Historical Colognes

[storeynicholas]

I was just looking through this thread and I noticed that Clive Christian doesn't seem to get a mention. I received a gift of a travel set containing 10 mls each of the No 1, the X For Men and the 1872. The No 1 is still marketed as the most expensive perfume in the world and, with its amber-sandalwood predominance, I am not surprised. These are, though, all EDP and rather strong for everyday wear - indeed, I find the strength rather cloying. Nevertheless, they certainly deserve a mention.
NJS

[culverwood]

Fragrances such as Neroli and Oud have been around for a very long time and though perhaps not marketed by one company as a brand they are still available.

[shredder]

A bit off-topic, but I find the notion of fragrance specific to either men or women rather puzzling...

[shredder]

The No 1 is still marketed as the most expensive perfume in the world

NJS,

If I remember correctly, Joy by Patou is also marketed as the most expensive. Taking advantage of the innumerate public, perhaps? I've never actually tried to verify the respective claims, but now that you brought it up, I might just do that one of these days, especially since we happen to have a Clive Christian shop in our little hamlet (not sure why but we do, or, perhaps, did).

I suppose that you will be dedicating at least one full chapter on scent in your new grooming book? I still need to get my hands on your existing book, which reminds me that it may be a good one, along with something by Richard Lederer, to take to the beach next month.

cheers,
s

[Costi]

Since the post is about colognes, there is of course Farina Gegenueber in Koeln, who claims the very name of the "Eau du Cologne" or Koelnischwasser. They still manufacture and sell the "original eau du cologne". Roger & Gallet are also connected with a branch of the Farina family and their "Extra Vieille" scent is based on the antique formulation.
However, it looks like Jean Marie Farina brought the recipe to Koeln from France in the late eighteenth century, where it had been in production since the times of Caterina de Medici, therefore some 200 years earlier. Caterina de Medici, in turn, was said to have brought it to Paris from her native Florence, where it was called "Aqua della Regina" and was the first solution of refreshing essential citrus oils in alcohol prepared by the Dominican monks at Santa Maria Novella. SMN still manufactures its excellent colognes today, some of the best recipies dating back to the 1850's.

[NJS]

The No 1 is still marketed as the most expensive perfume in the world

NJS,

If I remember correctly, Joy by Patou is also marketed as the most expensive. Taking advantage of the innumerate public, perhaps? I've never actually tried to verify the respective claims, but now that you brought it up, I might just do that one of these days, especially since we happen to have a Clive Christian shop in our little hamlet (not sure why but we do, or, perhaps, did).

I suppose that you will be dedicating at least one full chapter on scent in your new grooming book? I still need to get my hands on your existing book, which reminds me that it may be a good one, along with something by Richard Lederer, to take to the beach next month.

cheers,
s

Yes, a chapter on fragrances will be included - and happy beach reading!!
NJS