Czech & Speake No. 88 - On Hold

[Coche_y_bondhu]

Hello All,

A lady friend at the office went on vacation to London the week of 16 March and I asked her if she could stop by Czech & Speake in the shopping district and pick me up a bottle of No. 88. I usually try to obtain a sample of a fragrance before I buy it, but samples from Cz & Sp are impossible to get. So I was willing to take a chance on No. 88 from its notes' description.

As many of you know, Cz & Sp are makers of bathroom fixtures. She was escorted to the rear of the showroom where the toiletries were along the back wall. Unfortunately, there was no No. 88. Cz & Sp told her that they are currently out of stock due to a change in their manufacturer. They are looking for another blender for No. 88 and hope for it to be back on the shelves later this year.

Cz & Sp suggested she contact their New York distributor, a Japanese firm whose name starts with Taka or something similar. They might have some bottles left. I have seen No. 88 on the Cambridge Chemists in NY webiste and on Aphoria I believe.

On Basenotes, a sister forum, someone mentioned that No. 88 was Ozzie Osbourne's favorite cologne. Whether it is true or not, I don't know. The poster said Ozzie buys up the lot of 88 whenever he chances upon some. Perhaps someone on this forum has an in with Ozzie to persuade him to free up a few bottles. But I digress.

Anyway, I thought the Cz & Sp enthusiasts here might be interested in this turn of events, just in case they were considering No. 88, which is in short supply.

Cheers,
Richard
Plano TX

[bernards66]

Richard, Interesting ( and frustrating, no doubt---I've had similiar experiances with friends going to the UK, I asked them to bring me back a specific tea, and they come back empty handed, or with something weird that I don't want ). Originally No88 was blended in England. Then they went to an Italian source. Now I wonder what the problem is. I believe that Cambridge Chemists had some when I was in two weeks ago. The English Scent, in Berlin Germany, stocks it also. It's not the easiest scent to get a hold of, to be sure. Nice stuff though. BTW, I wouldn't bother with their shave soap, however. It did not lather at all well for me. Regards, Gordon

[SurfFisherman]

Richard-

FYI... I believe the store you were referred to is Takashimaya- A very upscale (and wonderful) store on Fifth Avenue near 54th Street (212-350-0100).

[Coche_y_bondhu]

Hello Chris,

That's the store. Takashimaya. Japan's oldest department store founded in a kimono shop back in 1831. Prestigious Fifth Ave location. Very high-end place.

Thank you for the detective work. My friend recognized the name as soon as I mentioned it to her.

May visit when I get to New York City next time.

Cheers,
Richard
Plano TX