Words: Anna Galbraith
It is said that our sense of smell is our most powerful faculty for recalling memories. And, with its extraordinary catalogue of exquisite fragrances, Floris has stirred up some of the most evocative in history. The world’s oldest independent family-owned perfumer, Floris was founded in 1730 by Juan Famenias Floris and the family’s ninth generation now sits at its helm.
Its scents have found favour with everyone from Beau Brummell to Marilyn Monroe and the Queen herself. The brand will also go down in history as the groomer of choice for 007 (one passage in Diamonds are Forever reads, “he would have to send a cable to May to get things fixed. Let’s see – flowers, bath essence from Floris, air the sheets…”
Now, whether you’re looking to update your grooming cabinet, or simply learn a little more about a brand which has truly stood the test of time — read on to discover the remarkable history of Floris.
A receipted invoice dated December 1934 for fragrances purchased by Winston Churchill
Ian Fleming was such a fan of Floris that references to the brand can be found throughout his James Bond series
Friends in high places...
Floris received its first Royal Warrant as Smooth Pointed Comb Maker to HM King George IV. Skilfully made combs were a speciality of Floris’s at this time, along with a collection of toothbrushes and mouthwashes, and greatly valued by the company’s elite clientele. While living abroad in 1818, Mary Shelley wrote to her friend Thomas Love Peacock in London asking him to send her “two hairbrushes and a small toothbrush” from Floris.
A little later, in 1863, returned from the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale wrote a letter (which can still be found in the Jermyn St. store today) addressed to “Mr Floris”, thanking him for his “beautiful sweet-smelling nosegays”. During the 1950s Floris increasingly exported orders to the United States where the brand was gaining popularity. A receipt dated December 1959 shows a purchase made for Marilyn Monroe Miller while she stayed at Beverly Hills Hotel, California.
A centuries’ old craft...
Nearly 300 years ago, Juan Famenias Floris created his first fragrance and recorded the formula in a large leather bound book. He continued to craft individual blends for his distinguished customers and with each new fragrance, the original formula was hand entered into book. For three centuries these recordings, along with many more that followed, have been meticulously cared for in the vaults at 89 Jermyn Street and handed down through each generation, providing inspiration for the unique Floris fragrances created today.
Nicola Pozzani, Bespoke Perfumer at Floris
Floris’s range of products are still developed at 89 Jermyn Street, and made in England where the brand’s dedication to traditional ways has been combined with modern production values and techniques. With this expertise, the fragrance house also offers a comprehensive bespoke fragrance service that can be tailored to your preference.
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