Lilac as a key note: 6 fragrances for note connoisseurs
Lilac is one of the most recognizable scents of childhood. The bush at grandmother's house. The bouq...
Imagine London in 1730. It was then that a young Spaniard from the island of Menorca, Juan Famenias Floris, along with his wife Elizabeth, opened a small workshop producing combs and scented products on fashionable Jermyn Street. This address, 89, became not just a shop, but the cradle of one of the oldest perfume houses in the world. Floris's uniqueness lies in the fact that for nearly three centuries, the company has remained under the direct control of the founders' descendants, making it a guardian of authentic traditions.
Recognition came in the 19th century. In 1820, Floris had the honor of becoming the official supplier of combs to the court of King George IV, receiving the first Royal Warrant. Dandies like Beau Brummell and writer Mary Shelley admired the brand's elegant accessories. But the true perfumery fame began with the creation of the first original fragrances, which still form the basis of collections today. Winston Churchill, for example, was a loyal admirer of compositions Special No. 127 and Stephanotis, while Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, preferred the brutally elegant No. 89.
The perfumery style of Floris embodies refined British chic, devoid of ostentatious luxury. The house's fragrances are like a well-tailored suit made from the finest fabric: impeccable cut, flawless quality, and a sense of self-respect. At the heart of many compositions are noble floral chords, transparent citrus notes, spicy herbs, and precious woody notes. These are perfumes that do not shout but whisper seductively, leaving behind an exquisite, subtle trail. They are created for those who value history, continuity, and impeccable taste.
Under the leadership of the current head, Edward Bodenham, a representative of the ninth generation of the family, the brand honors traditions but is not afraid of innovation. It was under his guidance that the service of individual fragrance creation By Request was revived, and the house created a special perfume for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, confirming its status at court.
The Floris range is clearly structured, making it easy to find a fragrance to suit one's taste. Signature Collection is the heart of the brand, featuring the most famous and time-tested compositions, such as the delicate Cherry Blossom or the sensual Santal. More exclusive and complex creations are presented in the Private Collection, which includes, for example, the luxurious Amber Oud and the composition dedicated to the Queen's anniversary, 1962.
Among the absolute hits to start exploring the world of Floris are the absolute classic White Rose, the benchmark of a delicate and pure rose. For those seeking freshness, it's worth noting the award-winning Bergamotto di Positano—a sunny tribute to the Italian Riviera. And the composition A Rose For…, which won the Fragrance Foundation Award for innovative bottle design, captivates with modern sensuality.
Floris is a living history of perfumery. It was here that Marilyn Monroe purchased the Rose Geranium fragrance, and Florence Nightingale used their products. In 2013, the brand released a limited edition fragrance for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. And in 2016, the series The Fragrance Journals appeared, where each fragrance is a story about London, inspired by real clients of the boutique on Jermyn Street.
Today, after nearly 300 years, Floris remains a symbol of authentic British luxury. Its perfumes are not just scents, but heritage embodied in glass and fragrance. They speak to the fact that true elegance is timeless, and craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation is the greatest value in the world of perfumery.
| Number of fragrances | 102 |
| Collections (4) | By Request, Ledger Series, Private Collection, Signature Collection |
| Segment | Luxury perfumery |
| Founded | 1750 |
| Official website | http://www.florislondon.com |
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