In Hove Parfumeur, time stood still. (Photo credit: Hove Parfumeur)
Of the 5 senses, most would agree that smell is the most powerful with respect to evoking emotion within memory. Why is smell the strongest sense tied to memory? Scholars have studied and theorized for years. Some say it’s the oldest sense, or that it’s location in the brain makes has weight. Some say it’s tied to human’s need to hunt and gather, used distinctly to survive, or to identify what we shouldn’t consume.
No matter the reason, everyone has a scent that brings them back to a certain place and time. Every random time I use strawberry Chapstick, I rocket back to freshmen year of college. I had a stick when I was dating Josh Brown for all of 5 minutes. I have no idea where he is now, but strawberry Chapstick has a solid place in my emotional history. It makes me 18 again, living away from home for the first time. Just the smell alone can take me years and states away. Smell is powerful.
The Sweetest Smelling Shop in New Orleans
Mrs. Alvin Hovey-King began the institution that is Hove Parfumeur. (Photo credit: Hove Parfumeur)
Moving past my parochial crush into our present day New Orleans, smell is still strongly present in every stroll through the French Quarter. From the horses lined up in front of Jackson Square (that smell can border on less-romantic), to the beignets at Cafe du Monde, to the boiled crawfish in the French Market, we are bombarded by smells. But what about the scent we choose to wear?
Hove Parfumeur on Royal Street in the French Quarter is classic, romantic, timeless. It smells like New Orleans. It is New Orleans. Hove (pronounced Hoh-vey) is one of the small shops on Royal Street that has maintained station in history.
Hove began in 1931 by Mrs. Alvin Hovey-King, the wife of a Navy Commander and daughter of a Calvary officer and Creole French mother. She spent much of her life exploring the world through travel, discovering and commanding her love of making perfume. She opened a shop in 1929, and Hove has had a presence in the French Quarter since.
French Quarter Fragrances
Gardenia from the Standard Line at Hove Parfumeur. (Photo Credit: Hove Parfumeur)
Hove has 53 scents, and has several options in each scent from fragrances to soaps, oils, lotions and powders for women and men. Fragrances are divided in 2 groups.
The Standard Line is light and singular, with floral, woodsy, and bouquet fragrances, including Carnival, Gardenia, Magnolia and my personal favorite, Tea Olive. The Luxury line is more complex, exotic: Flame, Habanera, Nude, and Whirlwind. The shop itself is so charming and fragile. In a world of fast-forward, Hove is a resort.
Whether you live in New Orleans and must tuck away a piece of it when you travel, or are coming to our gracious city to visit, take this piece of New Orleans with you. Just a little touch on your neck will transport you back, a little emotional, romantic get away for the so inclined.
What is your favorite smell of New Orleans? How are you transported back?
Hove Parfumeur
824 Royal Street
Open Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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