How CEO of Glasshouse Fragrances Nicole Eckels spends time in New York City
American perfumier Nicole Eckels has some great tips for the Big Apple, from top spots for cocktails to fine dining.
New York is the ultimate expression of the modern city, where a high-octane pace and bold ideas fostered the drive and vision of Nicole Eckels, who crossed the world as a single mother to try life in Australia. While shopping for a scented candle, she immediately saw a gap in the market between exorbitant French imports and poor-quality brands with no discernible scent. So she launched a home fragrance and beauty line by conceptualising an evocative destination, then building an olfactory profile around it, from a temple in Italy to the ionised air of coastal Greece.
Over more than 20 years, Eckels has built Glasshouse Fragrances from an experimental start-up to an Australian-made brand with $50m turnover and a cult following. Eckels travels between both countries but says at heart she’s a New Yorker.
“I studied marketing and international business but unexpectedly had my son, Gregory, when I was young. After emigrating to Australia as an adventure, I fell in love with the local sense of humour. The beach lifestyle fosters an innate desire for work-life balance, whereas Americans prioritise success. I love how down-to-earth Australians are; they’ll start a friendly conversation in an elevator. At first, I couldn’t believe the phrase ‘let’s have lunch’ was real here. In New York it means ‘maybe’; in Los Angeles, it could imply: ‘I never want to see you again!’
“The luxury consumer responds to expensive ingredients and complex fragrances. Locally, Glasshouse is a prestigious household name. In the US. I’m growing a niche Australian brand and as we make the breakthrough of selling in Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale department stores, I’m getting to know the market there; they don’t embrace gourmand fragrances the way Australians do, so we accentuate other scents. Our product lines are still manufactured in Sydney. In both countries, my entrepreneurial philosophy is the same. Don’t be the best because you’re the biggest; be the biggest because you are the best.”
Holidays on the other side
“When back in the US, I love the New England region, its coastal biking trails, lighthouses and white sand, and bracing Atlantic air. Quaint towns have a nautical aesthetic of shingled shacks, buoys and fishnets. You won’t eat better lobster, eaten fresh, in a stew, or in lobster rolls. The Beachcomber on the Cape Cod peninsula serves clam chowder and shucked oysters by the sea. Further north, at the peninsula’s tip, is the vibrant summer arts scene of Provincetown. The open waters and secluded coves of Martha’s Vineyard gave Jaws its atmosphere as a film location.”
Trending now
New York is the city that constantly reinvents itself; 10 million people on an island forces constant regeneration. The local cocktail culture is thriving. My go-to is a Lemon Drop or Dirty Martini. I avoid overexposed places like Balthazar … it’s eight years too late and crowded with tourists. The Bar Room at the Beekman Hotel in the Financial District (pictured) has a gorgeous maximalist low-lit decor, with bourbon and absinthe concoctions, and jazz brunch on weekends. Next door, Le Gratin serves delicious casual bistro food. This historic downtown neighbourhood is great to walk around; stay at Wall St Hotel, owned by the Paspaley family, Australian pearl industry royalty.
Recommended restaurants
Firmdale Hotels’ co-owner/designer Kit Kemp has added colourful striped banquettes to The Crosby Bar at The Crosby Hotel, which has exceptional service and a menu ranging from sophisticated dover sole meuniere to down-home mac ’n’ cheese. The restaurant everyone is trying to get into is 4 Charles Prime Rib in the West Village. Ralph Lauren has opened his first bar, with a clubby equestrian design and nibbles such as caviar on fingerling potatoes. Grande Boucherie in midtown is a magical art nouveau-style brasserie spanning a city block, with a cathedral-height ceiling and three-course
prix fixe menu.
Best pizza
Tacombi taquerias around the city serve artisanal tacos with crispy fish, brisket or prawns. Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District has everything from ramen noodles to bagels in imaginative flavours. The best pizza in New York is at John’s of Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village – a superbly simple crispy slice with top-quality sauce and melting cheese. They flip dough in the air like masters. New Yorkers can’t handle airy, bready pizzas … we like it flat and full of flavour. Also try Eataly, across from the triangular Flatiron Building; this Italian grocery and restaurant serves incredible wood-fired pizza and pasta; the rooftop patio has sweeping views of the downtown skyline.
Best city views
I build my life around convenience so I choose Hoboken, New Jersey, as my US base, just over the Hudson from Manhattan; Hoboken is a family neighbourhood with sensational views of the NYC skyline, especially at Waterfront Walkway between 6th and 14th streets. I call it New York Lite: a reprieve from the big city. Hudson St has manicured greenery and magnificent brownstone mansions, former rectories and townhouses built by 19th-century wealthy industrialists. You can sip a killer espresso martini at Halifax in Hoboken’s W Hotel, a property with stunning city views. Hop just one stop from Christopher Street in NYC’s West Village on the PATH rail commuter line.
Where to find a classic sandwich
Hoboken’s main thoroughfare has retro charm. You’ll find what could be the country’s best Italian sandwiches at Vito’s Italian Deli. Each bite is loaded with meatballs melted with parmigiana, or prosciutto and fresh basil, with mozzarella made in-house. Carlo’s Bakery, operating since 1910, is known for “lobster tails” made with puffed pastry and filled with French cream. Decadence with local heart and soul; there are multiple outlets including at Times Square.
How to pack
I fly with two suitcases for beauty supplies and my work uniform. I hydrate in-flight with Retrouve’s Nutrient Face Serum, Dermalogica moisturiser, face mask, lip balm and Glasshouse Fragrances Amalfi Coast hand cream. Naked Wardrobe creates classy loungewear and Skins Australia makes fantastic leggings and compression garments.
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