the moment.
    Thanks for the draw!
    I’m in Italy

  • maysamassimo says:

    Hi! I was amazed to know that they can make the perfume right in front of the customer. I’m dying to visit Le Labo’s boutique.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • lucasai says:

    It was interesting to discover Le Labo boutique. Nice that the assistants are able to showcase you the perfume composition with actual ingredients (Alex mentioned Ambrette 9 there) and interesting about Poivre 23 that the opening smelled of fruity Christmas cake to him

    Thank you for the draw,
    I live in Poland

  • Nina says:

    Listening to Alex, it is a literary adventure. I always get intrigued to try the frangrances he reviews. The most fascinating part of the tour in Le labo boutique is presentation of perfume preparing. I’ve never tried Le Labo fragrance. but I am planing to visit the boutique when I am in Lonon next time. I live in Slovenia.

  • Mark T says:

    Poivre 23 sounds wonderful! And Le Labo’s approach is very cool and unique. Next time I am in New York I will definitely be visiting the Le Labo boutique. I am in the US.

  • Ififenia says:

    What impressed me the most is the fact that the process of creation and package of the smell is done the very moment of purchase (custom made) perfect !!!
    I have never experienced a perfume of Le Labo boutique and would be more that happy to have this opportunity because their exclusivity and simplicity make them unique.
    I thank you for this draw. I live in EU.

  • Jeannie V says:

    What impressed me the most is the fact that the process of creation and package of the smell is done the very moment of purchase (custom made) perfect !!!
    I have never experienced a perfume of Le Labo boutique and would be more that happy to have this opportunity because their exclusivity and simplicity make them unique.
    I thank you for this draw. I live in EU, Greece.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    i have to admit i have already read a lot on Le Labo so many things Alex mentions, I already knew such as Le Labo mixing perfumes in store and what the number at the end of the fragrance name indicates. My favorite part was indeed video tour of UK store. I am in the US

  • Toni G says:

    Alex’s describes the Le Labo brand with poetic justice. The creation and utilitarian presentation of fragrances, notes and scents, all hand-made and selected by the user’s nose. Put simply genius.

  • Esther says:

    Nice to see that the perfumes are really fresh handmade products.
    Yes it’s stormy here in Europe, I’m in Germany.

  • Frankie says:

    I really enjoyed watching this video. First hope you are ok Alex, what a harrowing day you had. I never knew that the le labo fragrances were lined up from light to dark jus and that Nathalie Lorson was the perfumer. I loved your analogy of leaving a bar with a bit of smoke and liquor too. USA here

  • Martin says:

    Thanks to the video I have come to appreciate Le Labo’s marketing approach with the final mixing done in the store. Via the comments from Alex, “Poivre 23” sounds like something I would really enjoy wearing.

    Thank you for the draw and while living in the USA I send my thoughts to those in London affected by December 5th hurricane strength winds.

  • Kaylee says:

    I enjoyed watching them formulate the final product. The equipment they use is exactly the same as my old formulation lab! Makes me wish I could have that job. The polished lab-like layout of the store is beautiful. I’m in the US.

  • EpicDermis says:

    What I enjoy most is the environment which excludes color and allows the olfactory to become the palette. Leaving the individual freedom to paint without the subtle notions derived from a glossy airbrushed photo of a Utopian beach or model. Everything is pulled back in such a way that minimal becomes more. I get the same feel from the Narciso Rodriguez collection to some degree, excluding some of the flankers. Ultimately style is what we as humans add to our surroundings; how we share our lens to the world. This is what makes this brand interesting to me, they allow us that freedom.

  • Xanovia says:

    I really enjoyed the description of how the fragrance house sets up the displays in addition to his excellent way he described the fragrance…

    United States of America…

  • Darilyn says:

    I really enjoyed his video, and how well he explained Le Labos’ approach to their fragrances. I felt I could smell Poivre 23 as he described it! I love his accent! I live in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • Amy K says:

    I’d like to see a store where my perfume is mixed up right in front of me. I live in the US. Thanks for the drawing!

  • Joezel says:

    the video introduced me to how unique Le Labo is. i would have never thought that they can make a bottle of fragrance on the spot right in front of the customer. so awesome.
    i’m from the US

  • Tiffany says:

    I found the idea of imperfection interesting…and I’ve always thought of scents in terms of light to dark. Can’t wait to visit next time I’m in London. I live in the US…thanks for the draw!

  • Tetelman says:

    Very cool! Interesting what the number at the end of the fragrance actually means. I am in the US! Thanks for the opportunity!!

