When Dutch explorers first arrived in what would become New York, they narrowly missed Manhattan and instead landed on a wooded island just offshore. Covered in hickory, oak, and chestnut trees, the 172-acre island was soon ceded by the Lenape people, marking one of the earliest chapters in the founding of New York State. Later claimed by the British, it became the seat of royal governors, earning the name Governors Island and securing its place in the city’s layered history.
Today, Governors Island feels worlds away from its origins, yet remains only a ten-minute ferry ride from Wall Street. Open to the public from May through October, it offers sweeping green lawns, preserved natural landscapes, and some of the most striking panoramic views of Manhattan. What was once a strategic outpost has evolved into a seasonal escape, known for biking paths, picnicking, waterfront recreation, and outdoor adventures including canoeing, zip lining, and climbing.
The island has also become a cultural destination, hosting some of New York’s most memorable open-air summer events. Poetry festivals, elegant all-white dinners, rosé-themed Pinknic gatherings, and the celebrated Jazz Age Lawn Party draw crowds dressed for the occasion, dancing, dining, and celebrating against the skyline. With so many moments of spectacle and indulgence, a signature scent felt inevitable.
Bond No. 9 answers with Governors Island, a fragrance that leans into contrast. Hypnotic, seductive, and deeply atmospheric, it opens with incense-rich notes that feel unexpected for a place known for leisure and open skies. Yet this tension is intentional. The composition mirrors the island itself, where history, nature, and modern culture intersect. As the scent unfolds, it evokes the wooded heart of the island, recalling dense groves, shaded paths, and the earthy calm beneath the festivities.
Governors Island is a fragrance that embraces dissonance and discovery. It captures the quiet magic beneath the celebration and the enduring pull of a place that feels both untouched and alive.
