For over 290 years, the name Floris has been synonymous with the finest British perfumery. In 1730, Juan Famenias Floris, a barber from Menorca, opened a boutique for shaving accessories, pomades and perfumed oils at 89 Jermyn Street in London. What began as a small store quickly developed into a prestigious destination for discerning and affluent customers. In the midst of the up-and-coming metropolis of London, Floris grew to become the oldest perfume house in England and is still based in Jermyn Street today, in precisely this historic location that stands for the heritage and tradition of the house.
With a fine nose and an equally keen sense of style and sophistication, Floris combined Mediterranean fragrance inspirations with British elegance. The exotic aromas of his creations quickly found favor with London’s high society. But it was not only the British elite who appreciated Floris fragrances – world-famous personalities such as Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe and James Bond creator Ian Fleming were also among the company’s loyal customers. This historical significance reached its peak when Floris was awarded the title of Purveyor to the Royal Household and has since carried the coveted Royal Warrant, which stands for outstanding quality and tradition.
But Floris is not just resting on its laurels. The fragrance house knows like no other how to combine its impressive past with contemporary fragrance art. With the new creation Purple Mémoire, Floris proves once again that classic values and modern perfumery need not be a contradiction in terms. The latest eau de parfum carries this tradition within it and, with its unique composition of lavender and other exquisite notes, combines the history of the house with an elegant, contemporary interpretation.
Purple Mémoire – Summer in purple
The recently launched eau de parfum Purple Mémoire is a tribute to Mary Anne Floris and James R. D. Bodenham’s Ivy Lodge in the fine London district of Chiswick. The couple moved into the property in the mid-19th century and had sixteen children there. But the house was more than just a lively family home. It was also a place of creativity. Mary Anne Floris, who assisted her husband with a keen sense of smell and a great deal of intuition, was known for her floral fragrance creations. She recorded her compositions in meticulously kept notebooks. These included delicate bouquets of violet, iris and heliotrope. Today, many of her ideas form the basis for modern fragrance creations at Floris.
Her husband and perfumer James R. D. Bodenham brought his own signature with him: warm resins, elegant structures and a love of classic British style. His passion for high-quality raw materials and complex compositions still characterizes the fragrance DNA of Floris today. Purple Mémoire is dedicated to the lush gardens of Ivy Lodge, in which Floris in-house perfumer Nicola Pozzani and Penny Ellis combine the ingredients bergamot, lavender, coriander, mandarin, lavender, jasmine, cyclamen, white flowers, iris, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, ambergris, labdanum (cistus), musk, vanilla, tonka bean and cocoa.
Refreshing, tart and herbaceous, Purple Mémoire is a dream come true for anyone who loves lavender. From the very first moment, the eau de parfum is clear, authentic and wonderfully summery. The finely balanced lavender notes exude a subtle nostalgia reminiscent of balmy evenings in blooming gardens and lend the fragrance a charmingly timeless aura. The creation gradually develops in a very elegant and atmospheric direction. Creamy, warm and powdery accords frame the herbaceous floral bouquet, lending depth and softness without taking away from the lavender’s radiance. In the base, gently ambered, vanilla-spicy nuances ensure a cozy, almost velvety finish.
Purple Mémoire is a finely balanced lavender fragrance that combines classic fragrance craftsmanship with modern sensitivity. Fresh and aromatic at first, delicate and calming as it progresses – always harmonious, transparent and elegant. A fragrance that unfolds its full beauty especially in the warm season, but can also be worn all year round for any occasion. A masterpiece for all those who love fine floral compositions and lavender in particular – beautiful, atmospheric and unmistakable.
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