Kuala Lumpur played host to one of perfumery’s most iconic milestones.
Penhaligon’s—the storied British fragrance house—held a three-day exhibition at Silverfox to celebrate its 155th anniversary. For Malaysian fragrance lovers, it was more than a display of perfumes. It was a rare invitation into a world of heritage, craftsmanship, and unmistakable British eccentricity.
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From Barber to Heritage Brand
The exhibition walked guests through Penhaligon’s journey since its founding in 1870 by Cornish barber William Henry Penhaligon. Starting with a humble barbershop on Jermyn Street in London, Penhaligon was inspired by the exotic aromas from nearby Turkish baths, which led to the creation of his first fragrance, Hammam Bouquet, in 1872. More than 150 years later, that scent still remains in production, a testament to the house’s staying power.
Over the years, Penhaligon’s earned four Royal Warrants, beginning with Queen Alexandra in 1903 and most recently King Charles III upon his accession. This rich legacy took centre stage at the exhibition, reminding visitors that Penhaligon’s was never just about fragrance — it was about history bottled and worn.
The Exhibition Experience
The Kuala Lumpur exhibition was designed as an immersive archive experience. Visitors explored museum-style displays, archival bottles, and visual storytelling installations that brought the brand’s eccentric past to life. Interactive scent stations added a playful layer, allowing guests to experience how Penhaligon’s blends Victorian grooming traditions with modern fragrance artistry.
One of the highlights was the archival showcase featuring treasured items such as a silver candle container, ornate fragrance bottles with atomisers, and a silver-plated Penhaligon’s branded plate. These artefacts connected audiences to the craftsmanship that defined the brand across generations.
Scents That Tell Stories
The exhibition also celebrated the brand’s signature fragrance collections — from Trade Routes and British Tales to the beloved Portraits Collection and its newer Potions & Remedies line. Each collection was presented not just as perfume, but as a story, reinforcing Penhaligon’s reputation for weaving character, place, and imagination into its olfactory creations.
Exclusive Perks for Guests
Adding to the experience, Penhaligon’s introduced an exclusive Gift With Purchase (GWP) programme during the event. Guests who purchased fragrances received tiered rewards, ranging from mini sprays to Luna hand creams. The rewards also included discovery sets and limited-edition tote bags. Attendees who shared their exhibition journey on social media were gifted a complimentary fragrance spray. They also received a Penhaligon’s scarf, both small tokens that captured the charm of the brand.
A Rich History
For Malaysian audiences increasingly drawn to experiential luxury, the exhibition arrived at the right moment. More than just a showcase, it highlighted how Penhaligon’s continues to support artistry and innovation. It also showed how the brand stays true to its eccentric roots. It wasn’t simply about selling perfume; it was about crafting an experience that lingered, much like a fine fragrance does.
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