Earlier this week, London’s beauty and cultural set stepped into the eccentric world of Penhaligon’s as the British fragrance house celebrated ten years of its iconic Portraits collection. Taking over the Royal Academy of Arts, The Who’s Who of London transformed the arts institution into an immersive and decadent affair. The evening also marked the launch of the Portraits collection’s newest character: The Baroness, whose fragrance, The Manoeuvres of The Baroness, joins as its fourteenth scent. Alongside her came the Portraits Intense Collection, a darker and more daring reimagining of four of the collection’s most recognisable characters.

Below, we get into what went down at the opening of Penhaligon’s The Who’s Who of London and the debut of The Baroness. 

PENHALIGON’S PORTRAITS CAME TO LIFE

To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the brand’s iconic fragrance collection, Penhaligon’s brought its Portraits universe out from the perfume bottle and into the historic halls of the Royal Academy. Guests were invited to wander through the Portraits Gallery and Dining Room, with each space offering a glimpse into the strange, glamorous world of the collection’s characters. A cellist from the London Philharmonic Orchestra provided the soundtrack for the guests, adding a theatrical touch to the olfactory affair.  

THE LONDON CROWD SHOWED UP

The evening wasn’t limited to the fragrances; cocktails from Gusbourne, Silent Pool Gin and Johnnie Walker circulated as DJs Emerald and Rae Sada took over the soundtrack. The party was full of familiar faces from London’s music, fashion and cultural scene, with ultimate party-girl Princess Julia, model and activist Munroe Bergdorf, Raven Smith, model Erin O’Connor and musician Pip Millett among those in attendance. 

HEADS WERE TURNED

The Portraits universe has always been a little theatrical, so naturally there were hats. As part of the festivities, the renowned London milliner Stephen Jones created a series of bespoke headwear inspired by the distinctive characters from the collection, adding another layer of lore for the fictional British family. 

THE CELESTE FINALE

After much mingling, gin cocktails and Portraits-inspired entertainment, the evening ended on a high with a special live performance from Celeste. The award-winning singer-songwriter performed music from her new project, bringing the night to a suitably stunning grand finale.

Head to the gallery above to check out more images from the event.