Atelier Cologne

Before you cross the threshold of this specialty brand’s azure doorway, a small table with select fragrances and blotters greet you outside, inviting you to sample Atelier Cologne’s fragrances in the open air. The exposed-brick walls, brushed-metal tables and overhead lamps that constitute the interior make the space feel like an art studio. Creators Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel wanted to combine the freshness of perfume’s lightest scent, the eau de cologne, with the tenacity of an eau de parfum, and together developed a happy medium that they call the “cologne absolue.” Scents such as Grand Néroli (30ml $65, 100ml $105, 200ml $165), a fresh take on orange-flower extract; earthy Trèfle Pur (30ml $70, 100ml $115, 200ml $175), featuring notes of fresh-cut grass and violet leaves; and the tea-like Oolang Infini (30ml $65, 100ml $110, 200ml $170), with bergamot and jasmine, demonstrate that fresh and interesting are not mutually exclusive. If you purchase a leather travel pouch ($40) that fits a 30-milliliter bottle, an artisan on-site will engrave it with your name, initials or a special message for free.