Curionoir

Curionoir makes heady, concentrated scents, including candles, perfume and soaps – and its flagship store is suitably theatrical.

A large wooden counter sits centrally in the dimly lit space, shrouded by thick red velvet curtains. Along one wall, stained walnut and aged brass cubbies stretch almost floor-to-ceiling, filled with objects of different shapes, shades and materials, such as colourful glass candles, sculptural clay vessels and porcelain receptacles with intriguing stoppers.

Founder and fragrance developer Tiffany Witehira describes the apothecary-like store as a slow-paced, calming place to treat the senses while being a “working studio” where customers are immersed in, and educated about, the offerings. It is an evocative, soothing escape from the outside world.