Floris London
Hidden Gems

Floris London: A Fragrant Journey Through Time

Floris London, a name synonymous with timeless elegance and olfactory craftsmanship, boasts a legacy that weaves through the fabric of British history. From its inception in 1730 by Juan Famenias Floris and his wife Elizabeth, Floris has remained at the forefront of perfumery, evolving over centuries while maintaining its core values of quality and bespoke creation.

The Genesis of Floris

Founding and Early Years

Juan Famenias Floris and Elizabeth Floris: In the 18th century, Juan Famenias Floris, alongside his wife, laid the foundation of what would become one of the most revered names in perfumery. Starting in the elegant area of St James in London, they opened the Floris shop at 89 Jermyn Street, a location that still stands as the heart of the brand today​.

Early Products: Initially, their offerings included perfumes, combs, and shaving products, which quickly garnered the attention of London’s elite.

The Evolution of Floris

Crafting Fragrances: A Legacy in a Leather-Bound Book

Each fragrance formula created by Juan Floris was meticulously recorded in a large, black, leather-bound book. This practice continued for generations, with each new blend added to this historic tome, carefully guarded within the vaults of 89 Jermyn Street​.

Floris’s perfumers are known for their dedication to finding novel ingredients and creating perfect fragrances. This process often involves revisiting and reinterpreting old formulas from the book for modern audiences.

Royal Patronage and Iconic Clientele

Floris’s exceptional quality and craftsmanship earned its first Royal Warrant in 1820 as a ‘Smooth Pointed Comb Maker’ to King George IV. Over the years, the brand has received 18 Royal Warrants, including from Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Charles​​.

Famous Patrons: The list of Floris’s patrons reads like a who’s who of history, including figures like Florence Nightingale, Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, and even fictional characters like James Bond, created by Ian Fleming, a regular Floris customer.

Floris

The Art of Bespoke Perfumery

Personalized Scent Creations

Since its early days, Floris has offered a bespoke perfumery service. This tradition allows customers to work closely with consultants to develop a fragrance that reflects their personal preferences and character​.

The process involves in-depth consultation, experimentation, and a deep understanding of the client’s desires, culminating in a unique and personal scent.

Preserving Heritage, Embracing Modernity

Continuity and Innovation

The Floris Family Legacy; Now in the hands of the 9th generation, Edward Bodenham, Floris continues to honor its rich history while embracing new ideas and compositions. The brand’s ethos is heavily influenced by its heritage, shaping its creations and decisions.

Iconic Scents and New Inspirations: Floris’s range includes iconic scents dating back to the 1700s, as well as newly inspired compositions. Popular fragrances like ‘No.89’, named after the Jermyn Street shop, and ‘Honey Oud’, a modern creation, showcase the brand’s range and adaptability.

The Floris Shop: A Historic Landmark

89 Jermyn Street; The original shop at 89 Jermyn Street remains a historic landmark, where the scent of centuries of perfumery lingers in the air. It is a place where tradition meets the contemporary, and where visitors can experience the essence of Floris’s enduring legacy.

Floris London stands as a testament to the art of perfumery, blending history, craftsmanship, and royal patronage into a legacy that spans almost three centuries. Its story is not just about creating fragrances but about crafting memories and experiences, a tradition that continues to evolve and enchant to this day. As Floris looks to the future, it does so with a reverence for its past, ensuring that every bottle captures the essence of its rich and fragrant history.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *