Sometimes classics are the best…
The world of fragrances is as obsessed with newness as that of fashion and many of the more commercial, licensed brands release versions of their best-selling products on a very regular basis. But sometimes it’s good to look beyond the trends and the novelties and focus on the classics: fragrances that have been charmed for many decades and still smell good today. Here are some of the old-timers that we still reach for.
Blenheim Bouquet by Penhaligon’s
You don’t get any more old-school English than this beauty. Named after a royal palace and launched way back in 1902, this has stood on the dressing table of generations of dapper gentlemen. It’s very fresh and lemony with black pepper and pine giving a barbershop cleanliness that works just as well for the modern guy. The bottle is gorgeous too.
Green Irish Tweed by Creed
Creed started out as a tailoring and leather goods business way back in 1760 where they used fragrance to scent gloves. Fast forward to today and the brand produces some truly lovely perfumes, all presented in the trademark hip-flask-like bottles. Green Irish Tweed is one of our favourites with mossy, woody notes that conjure up the smells of a walk in the country.
No. 89 by Floris
Floris is another seriously venerable perfumier, founded in London in 1730 as a purveyor of scents, combs and shaving products. Their No. 89 refers to the address on Jermyn Street where the original store stood and has a suitably woody aroma with nutmeg and vetiver. And if you need any more persuasion, it was the favourite of James Bond who knew a thing or two about being classy.
Sang Bleu by Le Galion
Not all classics need to be hundreds of years old – some of the most iconic (and sexiest) fragrances came from the decadent days of 1970s Paris. Sang Bleu, in its fabulous ridged bottle, is one of these where the leather, galbanum (a Persian herb) and geranium evoke the glamour of a night out at Le Palace.
Eau Sauvage by Dior
Forget the dreadful Johnny Depp ads for the modern version of this, go for the original Eau Sauvage, the first men’s fragrance by Dior and launched in 1966 with a campaign fronted by New Wave bad boy Alain Delon. The mix of citrus and woody notes is fresh and super masculine and should be worn in a nightclub with a full-on open shirt and hairy chest combo.
