Last month at Skylight Modern in New York, President and CEO of Hermès, Robert Chavez, welcomed guests to explore the brand’s newest fragrance for women. In the presence of in-house perfumer Christine Nagel, we wandered throughout the space with champagne in hand to explore what our nose would find most endearing—a sweet take on masculinity, and a strong take on femininity.

After taking our seats, we were surprised with a special screening of a performance choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj and photographed by Jackie Nickerson. In the film, the woman expressively danced in Doblis calfskin leather (sourced by Nagel from Hermès’ leather library). As the music proceeded through its introduction, the dancer in the film then danced in front of the screen, seemingly emerging from the video to insinuate a harmonious “full circle” moment. Movements, or gallops, from the dancer powerfully halted, and Nagel, with assistance from her translator, briefly spoke.

“It is a great pleasure to be here tonight to share with you the inspiration and the expression of our latest creation in fragrance,” said Nagel. “The inspiration finds resonance in the highly original, powerful, instinctive, and elegant dance you have just witnessed.”

Next, we were able to take in the new fragrance once and for all. Through powerful blasts, decorative rose petals were released from all corners of the large space into the air bearing the new scent. As the petals fell, guests got the first experience of leather and rose notes swirled together to create an ethereal, voluptuous scent—a dream-like sensorial immersion that made us appreciative of Hermès’ careful and considerable details.

Angelin Preljocaj

Hermès’ New Fragrance: Galop d’Hermès