From Paris to the Palisades

Diptyque Vice President of Retail Shares Palisades Village Boutique Details

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

When diptyque opened the doors of its Palisades Village boutique in late April, it brought with it a collection of eau de parfum, eau de toilette, scented candles and perfume oil diffusers—dating back to the brand’s founding in Paris in 1961 at 34 boulevard Saint-Germain.

“The diptyque story began in Paris in 1961, at 34 boulevard Saint-Germain, to showcase the founder’s fabric designs,” according to the Palisades Village website. “Gradually transforming into a world of its own, the store soon boasted a dazzling repertoire of fragrances, all bearing the brand’s signature black lettering on the renowned oval label. The boutique delivers a modern take on the 34 boulevard Saint-Germain store, paying homage to the brand’s rich heritage and iconic collections.”

Billed as a French luxury fragrance brand, diptyque operates storefronts in Paris at its original location, London, Tokyo, New York City, Hong Kong, Basel, Doha, Dubai, Milan, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago and now, Pacific Palisades.

“This particular boutique is completely new for the U.S. market,” explained Jennifer Sabarots, vice president of retail at diptyque Paris. “The luxurious design is inspired by the Mediterranean Sea landscapes and architecture, as well as the travels initiated by the brand’s three founders.”

At the Palisades Village shop, clients will be encouraged to engage and discover their own personal scent and shop of variety of the brand’s cult classics.

“Every shopper will experience our ritual of their items being wrapped in their own unique combination of delicately folded tissue paper in three colors, becoming instantly recognizable as a diptyque gift,” Sabarots explained. “The boutique also features omni channel services to ease and enhance the shopping experience for all clients.”

When asked why diptyque chose the Palisades as its next location, Sabarots shared that the team is “very excited to be expanding” in Los Angeles.

“We are in such great company with the other brands at Palisades Village,” she said. “The center’s location welcomes all members of the community with charm, and we are thrilled to be a part of this iconic lifestyle destination.”

Diptyque, which officially opened on Saturday, April 24, took over the space formerly occupied by women’s clothing store Cynthia Rowley. It is located between Carbon38 and Jennifer Meyer, across from party supply store Bonjour Fête and what is slated to the future home of Ombra.

Sabarots has been with diptyque Paris for close to four years, noting that it has been an “incredible journey” expanding the brand’s U.S. footprint.

“We have had so many milestones in the world of retail, and so many moments to celebrate—especially as we commemorate our 60th anniversary this year,” she shared. “We feel very lucky to be welcoming two new boutiques in the prime Los Angeles market.”

The original location in Paris featured a door with two identical windows on either side, opening onto the street like a “two-part Italian Renaissance or Flemish master’s painting,” according to the diptyque website. “They had found the ideal stage for their chic little bazaar of fascinating finds as well as the perfect name for it; diptyque.”

The brand founders were Christiane Montadre-Gautrot, Yves Coueslant and Desmond Knox-Leet, who met through friends of friends.

“Christiane graduated from l’Ecole des Arts Décoratifs, Desmond was a painter,” according to the website. “Together they designed fabric and wallpaper for ultra-chic British Maisons. Then, some other friends introduced them to Yves Coueslant, who had escaped an unlikely career in banking to follow his heart and work … in theatre. The three friends quickly became inseparable.”

In 1961, the boutique opened with a plan to “listen to their intuition and only do what they love.” Over the past 60 years, diptyque has grown and expanded to the worldwide brand it is today.

Looking forward to the future of diptyque in Palisades Village, Sabarots said the boutique is most excited to engage with the community.

“We know that Palisades Village is well loved by all members of the local area, and we’re so excited to welcome new and existing clients into the world of diptyque,” she shared. “We can’t wait to introduce you to our world and embark upon our boutique’s journey.”