I met Clement Pinard in Milan when we shared a table at the black tie dinner for the debut of Clive Christian C in Europe. As we talked through dinner and later on in front of the hotel I was impressed with his knowledge and passion for fragrance. He told me of the customer service he practiced at his boutique in Cannes. I remember thinking how much I wanted to visit Clement at that boutique and have someone who actually understood what a customer wanted take care of me. Alas my trips to Cannes are non-existant.

Then I saw that Clement was coming to New York City I mistakenly thought for vacation but it turned out he was taking a job here. He was taking a job in a new boutique in downtown Manhattan, what I call the Fragrance District. He was going to be the manager of Osswald NYC which opened a few days ago. He has been consumed with making sure these first few days of the business go perfectly. I managed to get him to e-mail me the answers to a few questions about Osswald NYC and the experience you will find upon entering the store.

Mark Behnke: Tell me a little bit about Osswald's philosophy as a boutique?

Clement Pinard: At Osswald family values are extremely important. We believe in treating every visitor like a family member. Our approach is centered around the needs of our customers. Our job is to unveil the story of our visitor and better understand his quest may it be for the perfect scent or the perfect skin care product. We also offer a range of extraordinary bathroom accessories that contextualize the whole assortment of the store.

I personally received training from some of the most talented people in the industry. Then I spent the last four years giving training and consulting services. Today I have the chance to put 10 years of knowledge and know how on the store front of the greatest area of the greatest city in the world.

MB: When you chose to open Osswald on W. Broadway was it a conscious choice to be part of the growing Fragrance District that is emerging in this section of Manhattan?

CP: Tanja Dreiding Wallace pounded the pavement in the search for the perfect location long before I was involved in the project. I must say she had the flair to choose the right location for Osswald.

MB: What are the perfume brands you will be carrying, I hear through the grapevine that Parfumerie Generale might have finally found a home in the US?

CP: Yes indeed, Parfumerie Generale finally found a New York home and we are thrilled to offer Pierre Guillaume’s wonderful creations. We will also offer for the first time in New York PROFVMVM ROMA, MDCI, Micallef, as well as Amouage, Arquiste, Clive Christian, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Six Scents, Nasomatto, Boadicea the Victorious, Huitieme Art, Patricia de Nicolai, and Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier.

MB: Can you tell me what has you most excited about managing a boutique like Osswald?

CP: The city of New York in my mind is attached to many fantasies. I think fragrance and fantasies go hand in hand. Therefore the greatest excitement is the customers! I like the challenge of surprising a clientele who has seen it all/has it all. New Yorkers have the reputation of being tough but when you please them the reward is big!

MB: Lastly give me a sense of what the Osswald experience will be for a customer?

CP: A warm welcome into a beautiful a calm atmosphere, a listening ear, expertly trained staff and an amazing choice of exclusive products.

My thanks to Clement for taking time out of this very busy time to answer these questions. I am excited about the new brands and a new style of selling perfume down in the Fragrance District but I’m most excited about having Clement here to talk about perfume with on a regular basis.

–Mark Behnke, Managing Editor