LBTY. - Liberty Beauty

Can world famous textile designs be translated into congenial fragrance compositions? Yes, exquisitely, in fact, as the world famous department store Libertyhas proved with its LBTY. The renowned store in the West End of London ­– commonly known as Liberty’s – invited leading perfumers to interpret five of its iconic floral patters from various epochs as olfactory artworks. I am thrilled to say that they have risen to the occasion in an opulent variety of expression that I applaud: The LBTY collection exudes the aura of 150 years of fine fabrics, 150 years of style-defining prints and 150 years of trading in the finest goods the world has to offer.

In 1875 he launched his dream of creating a department store as a «ship» that would take its customers on a magical journey through realms of traditional handicraft and modern design. To resounding success: after just 18 months he was able to repay the loan that had been extended to him by his future father-in-law. In 1924 the Great Marlborough Street Liberty store was opened in the same building that still houses it today, a magnificent Tudor revivalist structure with three atriums. Arthur Liberty died in 1917, so he did not live to see his original vision become reality.

The exquisite fabrics on offer at Liberty did indeed give the store a magnetic allure for the Victorian smart set: «ready to ware» did not yet exist, so well-appointed ladies would select their fabrics from a textiles trader and then entrust them to their personal seamstress. Those seeking to make a fashion statement could do no better than Liberty’s, where they could select from an assortment of bold-yet-tasteful floral fabrics. To this very day this retail institution remains at the forefront of trend-setting design and is now also acclaimed for its creative cultural collaborations.

Of course, I am especially pleased that fragrance has now been the focus of one such collaboration. I not only find the scents appealing: the stylish flacons, too, are notable for their exceptionally high quality. Each bottle in the collection bears the fabric design that served as the inspiration for the perfumer’s creation. The masterful fragrance compositions induce an equally bright and colorful world, spiriting one away to distant lands and epochs – in the very spirit of the adventurous founder.

In keeping with the exclusive Liberty profile the LBTY collection is available at only very select locations. I am pleased and proud that we are the exclusive purveyors of this fragrance line in Switzerland – and the very first venue anywhere permitted to show the collection after its initial launch at Liberty’s. Oscar Wilde is quoted as saying: “Liberty is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper”. I’m certain he would be equally enamored with the experience at Spitzenhaus. And so will you.