Discover the Timeless Elegance of Floris – Scented Fragrances Loved by Royals, Icons, and You!
The illustrious legacy of Floris traces back to the visionary dreams of Juan Famenias Floris. In 1730, he bravely sailed from his idyllic home in Minorca to establish his renowned business in London. After marrying an English woman, he opened a barber shop on Jermyn Street, nestled in the fashionable St. James’s area. Initially crafting exquisite hair combs, he began blending aromatic oils, a comforting reminder of his homeland. The unique fragrances soon attracted a clientele eager for customized scents, meticulously documented in leather-bound ledgers. This meticulous record-keeping enabled Floris to recreate these bespoke blends, paving the way for a legacy of luxury and sophistication in perfumery.
The original ledgers, order forms, and heartfelt letters of gratitude have been lovingly preserved by the Floris family through generations. These documents offer a captivating insight into British olfactory preferences over the centuries. Among the notable clients are Admirals who served under Lord Nelson, the famed Florence Nightingale, and even George IV, leading all the way to Winston Churchill. In 1820, Floris received its first of 16 prestigious Royal Warrants, with the latest title being the official Perfumers to HM The Queen Elizabeth II and Manufacturers of Toilet Preparations to HRH The Prince of Wales, now known as King Charles!
One of the most intriguing stories involves the legendary Marilyn Monroe. This iconic figure was known for her glamorous lifestyle and impeccable taste in fragrances. Among her favorites was Floris, particularly the elegantly fresh and unisex scent Rose Geranium. Historical records in Floris’s extensive archive reveal that she frequently ordered six bottles at a time for delivery to her Beverly Hills residence! For those seeking something contemporary, A Rose For… from The Private Collection offers a uniquely smoky and delicate fragrance that beautifully captures the essence of rose.
The historic Floris shop continues to thrive on Jermyn Street, where fragrances were once crafted deep beneath the surface in a quaint basement known as ‘the mine.’ Now exquisitely renovated, this boutique showcases a treasure trove of aromatic artifacts, alongside an extensive selection of exquisite perfumes waiting to be discovered. Edward Bodenham, a direct descendant of Juan Famenias Floris, currently serves as the Perfumery Director at Floris, continuing the family tradition of excellence in fragrance creation.
Edward expresses his heartfelt connection to the family legacy: ‘I feel immensely proud to be part of this esteemed family business. It is a privilege to reintroduce our illustrious perfume house to a new generation. My childhood memories of visiting the shop fill me with nostalgia, as these exquisite fragrances have been my companions throughout my life. They truly feel like dear friends to me.’
Despite their remarkable history, Edward emphasizes that no perfume house can thrive solely on its past accomplishments. He shares that recent creations like the sun-kissed Neroli Voyage from the Classic Collection and the irresistibly captivating Honey Oud from the Private Collection exemplify how Floris continuously evolves. Edward notes, ‘Innovation is crucial in our fragrance development, mirroring the adventurous spirit of my ancestors. I aspire to make them proud with our contemporary creations.’
In our view, there’s no doubt about it: Floris is here to stay. Here’s to celebrating their remarkable journey and looking forward to the next 300 years of exquisite fragrances!
Written by Suzy Nightingale
