There are Saturday evenings, and then there are Saturday evenings that whisk you away—without a passport, without a suitcase—but with just a single spritz of scent. That was the atmosphere at 153 Shanzu Road this past weekend.

The address itself was transformed into a fragrant sanctuary. Under the soft glow of lanterns and the earthy scent of rain-kissed air, guests were welcomed into a warm, elegant space that felt part gallery, part apothecary, and part dream. Curated scent stations lined the room, where the mood was equal parts elegance and wanderlust. The “little rain” outside only added to the charm—creating a cozy, almost cinematic backdrop for exploring perfumes that echo ancient lands, exotic spices, and rare botanicals.

This wasn’t just a perfume launch. It was an immersive journey through time, culture, and craftsmanship. Attendees—a stylish mix of Nairobi’s scent aficionados, lifestyle tastemakers, and curious first-timers—wandered from station to station, guided by the Ormonde Jayne team. With every bottle opened, a new world unfolded.

Each fragrance in the collection—from the creamy indulgence of Byzance to the sun-warmed citrus of Tangier—offered a portal to a different destination. Scent stations invited guests to slow down, discover, and indulge their senses, while curated bites and bubbly flowed throughout the evening.

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Champagne glasses clinked gently, canapés made their rounds, and conversations flowed—many punctuated by phrases like “this reminds me of…” or “oh, that one is so me.” The intimate crowd lingered at the scent tables, debating favorites, layering fragrances on wrists and blotters, and exchanging stories. It was as much about emotion as it was about olfaction.

Though centered on perfume, the event was ultimately about presence. It was a reminder that fragrance is not just an accessory—it’s an invisible signature, an extension of the self, a trigger for memory, desire, and emotion. In a world so fast and loud, this was a beautifully slow, sensory evening that invited guests to pause, inhale, and connect.

As twilight gave way to evening, the mood softened even further. The garden lights glowed a little warmer, the chatter deepened, and guests began choosing their final spritz—some leaving with bottles in hand, others still lost in a cloud of scent and possibility.

Ormonde Jayne’s collection isn’t just about perfume. It’s a love letter to adventure, craftsmanship, and the art of scent storytelling. And its Nairobi launch was nothing short of magical—a fragrant passage between worlds, captured in a bottle. Its available at FEEL NZURI, 153 Shanzu Rd, Nairobi