Now Open: Frédéric Malle Inaugurates Madison Avenue Perfume District

By Izzy Grinspan Nov 17, 2009, 3:18pm EST

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By the end of 2009, Madison Avenue is going to smell fabulous. French perfumer Frédéric Malle opened a few weeks ago, Diptyque plans to go live the day after Thanksgiving, and Creed will follow sometime in December. The new Malle flagship, at Madison between 72nd and 73rd, carries the brand's entire line of products, from perfumes to home fragrances. In contrast to the sleek, cold aesthetic of many modern perfumeries, the store has a warm, heirloom vibe, with antique furniture and 1930s French art.

Some commenters on The Moment found the place "frumpy"; they might prefer the Creed store at Madison and 67th, which will present bottles of scent in a white-walled, clinical environment. As for Diptyque, we have no solid intel on the space yet, but it's safe to assume that the Madison and 76th Street location will be as feminine and French as the downtown boutique.