Our Favorite Fragrances from Bond No. 9
Bond No. 9 is a company dedicated to celebrating all parts of New York City in liquid form. Their motto (“Making Scents of New York”) is not only a wonderful play on words, but doubles as their mission statement. The company was started in 2003 by Laurice Rahme (the company is named for the flagship store located at 9 Bond Street in NoHo) and to date, there are over 150 scented slices of the “big apple” with each perfume packaged in a unique dramatic star-shaped bottle that are collectibles. Bond No. 9 has always reflected its New York neighborhood sensibility. Many of the best fragrances in this wide-spanning line leave the same mark on your skin as the real estate they are named after.
Chinatown
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Bond No. 9 Chinatown: Master perfumer Aurelien Guichard composed Chinatown in 2005 and it is considered a masterpiece. The notes listed for Chinatown are peach blossom, bergamot, peony, gardenia, tuberose, orange blossom, patchouli, cardamom, vanilla, cedar, guaiac wood, and sandalwood, but this is a fragrance that spotlights the ephemeral beauty of peony. Big soft clouds of peony and peach blossom take on a slightly powdery air. The white flowers begin to unfold and gardenia and tuberose appear. There is a sweetness from the vanilla but it is held in check by notes of wood, spice, and a honeyed wax aroma.
Hamptons
Where do New Yorkers head when the weather gets warm? One destination is the Hamptons, a long stretch of beaches on the east shore of Long Island. Bond No. 9 Hamptons has a sunny opening, citrusy and floral with aquatic facets as if you are leaving the grime of the city behind you. It is as inviting and invigorating as a dip ocean in the ocean on a hot July day. Energizing notes of bergamot and lemon add freshness, the floral effervescence of jasmine and rose dry down to sheer musk and a solar amber. Casual and easy to wear, Hamptons is summer radiance in a bottle.
The Scent of Peace
The Scent of Peace – released in 2006 is among the brand’s best-sellers. Although not tied to a neighborhood, it does represent a fragrant escape from the bustle of everyday city life. The sweet/tart grapefruit opening adds a touch of sunshine and captures the essence of a joy. Black currant blends with the soft translucent green scent of lily of clean musk and woods. A great fresh fragrance that is relaxing and calming. Namaste.
Madison Avenue
One of the most expensive shopping districts in New York is Madison Avenue. Bond No. 9 Madison Avenue is sophisticated in a contemporary way. Inspiration from the location infuses this chypre floral. Straight up you get a crisp green apple that you can almost bite in to. Sweet blackberry is at the rosy heart which quickly glides into the earthy musk and soft amber in the dry down. Madison Avenue is a fruity floral with an edge, a taste of a praline bon-bon. Like the neighborhood, you will feel polished, chic and yes, stylishly seductive.
Central Park West
Bond No. 9 Central Park West: Right from the opening you know that Central Park West is going to be a big floral. Narcissus and ylang-ylang add an intensity that is very appealing and spring-like. A pinch of black pepper is added as a hint of the urban landscape. The heart is dominated by a very green gardenia freshly blooming on the bush. Jasmine and iris are also present in the heart but allow the gardenia to carry the day. The base notes of vetiver, oak, and moss whiz by with the speed of an Eighth Avenue Subway. Central Park West would be perfect for your spring or summer wedding.
NY Nights
There is a reason New York City is called the city that never sleeps! New York is the No. 1 city for coffee lovers and the best city for coffee drinkers. Bond No. 9 makes memorable scents celebrating the diversity of New York City. Sweet with vanilla and richly dark with cacao and coffee beans, Bond No. 9 NY Nights is a potent caffeine jolt with the skyline of the Empire State Building right on the bottle.
High Line
Bond No. 9 High Line is named for the railroad line which connected the industrial section of downtown Manhattan with the West Side. When it began in 2002, the High Line Project began turning the remnants of the rail line into a new urban park. With a lovely mix of grass and floral accords over wood and moss, Highline has a wonderfully realistic feel to it and it makes wearing High Linea delight. The opening of High Line is a blend of bergamot, rhubarb, and fresh cut grass. The florals at the heart: rose, orange flower, tulips, and grape hyacinth are kept on the light side as if the flowers have begun to mellow after a few days in the sun. You know that you are in New York City at the base when a wet concrete aroma. High Line finishes with the aromas of woods and green notes which give the sensation that you are finishing a walk on a warm summer day.
Now that we have taken you through the best Bond No.9 perfumes head on over to perfume.com and choose your favorite.
Fragrance advice and recommendations from Perfumista. Perfumista offers fragrance guides published often for every season and occasion, and well as extensive knowledge in the fragrance industry.
