Gleaming leather shoes and dark, smoky libraries. Glamorous parties behind closed doors. Dressmaking scissors gliding through fabric. Our Burlington collection is inspired by memories of Mayfair, London – and, in particular, by the historic and chic Burlington Arcade.

The history of Burlington Arcade

Burlington Arcade’s history has a surprisingly romantic edge. Lord George Cavendish, Earl of Burlington, commissioned Samuel Ware to build the Arcade as a safe place for his wife and other members of high society to shop for luxuries like hats, gloves, bonnets and jewellery. It opened in 1819, hosting 51 independent boutiques within a beautiful covered arcade. Today, Burlington Arcade welcomes four million visitors a year to browse high-end leather goods, jewellery and watches, macarons, footwear, cashmere and – of course – fragrances.

“It has a lovely mix of interesting gifts sold by small businesses and craftspeople”, says True Grace co-founder Roger Biles. “Burlington has a permanently festive, almost magical atmosphere. It felt like the ideal location for our first London shop – you instantly become part of a tight-knit community.”

The True Grace shop opened in Burlington Arcade in 2015, before closing in 2019. Those four years provided us with plenty of inspiration for a collection inspired by the historic surroundings.

The True Grace Burlington Collection

Since its opening, the Burlington Arcade has been an important source of inspiration for many. It has been referenced in novels, fashion collections, and even popular films such as the James Bond movie ‘Spectre’.

“When creating the Burlington range, we wanted to capture the way that Mayfair combines luxury with honest craft”, says Roger. “By day, it’s a place to explore independent boutiques and dine in high-end restaurants. At night, it transforms into something more bohemian, with secret bars and invitation-only parties.”

Our Burlington collection is both minimalistic and elegant, utilising functional, high-quality materials to give a sense of glamour without wasteful excess. The products are encased in hand-blown amber glass vessels, inspired by old-fashioned apothecaries, while the boxes are made in London’s East End using traditional stapled boxboard, giving them a natural, utilitarian feel.

The signature Burlington fragrance has top notes of mandarin, cardamom, smoke and whisky to transport you to a cosy cocktail bar, while bright jasmine and lily give a touch of Bond Street glamour. Cedar and Rose and Smoked Plum add a hint of smoke to garden scents, while our iconic Portobello Oud brings a burst of exotic spices. Fresh English Garden and velvety Fig complete the collection.