  • escritora says:

    For me everything in this Video was really interesting. I had an opportunity to smell Poivre 23 once few years ago at NYC Boutique. I instantly fell in love with it, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed to win this draw 🙂
    I am in the US.

  • Joseph Mo says:

    It was a wonderful journey to the world of aromas… The tour Alex had made of Le Labo Poivre 23 expressed to me the glamor , the craftsmanship and elegance of the city of London …all in one place.. one store…Le Labo…

  • Drew says:

    The resinous quality’s sound intriguing, as a former violinist the idea of a fragrance able to capture the oral factory experience of decade even century old vanished wood pressed against your face and the sight and smell of a freshly rosined bow being pulled across the strings is irresistible. As far as the boutique I’m left wondering how reliably accurate fragrances can be rendered by the employees. In USA.

  • Cheryl says:

    Scent on the spot … wow. This concept is very new & unique to me. I have never sampled Le Labo, would be a nice Christmas present. I am in the US.

  • Merlin says:

    I enjoyed seeing Le Labo’s aesthetic, industrial and utilitarian! The shop looks like a laboratory with a beautiful lab tech mixing up ones personal concoction:)

  • Anabel says:

    I loved seeing how they made the juice, that impressed me. I would love to try Le Labo, I’m sure I’ve never smelled anything like it! I’m in México.

  • Devon H says:

    Alex’s reviews never fail to impress me with his eloquence and insightfulness. I see he is working on his eye contact as well! 🙂 well done. I’ve been curious about this fragrance, and his evaluation as a more subtle, well balanced incense fragrance has convinced me it is one to try. I also enjoyed seeing that Le Labo really does make a fresh blend for you when your purchase is made – what a fascinating niche in an expanding niche market! It provides a bit of transparency to the whole deal that you normally wouldn’t have the chance to experience. Thank you for the draw, and I live in the US.

  • Nemo says:

    I love the idea of being able to study each individual perfume ingredient at the store to more fully analyze their perfumes. I am in the US.

  • Lauryn says:

    I also like the cocept of having the varius ingredients there in the shop to guide one’s olfactory journal through their fragrances. Poivre 23 is one of my top 5 fragrances ever: fiery and soothing simultaneously, with notes that vary between rich and austere. It is a masterpiece.

    (Though I still don’t buy the anti-globalization excuse.)

  • Sarah Lathrop says:

    I live in the U.S. and would love to smell this fragrance!
    I thought it was interesting that Le Labo’s aesthetic excludes glowing acrylic shelves so typical of high end boutiques. I like the idea of simple packaging and straight-forward labeling and appreciate the cohesive strategy for the image of the brand. I am also impressed by the diluting and sealing of refrigerated concentrates to prepare each item on request of purchase.
    Thank you.

  • Amarah says:

    I love the idea of putting nearly all their focus in their fragrances and not on extravagant packaging! Another thing I loved is that how they show you the ingredients and make you your bottle on the spot!! I would love to have one of their bottles with my name on it!!
    I live in Australia 🙂
    Thanks!

  • Lisa B. says:

    I am in the United States…and wow, I didn’t realize they actually make you the perfume and let you watch them do it when you buy it! That would be incredible!
    I also find it interesting that they have the ingredients there and can show you how they make it! I would love to visit there someday…

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    I live in the US and I like Le Labo a lot, I’ve been to the LA boutique and is pretty cool, Poivre 23 is one of my favorites but way out of my range. I really like Alex reviews and he is accurate about the incense note a resinous note that makes it excellent. I’d love to win that one . Thanks

  • AD says:

    Wow, I love the way they mix your perfumes right in front of you. That’s really cool.
    My thoughts with the people in London affected by the hurricane. Stay safe.

    I’m in Canada. Thanks for the draw.

  • Ferris says:

    Alex nailed the description of Poivre 23. He describes it so perfectly! What I found interesting is how the bottles are displayed and how plain they are. I also liked seeing how the techs make up your scents as you wait and being able to determine your scent likes by smelling some of the natural ingredients showcased there in the store . I’m in the US. Thanks for the draw !

  • Cynthia says:

    I had never thought about it, but was interested to learn that they take away fancy bottles and packaging so as not to sway your opinion and choice from the actual fume. I live in the US

  • Jodi says:

    What I loved most about Alex’s video was his very poetic description of Poivre 23 because it so clearly articulated the richly nuanced blend of this particular fragrance, a blend that indeed seems more like a “cocktail at a fancy bar” than a “bottle of gin and tonic picked up from the corner grocery store.”
    And what a cocktail! And again, thanks to Alex’s word choice, it is a cocktail that whets my appetite. He evokes images of a 19th century London that I long to visit – and often do through my favorite authors – a London of “Christmas fruitcake” and “logs on the fire,” a London where the “gothic touch” permeates this foggy city of poets and Shakespeare and therefore manages to keep this dark incense fragrance from becoming too “elite,” thereby managing to honor the qualities of the Labo site itself, a site that the video portrays as honoring “imperfection” with its emphasis on transparency and utilitarian packaging.
    Lovely!
    Thank you for offering the draw; I am in the Midwestern United States.

