Renowned Floris Aficionados: A Journey Through History's Most Iconic Scent Enthusiasts

A Timeless Journey Through Famous Floris Lovers~

Since 1730, Floris London has been synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and timeless elegance in the world of perfumery. The brand’s storied history has seen it create fragrances that have captivated the senses of some of the most iconic figures in history. From royalty to rock stars, the allure of Floris has transcended time and trends. Let’s take a fragrant journey through some of the renowned aficionados of Floris London, each of whom has left their indelible mark on the world, just as Floris has left its mark on them.

Floris Aficionadoes: Marilyn Monroe, Kit Connor, David Bowie, Winston Churchill and Florence Nightingale

Marilyn Monroe | Rose Geranium

The epitome of glamour and sensuality, Marilyn Monroe was known for her love of luxurious fragrances. Among her many choices, Rose Geranium a particular favourite. This delicate and sophisticated scent, with its floral and green notes, perfectly complemented Marilyn’s timeless beauty and femininity. Rose Geranium has an enduring appeal that captures the essence of classic Hollywood allure.




Floral, Citrus


TOP NOTES

Citronella | Green | Geranium


HEART NOTES

Palmarosa | Rose | Rosewood


BASE NOTES

Cedarwood

While staying at Claridge's Hotel in London, Marilyn Monroe walked to Floris' boutique in St James's and, under the alias Miss Dorothy Blass, ordered six bottles of Floris Rose Geranium Toilet Water. The perfumes were sent from the shop at 89 Jermyn Street to the Beverly Hills Hotel in California, where she stayed after filming Some Like It Hot. The original 1959 receipt, later amended to read Marilyn Monroe Miller, is displayed at our Jermyn Street museum along with other cherished Floris artifacts.

“There are no women who do not like perfume, there are women who have not found their scent.”

Marilyn Monroe

David Bowie | Elite

David Bowie, the chameleon of music and style, was known for his avant-garde approach to life. His choice of fragrance, Floris Elite, speaks to his refined yet unconventional taste. Launched in 1980, Elite combines notes of bergamot, cedarwood, and leather, creating a scent that is both distinguished and daring. Much like Bowie’s artistry, Elite is a fragrance that defies convention and leaves a lasting impression.



Green, Woody


TOP NOTES

Bergamot | Cedar Leaf | Grapefruit | Juniper Berry | Lemon | Petitgrain


HEART NOTES

Bay | Fir Balsam | Lavender


BASE NOTES

Amber | Cedarwood | Leather | Moss | Musk | Patchouli | Vetiver

Edward Bodenham, 9th-generation family member and Perfumer Director, shared a memorable story: "My uncle, Patrick Bodenham, once assisted David Bowie in selecting his fragrance at our shop. Bowie's choice? The distinguished scent, Elite."

Sir Ranulph Fiennes | Sandalwood

Oliver Shepard and Charles Burton at Borga Base Camp in the Antarctic with a bottle of Sandalwood.
Oliver Shepard and Charles Burton at Borga Base Camp in the Antarctic with a bottle of Sandalwood.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the world’s greatest living explorer, took Floris Sandalwood to the South Pole, demonstrating the brand’s remarkable versatility and resilience. Sandalwood, with its warm, woody notes, provided Fiennes with a comforting sense of familiarity and strength during his daring expeditions. The scent’s enduring quality mirrors Fiennes’ own tenacity and adventurous spirit, making it the perfect olfactory symbol of his extraordinary journey.




Woody


TOP NOTES

Bergamot | Rose | Carnation | Black Pepper


HEART NOTES

Orris | Star Anise


BASE NOTES

Sandalwood | Patchouli | Musk

Discover more about Sir Ranulph Fiennes' extraordinary expedition to the South Pole, a journey accompanied by the rich scent of sandalwood, on our blog here:

Winston Churchill & Eva Perón |Special No. 127

Two figures who shaped the 20th century, Winston Churchill and Eva Perón, shared a common appreciation for Floris’s Special No. 127. Originally created in 1890, this fragrance blends citrus notes with a floral heart, grounded by a warm, woody base. For Churchill, it was the perfect companion, exuding confidence and authority. Eva Perón, the iconic First Lady of Argentina, chose this scent to embody her grace, determination, and unwavering spirit.




Citrus, Floral


TOP NOTES

Bergamot | Lavender | Orange | Petitgrain


HEART NOTES

Geranium | Neroli | Rose | Ylang Ylang


BASE NOTES

Musk | Patchouli

Kit Connor | Jermyn Street

Kit Connor, one of the rising stars of today’s entertainment industry, has chosen Jermyn Street as his signature scent. This modern classic is a tribute to our rich heritage and our location on London’s famed 89 Jermyn Street. With notes of vetiver, patchouli, and a hint of citrus, Jermyn Street is a fresh and sophisticated fragrance that perfectly suits the youthful elegance and charm of Kit Connor.




