While many of us are familiar with the iconic bedtime attire of Marilyn Monroe, have you ever pondered what luxurious elements she indulged in during her bathing rituals and which exquisite fragrance enchanted her to such an extent that she ordered an astonishing six bottles at a time?
The power of fragrance is undeniable; it can instantly transport us back to cherished memories, enveloping us in a warm embrace of nostalgia. Even more intriguingly, fragrance serves as a portal to the past, allowing us to experience the essence of bygone eras. Imagine embodying that glamorous aura of a Hollywood star! Marilyn Monroe, famously known for her bold declaration of sleeping in nothing but that legendary scent, may have been pioneering in her approach to layering fragrances and breaking away from the traditional notion of wearing a singular scent for all occasions. Recent discoveries, including her personal preferences and shopping habits, shed light on her unique olfactory journey.
It is fascinating to discover that the historic British fragrance house Floris possesses a heartfelt letter from Marilyn Monroe, expressing gratitude for a shipment of their exquisite Rose Geranium Bath Essence. Her discerning taste is evident, as this particular bath treat remains a personal favorite of ours, with just a few drops transforming the ambiance of any room into a fragrant sanctuary filled with its enchanting powdery rose geranium notes. Complemented by refreshing citrus undertones and a subtle base of cedarwood, this essence creates a truly uplifting bathing experience.
Floris Rose Geranium Bath Essence £65 for 50ml florislondon.com
Insights from Floris:
“The enchanting scent of Rose Geranium was first introduced by Floris in 1890, showcasing a delightful fusion of pink geranium with the original Geranium fragrance.
One of our most cherished clients, Marilyn Monroe, is a timeless icon whose presence continues to inspire. During her stay at the luxurious Claridge’s Hotel in London, Marilyn took a brief stroll from her lavish accommodations in Mayfair to the Floris boutique in St James’s. Under the pseudonym Miss Dorothy Blass, she placed an order for six bottles of Floris Rose Geranium ‘Toilet Water’.
This exquisite order was dispatched from the Floris shop located at 89 Jermyn Street, London, to the Beverly Hills Hotel in California, where Monroe resided after completing one of her most celebrated films, ‘Some Like It Hot’. The original receipt from 1959, initially recorded under the name of Miss Dorothy Blass, has been updated to reflect Marilyn Monroe Miller, and it can be viewed at our Jermyn Street ‘museum’ along with other invaluable artifacts from Floris history.”
In addition to her cherished bath essence, the legendary sex symbol made it a point to stock up on a matching fragrance that would leave a lasting impression. Within their remarkable archive, which holds pieces of history, Floris possesses a fascinating document related to Marilyn Monroe. This document outlines her order for their delightfully unisex and refreshingly vibrant Rose Geranium fragrance, now reintroduced as part of their exquisite Ledger Collection. Her admiration for this scent was so profound that she requested six bottles to be dispatched to her in Beverly Hills!
Floris elaborates: “The distinct characteristics of geranium are beautifully highlighted by the bright citrus notes of citronella, paired with a subtle hint of rose. At its heart lies a harmonious blend of palmarosa, the timeless elegance of rose, and the gentle essence of rosewood. This captivating heart brings forth an aura of sophistication and grace, which transitions into a grounding woody base note accord of cedarwood. The warm, earthy undertones lend depth and refinement to this delicate bouquet.”
Floris Ledger Series Rose Geranium £220 for 100ml eau de parfum florislondon.com
Fragrance can be likened to a form of time travel, and through the cherished Rose Geranium Bath Essence and the innovative Ledger Series eau de parfum, the beloved scent once adored by Marilyn Monroe continues to enchant us today. Its timeless allure not only cements its legacy within the Floris archives, allowing us to effortlessly experience a piece of fragrant history, but it also resonates beautifully with the contemporary fragrance landscape—ensuring that the perfumed legacy remains alive for future generations of fragrance enthusiasts and devoted fans of Marilyn Monroe.
Written by Suzy Nightingale