Floris London, established in 1730, has long been synonymous with refined British perfumery. Lily, draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of May Day traditions and the delicate beauty of Lily of the Valley, offering a scent that embodies renewal, purity, and timeless elegance.

May Day, celebrated on the first of May, heralds the arrival of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, particularly the festival of Beltane, it symbolises fertility, vitality, and the blossoming of life. Central to these celebrations is the figure of the May Queen or Summer Queen, who personifies the season's abundance and beauty. Adorned in white and crowned with flowers, she leads processions and dances around the maypole, rituals that have been preserved and revived in various parts of the British Isles.

Lily captures the essence of this celebration, evoking the freshness of early summer mornings and the joy of nature's reawakening.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) has held a cherished place in European culture for centuries. In 1561, King Charles IX of France received a bouquet of these delicate flowers as a token of luck and prosperity. Moved by the gesture, he began the tradition of presenting them to the ladies of his court each May 1st, a custom that continues in France today as La Fête du Muguet.

In perfumery, Lily of the Valley presents a unique challenge, as the flower does not yield essential oil through traditional extraction methods. Perfumers have historically recreated its scent using synthetic molecules to capture its fresh, green, and slightly sweet aroma.

Crafted to reflect the pure beauty and delicate fragility of Lily of the Valley in bloom, Lily is a joyful and uplifting fragrance. The composition balances rich floral and woody accords to support and enhance the central theme.

The fragrance opens with the crispness of white tea and the freshness of morning dew, leading into a heart of blooming Lily of the Valley complemented by Bulgarian rose and ylang ylang. The base notes of cedarwood and musk provide a warm and comforting foundation, ensuring the scent lingers gracefully on the skin.

To extend the Lily experience beyond the Eau de Toilette, Floris London offers a comprehensive bath and body collection:

Each product is designed to envelop you in the signature Lily scent, offering a cohesive and indulgent sensory experience.

Floris London's dedication to floral fragrances is evident in its storied history and diverse offerings:

• Bouquet de La Reine : Originally created for Queen Victoria on her wedding day, this regal blend of peach, jasmine, and violet leaf exudes opulence and femininity.

• Edwardian Bouquet : A timeless, powdery floral with green top notes and a rich mossy base, evoking the elegance of the Edwardian era.

• White Rose : A quintessentially English floral, featuring crisp bergamot, velvety rose, and a soft, powdery finish—a staple of the Floris archives.

These fragrances exemplify Floris London's commitment to crafting scents that honor tradition while embracing contemporary sensibilities.

Lily is more than a fragrance; it is an homage to the enduring traditions of May Day and the delicate beauty of Lily of the Valley. Through meticulous craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for history, Floris London invites you to experience the joy, purity, and renewal that Lily embodies.

Discover Lily and the full range of Floris London's offerings to find a scent that resonates with your personal narrative.