Penhaligon’s has unveiled its first-ever global exhibition, Eau So British, in Shanghai, marking a bold step for the British heritage perfume house. Open from March 28th to April 6th at the historic He Dong Mansion, the exhibition coincides with Shanghai Fashion Week and highlights the city’s rising status in the global luxury landscape. The show transforms 155 years of brand history into an immersive, multisensory experience, combining rare archival objects, scent installations, and storytelling.
Around 30 original perfume bottles, royal-certified creations, and vintage designs are on view, offering a window into Penhaligon’s legacy of eccentric British elegance. A standout moment is The Birth of a British Legend, a six-act shadow play by Chinese artist He Xian that reimagines the creation of the brand’s first scent, Hammam Bouquet, through light and silhouette. Another highlight is the Fragrance Theatre, where signature scents are paired with dramatic projections to create an olfactory narrative.
The exhibition also explores Penhaligon’s playful yet refined identity—fusing Victorian barbershop charm with aristocratic flair and modern craftsmanship. According to the brand, Shanghai was the natural choice for this debut, reflecting China’s appetite for experiential luxury and aesthetic storytelling. Eau So British is set to travel to London in late 2025, continuing its global journey through scent and history.
Images courtesy of PENHALIGON’S