An Anthology of Scents: Journey Through the History of Fragrances with Floris London
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For nearlt three centuries, Floris London has stood as a beacon of British perfumery, crafting fragrances that capture timeless elegance and sophistication. Founded in 1730, Floris is the oldest independent family-run perfumer in the United Kingdome, and its history is deeply interwoven with the evolution of fragrance. In this anthology, we will explore the fascinating journey of fragrance through the ages, highlighting the history of Floris fragrances from our inception to the latest releases. We will also delve into some educational facets of fragrance history that have defined the art of perfumery itself.
The Dawn of Fragrance: Ancient Beginnings
The art of perfumery traces back thousands of years, with origins rooted in ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans cherished fragrances not only for their pleasant aromas but also for their ritualistic and therapeutic properties. Egyptians crafted perfumes for religious ceremonies, adorning temples and royals alike, while the Greeks and Romans expanded these uses, incorporating fragrances in daily grooming, medicine, and even military practices.
In these early eras, natural ingredients such as frankincense, myrrh, rose, and jasmine was highly prized. Many of these classic ingredients would later influence European perfumery, becoming mainstays in luxury fragrance houses like Floris.
The Rise of Modern Perfumery: 16th-17th Century Europe
By the 16th century, perfume was flourishing across Europe, with Italy and France becoming the epicenters of its refinement. Catherine de’ Medici is often credited with bringing Italian fragrance techniques to the French court, sparking a national passion for scent in France. Around this period, alcohol-based perfumes became more popular, setting the foundation for modern perfumery.
By the 17th century, fragrance was not only for nobility; scented gloves, pomanders, and perfumes were widely popular. Perfumers began experimenting with combinations of natural essences, such as herbs, spices, and flowers, a practice that would lead to the complex and layered fragrances of today.
The Birth of Floris London: 1730
It was during this blossoming era of fragrance that Floris London was born. Established by Juan Famenias Floris, an immigrant from Menorca, Floris began as a barbershop and perfume business in the heart of London’s St. James’s district. Floris quickly garnered a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, providing fragrances for distinguished clients, including British royalty, authors, and renowned figures.
The Original Floris Scent: Limes (1740) Among Floris's earliest creations was the now-iconic Limes fragrance, created by Juan Floris. Limes is a fresh and invigorating scent, created to combat the oppressive heat of London in summer and remains emblematic of Floris’s commitment to creating scents that capture an essence of place and time.
Fragrance Evolution: The 18th and 19th Centuries (1701 – 1900)
The Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements in the availability of materials, and perfumers had greater access to exotic botanicals. In the Victorian era, Floris expanded its offerings, creating scents that incorporated florals and musks in compositions that appealed to a sophisticated clientele.
1800 – White Rose
1806 – Night Scented Jasmine
1807 – Red Rose
1816 – Stephanotis
1860 – Bouquet de la Reine
1870 - Sandalwood
1890 – Special No. 127 & Rose Geranium
Notably, Floris developed Rose Geranium in 1890—a scent that became beloved for its timeless, crisp floral quality. Floris’s fragrances from this period reflected the era’s affinity for floral blends, catering to Victorian tastes for opulent, multi-faceted fragrances.
The 20th Century: A New Era of Innovation (1901 – 2000)
The 20th century saw a revolution in perfumery, largely due to the introduction of synthetic materials, allowing perfumers to expand their creative scope. Floris continued to honor tradition while embracing innovation. One of the century's most celebrated fragrances from Floris is No. 89, launched in 1951. This fragrance quickly became an icon, capturing the elegance and complexity of mid-century Britain with notes of lavender, orange, and musk. No. 89 even attracted the attention of famous figures such as Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, adding a touch of cinematic glamour to its legacy.
Fragrance Today: The Art of Creating Modern Masterpieces (2001 – 2019)
In recent years, Floris has continued to release fragrances that honor its heritage while appealing to contemporary sensibilities. Each scent is still crafted in the same London location where the Floris journey began.
2011 – Sirena & Cherry Blossom
2013 – Soulle Ámber & Malmaison Encore (Inspired by the original Malmaison from 1830)
2014 – Jermyn Street, Leather Oud & Honey Oud
2015 – Bergamotto di Positano
Honey Oud and Leather Oud represent modern compositions that showcase a blend of traditional craftsmanship with unique, luxurious ingredients. These fragrances bring a richness and depth that reflects current trends towards bold, complex perfumes that capture individual expression. Honey Oud, in particular, has gained popularity for its blend of warm honey, oud, and bergamot—a testament to Floris’s commitment to sophisticated layering.
Between 2016 and 2020, Floris London introduced a collection of exquisite fragrances that exemplify the brand’s dedication to innovation and timeless elegance. These creations, reflect a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. Each fragrance tells a unique story, from vibrant citrus and floral notes to rich, opulent accords of oud, spice, and amber. Together, they capture the essence of contemporary luxury while honoring Floris’s storied history in British perfumery.
2016 – 71/72 & A Rose For…
2017 – Chypress
2018 - Islay
2019 – Neroli Voyage
2020 – Tuberose in Silk
Since 2022, Floris has continued to expand and develop its fragrance collection, staying true to its original manifesto of honoring people and places. This includes the creation of Platinum 22 celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, a tribute to love and devotion with Wilde, and the latest release, Golden Amber, inspired by the beauty of Lake Garda.
2022 – Mulberry Fig, Platinum 22
2023 – Lily, Cherry Blossom Intense
2024 – Wilde, Santal Intense, Golden Amber
Educational Insights: Understanding the Language of Scents
For those who are new to fragrance or interested in expanding their knowledge, here are some foundational concepts:
- Top, Middle, and Base Notes: Fragrances are composed of top (opening), middle (heart), and base (dry-down) notes. Floris’s fragrances are meticulously crafted to create a harmonious blend across these layers, ensuring a well-rounded scent journey from the first application to the lasting impression.
- Fragrance Families: Scents are often categorised into families such as Floral, Amber, Woody, and Citrus. Floris’s catalog spans a wide range of these families, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
- The Role of Synthetics: While natural essences remain crucial, synthetics play a valuable role in modern perfumery, allowing for greater stability, consistency, and creativity. Many of Floris’s fragrances are balanced with both natural and synthetic ingredients to achieve unique and stable compositions.
Floris London: A Legacy of Elegance
With nearly 300 years of history, Floris London is more than a perfumery—it is a custodian of heritage, carrying forward the artistry of fragrance with each new release. From the early inspirations of Mediterranean citrus to the complex, layered scents of today, Floris’s journey through fragrance is an anthology that mirrors the evolution of scent itself.
For those who wear Floris, each fragrance tells a story, and with every new scent, Floris continues to invite fragrance lovers into a tradition of elegance, innovation, and timeless style.
What is Floris London known for?
Floris London is renowned as the oldest independent family-run perfumery in the United Kingdom, established in 1730. It is celebrated for its luxurious fragrances, fine craftsmanship, and its rich history intertwined with British heritage.
Are Floris fragrances unisex?
What are Floris’s most popular fragrances?
Some of Floris's iconic and best-loved fragrances include No. 89, Jermyn Street, Elite, and contemporary favorites like 71/72 and Wilde. Each reflects the brand’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Where are Floris products made?
Floris London fragrances and products are crafted in England, adhering to high standards of quality and luxury. The brand maintains its flagship store and workshop at 89 Jermyn Street, London, where it has operated since its founding.
Does Floris London offer bespoke fragrance services?
Yes, Floris London provides a bespoke perfumery service, allowing customers to create a unique scent tailored to their preferences. This service includes consultations with expert perfumers and access to Floris’s extensive library of fragrance notes.