  • Mary K says:

    I found it interesting that the perfumes are lined up from light to dark in their display, and also that Poivre 23 has incense and wood notes reminiscent of the old churches and cathedrals in the city. That’s a good descriptive detail to gives an idea of the scent. I am in the US.

  • Sujaan says:

    Poor Alex and all the others affected in and around London. I hope things get back to normal quickly.

  • Melissa says:

    I’ve visited the NYC Le Labo quite a few times and I always enjoy watching the production! Alex’s review of Poivre 23 was spot on. I found his description accurate and compelling. Poivre 23 is my favorite Le Labo and I almost bought a bottle this year. I’m in the US.

  • Ginny M says:

    Alex, as articulate, insightful and poetic as ever! I really enjoyed seeing a bottle of Le Labo being made to order in the video — a first! When i was in London last December I almost bought a bottle of Poivre 23 in Liberty, but balked at the price. (I DID end up getting myself a bottle of another Nathalie Lorson scent on ebay — Encre Noir, which has better staying power on me than the Poivre.) I DO love the scent, though haven’t regretted my decision too much since then. I live in the U.S. and would consider myself very lucky indeed to win such a generous sample!

  • chris jung says:

    I live in canada and Alex is the best reviewer in frag comm. loved seeing that your fragrance is made on the spot. did not know that! that’s fantastic and ensures every bottle is just that much more unique.

  • Chris Schaefer says:

    I really enjoyed seeing the juice poured and packaged right then for the customer. Poivre 23 sounds wonderful and I would love too try it.

    I am in the US and thanks so much for the draw and I did so enjoy the review.

  • blueyk says:

    I live in Europe and I don’t know any of Le Labo fragances.
    I like a ot seeing how the erfume is bottle and labeled.

  • Lyubov says:

    Wow, thanks to Alex for the great insight from Le Labo’s boutique – never been in one myself, though I tried some of their creations! I am impressed by the freshly blended scent on spot! And Le Labo’s minimalistic package has always impressed me a great deal! Thanks for the generous draw! I am in Bulgaria and I would be very glad to win this one since nothing of its kind is available near here! Pear coupled with incense – this must be a new sensation!

  • Kat says:

    I really enjoyed that little video! How lovely it would be to have your perfume made for you, right in front of you. I liked how he wove a vivid story experience with the London scent notes. I live in the US. Thanks for the amazing draw!

  • Monoatomic says:

    Although I haven’t had the opportunity to visit one of their stores, I found it interesting to see how their aesthetic is aligned with their perfumes. Would love to try Poivre 23! I’m in the US.

  • Holly F. says:

    Lovely video! I am so impressed that they mix the perfume right there, in front of the lucky customer. I hope to experience this firsthand, someday. I’m in the U.S.

  • amy m. says:

    I knew that the perfume was freshly mixed, but did not know that they blended it right in front of the customer! I’d love to go to a LL boutique someday. I enjoyed listening to Alex and watching the process! I’m in the US. Thanks for the draw, too.

  • breathesgelatin says:

    I live in the US! Thank you for the draw.

    I knew LL fragrances were freshly mixed, but seeing it action was really interesting. I also didn’t realize they kept raw materials in the store for you to sniff!

  • John T. says:

    That’s really quite something!

    Alex has always had an eye for design and presentation in other non-perfume related presentations on his YouTube channel, so it was great seeing it combined with perfume as well. Labo’s unique utilitarian approach to selling their product is refreshing, absolutely!

    Thanks, (from a Canadian) for the draw!

  • Greg Esa says:

    It was really exciting to see them make the fragrance! I have to go to the boutique a day. I’m in Canada.

  • vladmisi says:

    Alex’s videos are always interesting, I love how eloquently he describes fragrances 🙂

    The short snippets from the store were a nice touch, Le Labo stores are pretty darn cool!

    Poivre 23, after hearing Alex’s description, sounds amazing.

    Wouldn’t absolutely mind having that one since Le Labo is a bit harder to come by here in Croatia.

  • israel gonzales says:

    Alex’s descriptions are one of a kind and very informative! My favorite part of the video is where the Le Labo associate hand makes the bottles of fragrance! That’s very impressive!