It seems like every day we see new advertisements touting new fragrance collections that we simply must have! Usually they are the requisite scent of a fashion collection or skin care line that is more marketing plan than olfactory creation. Either that or they are the payday to a Hollywood name looking to round out their financial portfolio.
For all these reasons and more- the arrival of French Parfumer KRIGLER at the Plaza Hotel is a breath of fresh air - pardon the fragrance pun!
KRIGLER is a 5th generation fragrance house with Russian roots and French savoir faire. Mr. Ben Krigler is the man behind the revamp and re-launch of his family's legacy. Born in France, Mr. Krigler grew up splitting his time between the two countries and feels as at home in New York as he does in Paris.
10 years ago Ben Krigler re-launched the company and undertook the daunting task of recreating the original formulas, bottles, and packaging. The first product to make it to market was a luxurious candle collection. Based on fragrances - these are not your average candle. In fact, each has twice the essential oil of most commercial candles sold today. So much in fact, the vegetable based wax can be rubbed on the skin as a moisturizer! Due to the high content of oil the candles burn for over 40 hours. My favorite is "Established Cognac" that has a wonderful scent of cognac with a musk undertone - very rich and sensual at the same time. Mr. Krigler spent several years re-launching the colleciton in the most luxurious retail locations in the world such as Browns in London. There are over 70 points of sale in 30 countries.
PLAZA HOTELWhen it came time to relaunch a retail concept of his own- Mr. Krigler knew New York was the place.
Serendipity intervened. In 2007 when the Plaza hotel began a $400 million dollar renovation of the landmark building - the developers contacted a select few brands to be part of The Plaza Retail Collection. Mr. Krigler's grandfather had sold the collection at the Plaza back in the 1930's. The only address the Plaza had on file for Mr. Krigler was long since obsolete. Unbelievably, the French post office was able to trace the Krigler name to Grasse - where the company has one of the workshops and develops the namesake parfums.
The Fragrances are a treat any women would fall in love with instantly. One dazzling scent is aptly titled Sparking Diamonds and has a champagne base that takes one year to perfect. Each bottle has a splash of Swarovski crystals at the bottom to represent the namesake scent. The collaboration with Swarovski is a tribute to Mr. Kriglers grandfather. Years and years ago, the elder Mr. Krigler had a very lucky night at the casino in Monte Carlo. He won big and to celebrate he bought his wife diamond earrings and two bottles of Champagne. He was inspired by love to create the Sparkling Diamonds parfum.
ARTISANAL SOAPS
Every scent in the collection has a story and a number associated with it. I really encourage you to find your way to the Plaza shops and if you are lucky - find Mr. Krigler himself in the boutique. I did, and it was a true pleasure to speak with someone so passionate about his family legacy. 
KRIGLER PARFUM , KRIGLER CANDLES The pricing of the collection is also a pleasant surprise. Ranging from $15 for beautifully scented soaps - $68- $142 for the Parfums - and $58.00 for the luxury candles - the entire range is well priced.
KRIGLER LOGO - PLAZA HOTEL NYC
There is so much to come in 2009 for the collection. A Life Of Style will be checking back on the House of KRIGLER for exciting additions to the collection!