A brand that characterizes the classic English gentleman more than any other brand in the world of perfume is Floris London. Here we tell the story of the classic British perfume house Floris London and bring you the best perfumes from Floris.
Here you can read about the perfume house Creed. You find our review of Creed perfumes here.
The story of Floris London
Floris was founded in 1730 and is today the world’s oldest perfumers. Juan Famenias Floris started his business at 89 Jermyn Street in central London and initially consisted of a barber shop and a perfumery. Floris’ flagship store is still located at the same address today.
J.Floris Ltd first became a Royal Court supplier in 1820 when King George IV awarded the company the service of “Smooth Pointed Comb-makers” for him. Given that George IV was particularly remembered for his extravagant lifestyle, during which time he built the lavish Royal Pavilion in Brighton and in London stayed at the fashionable Carlton House, the award was a feather in the company’s cap.
To this day, this award is on display at the shop at 89 Jermyn Street along with Flori’s other 19 Court Supplier Certificates awarded after it. Today, the company is a Royal Court Supplier to both Queen Elizabeth II (Perfumers) and the current Prince of Wales, Prince Charles (Manufacturers of Toilet Preparations).
During Floris long history, their fragrances have become favourites of a wide range of celebrities such as Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming, Marilyn Monroe, Florence Nightingale and Beau Brummell.
The store at 89 Jermyn Street in London is in the same building where Juan Floris started the business in the 18th century. The mahogany counter in the shop is still the same one that was purchased from the London Exhibition at Crystal Palace in Hyde Park in 1851. In 2012, Floris also opened a second shop in London at 147 Ebury Street in Belgravia.
The London Exhibition of 1851, or The Great Exhibition of works of Industry of All Nations as it was officially known (abbreviated to The Great Exhibition), was the world’s first world’s fair, which opened its doors on 1 May 1851 at the newly built Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London.
The exhibition was opened by Queen Victoria and included some 14,000 exhibitors from 94 countries from Britain and its colonies, Europe and the United States. The exhibition ran for six months and was visited by over 6 million people. The exhibition was the major breakthrough for the modern exhibition industry. (source: wikipedia)
Beau Brummell as depicted in the 1906 masterpiece English Costume by Dion Clayton Calthrop. George Bryan “Beau” Brummell (1778-1840) is still cited today as one of the most important figures in the history of male dress, thanks to his fashion influence on the society of his time. Brummell would spend hours discussing perfumes with Juan Floris.
Floris scents The Fragrance Journal, which was launched on the market a few years ago. A range inspired by life in London in the 20th century. Floris 1927 takes us to London during the jazz era, while Floris 1988 reflects the period around the summer of 1988 when London once again became a centre of fashion and culture.
What are the best men’s fragrances from Floris London?
There are a lot of really good men’s fragrances from Floris London. Our favourites here at the editorial office include some of the newest creations, but also older perfumes from the early 1900s. Here are the top five perfumes from Floris London.
Leather Oud EdP
Floris Leather Oud is one of the absolute best oud perfumes on the market. It was released in 2014 and is still one of the top rated creations in this fragrance note.
Vert Fougère EdP
Floris’ contribution to Fougèren is the elegant Vert Fougére, which immediately won awards when it was launched in 2020. It features notes of lavender, oakmoss and wood, as well as citrus notes of neroli, grapefruit and bergamot. You’ll also find base notes of smoky accords, earthy patchouli, cedarwood and cashmere. A perfect balance between old and new in the world of perfume.
Floris No. 89
Floris No 89 is still keeping the style 70 years after it was launched. This is a fragrance inspired by the English gentleman… and it’s not an empty promise. That’s exactly what you get when you wear it. The perfume has an impressive longevity for an EdT. A personal favourite of James Bond author Ian Fleming. A classic fragrance that for us is a symbol of how an English gentleman should smell. Find the favourite fragrances of other celebrities here.
Honey Oud EdP
Floris Honey Oud, like Leather Oud, is a real fragrance experience and a perfect perfume for parties and nights out. The honey marries perfectly with the exclusive oud notes and will give you many compliments along the way.
Turnbull & Asser EdP
Launched in 2016, Floris x Turnbull & Asser is a collaboration between two of London’s most venerable institutions. This is a fragrance that should reflect the clientele of both players – The conscious, elegant, yet a tad eccentric gentleman.
