NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie front of store courtesy of the owner.
Walking through Stendal market square towards NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie on a crisp, late afternoon in November was a charming experience. Located approximately 1 hour from Berlin by train, Stendal city (Saxony-Anhalt State) with its great Renaissance gables and impressive spiers of the St. Marien Council Church has both a great history and a picturesque environment, which is intimate and peaceful – a far cry from the hustle and bustle one might expect. NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie is situated just off the square in the tranquil Breite Strasse; with its clean lines and columns it has a regal feeling and is the perfect location for perfume enthusiasts.
Owner Veronika Hamdusch by Karl.
The owner Veronika (Nika) Hamdusch made the brave decision to open her boutique during the midst of the pandemic and NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie has proved a great success and is celebrating its first anniversary this month! I attribute this to her congenial and relaxed approach, expert understanding of both artistic and commercial fragrances and a firm dedication to bring haute perfumery to her city, her boutique being the only store in Stendal dedicated solely to artistic perfumery. On entering NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie one is given a warm welcome where customers can explore the glitz and glamour of chandeliers and glam interior where precious perfume flacons are presented in sheer white cabinets trimmed with gold atop onyx drawers. The perfumery feels super lux and modern and reflects its founder.
Ms. Hamdusch and I have been friends for three years and I was delighted to be invited to visit her. We share a deep love of Sous Le Manteau Perfumes specifically Vapeurs Diablotines and bonded over its mesmeric effect and unique presentation. As if it was meant to be, the Sous Le Manteau collection is now a part of the portfolio of NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie. Ms. Hamdusch is a true lover of perfume brands aesthetic, and this is demonstrated beautifully at her perfumery. Amongst her most prized lines are Parfums M.Micallef with their custom hand painted bottles, which are works of fine art. Notes Vanilllee is one such gem that Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief at has been wearing since 2010 (they temporarily discontinued it, she and many others begged for its return et voila). Rebellious Italian brand Coreterno appears with both their decadent perfumes and candles and Turkish brand Nishane has been brought in and has been well received by her clientele.
Astrophil & Stella collection courtesy of Veronika Hamdusch.
What most impressed me about NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie and of critical importance to any fragrance aficionado is the variety of perfumes and brands available. Rarely does one find a destination with Jean Poivre’s Night of Rain and Stars rubbing flacons with Astrophil & Stella’s Nabati. From the ultra-niche to high end luxury offerings such as Parfums De Marly’s latest creation Haltane, there is something for the most demanding palates. Ms. Hamdusch certainly has her finger on the pulse of up-and-coming companies launching compelling new scents, there are collections from Memoize London, Gritti Fragrances and the established brands we know and love… Casamoratti (Xerjoff) and Trussardi to name but few.
Olfactive Studio and Coreterno at NIKA Secret Avenue by Karl.
Ms. Hamdusch’s recommendation for me was Olfactive Studio’s Chypre Shot from the Sepia Collection by Master Perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour. It is a classic perfume with some brilliant twists, sweet and decadent amber combined with a semi gourmand feel via coffee, black tea and cardamom it is absolutely divine and highly underrated. Another great discovery was M.Micallef EdenFalls, an aromatic citrus come aquatic scent with milky and musky touches. Incredibly elegant and refreshing it has a slight chypre vibe with oakmoss and patchouli in the base.
Veronika Hamdusch and Karl courtesy of Karl
Possibly one of the most memorable aspects from my time spent at NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie was Ms Hamdusch’s proficiency in matching perfumes to her clientele. This was done with a casual elegance but with incisive insights into customers’ personalities and presentation. Visitors are welcomed to spritz and imbibe scents and return to them over time after chats over coffee or even champagne. This relaxed approach has ensured a faithful and happy community. I am sure that this is only the beginning for NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie and congratulate Ms Hamdusch on taking the leap into showcasing haute perfumery.
To visit the perfumery or get in touch with Veronika Hamdusch to order fragrances see the details below:
NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie Stendal.
Contact on Facebook here
Contact on Instagram here
Address:
Breite Str. 71,39576 Stendal, Germany
Telephone: +49 3931 6581949
Website coming soon
Karl Topham, Senior Editor and UK Brand Ambassador
M.Micallef EdenFalls courtesy of the brand
Thanks to the largesse of Veronika Hamdusch of NIKA Secret Avenue we have a 30 ml bottle of M.Micallef EdenFalls for one registered reader across the UK and EU. To be eligible, please leave a comment about what appeals to you about Karl’s tour of NIKA Secret Avenue NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie, where you live, and which is your favourite brand featured in his article. Draw closes 12/8/22.
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