Citrus, Green 


TOP NOTES

Bergamot | Mandarin | Green Vetiver | Violet


HEART NOTES

Coriander | Vetiver | Armoise | Juniper Berry


BASE NOTES

Amber | Cedarwood | Musk | Vetiver

"This has ben my cologne for probably about two, three years now. It's really nice. It's quite subtle, just kind of elegant, you know."

Kit Connor | British Vogue 'In The Bag'

Florence Nightingale | White Rose

Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing and a beacon of compassion and strength, found solace in the delicate scent of White Rose. This fragrance, with its pure and soft floral notes, is a symbol of both elegance and resilience. White Rose by Floris encapsulates the gentle yet unwavering spirit of a woman who changed the course of history with her dedication to others.




Floral 


TOP NOTES

Aldehydic | Carnation | Green


HEART NOTES

Iris | Rose | Jasmine | Violet


BASE NOTES

Amber | Musk | Powdery Notes

"How am I to thank you for the repeated nosegays of beautiful sweet-smelling roses with which you have cheered my sick bed?"

Florence Nightingale

Helena Bonham-Cater sgarden holding a bottle of White Rose and an image of Florence Nightingale
Helena Bonham Carter | The White Rose Appeal ambassador.

Since 2020 Floris continues its partnership with the Florence Nightingale Foundation as a proud sponsor of their tremendous work, we at Floris are committed to donate 15% of all sales of White Rose Eau de Toilette 100ml. By Buying a bottle of White Rose you are helping to support nurses and midwives all around the UK.  


"Buying a white rose is a simple way to honour our nurses and midwives. We must never forget the sacrifice they make on an everyday basis." – Helena Bonham Carter

Ian Fleming | No. 89

The creator of James Bond, Ian Fleming, was a man of refined tastes and a penchant for detail. His preferred fragrance, No. 89, is as legendary as the characters he created. Named after the Floris shop at 89 Jermyn Street, this fragrance is a masterful blend of orange, lavender, and neroli, with a woody, spicy base. No. 89 is the quintessential gentleman’s fragrance, embodying the sophistication and intrigue that Fleming’s famous spy is known for.



Citrus, Woody


TOP NOTES

Bergamot | Lavender | Neroli | Nutmeg | Orange | Petitgrain


HEART NOTES

Geranium | Rose | Ylang Ylang


BASE NOTES

Cedarwood | Musk | Oakmoss | Sandalwood | Vetiver

"Fresh and light. A wonderful daytime fragrance."

Roger. W | Floris Customer

Oscar Wilde | Malmaison

The legendary playwright and poet Oscar Wilde, celebrated for his wit and flamboyance, had a deep affection for Floris’s Malmaison. While the original formula is lost to time, our in-house perfumers have crafted a modern tribute: Malmaison Encore. This rich and opulent fragrance, with its dominant notes of carnation, was as bold and distinctive as Wilde himself. Malmaison’s spicy, floral aroma perfectly captured the essence of Wilde’s unique blend of elegance, intellect, and theatrical flair, making it a fitting choice for one of literature’s most charismatic figures.




Floral, Amber


TOP NOTES

Cinnamon | Clove | Lemon


HEART NOTES

Malmaison Carnation | Rose | Ylang Ylang


BASE NOTES

Cedarwood | Musk | Patchouli | Vanilla

"The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden..."

Oscar Wilde | The Picture of Dorian Gray

Queen Victoria | Bouquet de la Reine

Queen Victoria, one of Britain’s most revered monarchs, was a long-time patron of Floris. Her favourite scent, Bouquet de la Reine, was specially created for her wedding to Prince Albert, capturing the essence of regal elegance. With its rich blend of floral notes, including jasmine and rose, this fragrance is both luxurious and timeless, a fitting tribute to a queen who defined an era.




Floral, Fruity


TOP NOTES

Bergamot | Blackcurrant Bud | Peach | Violet Leaf


HEART NOTES

Jasmine | Lily of the Valley | Rose | Tuberose | Ylang Ylang


BASE NOTES

Oakmoss | Sandalwood | Vanilla

Grace Coddington | Red Rose

Grace Coddington, the legendary creative director of Vogue, is known for her impeccable taste and artistic vision. Her signature fragrance, Red Rose, is as striking and refined as her iconic red hair and influential style. The lush floral notes of Red Rose capture Coddington's romantic and sophisticated aesthetic, making it a fitting companion for one of fashion's most enduring figures.

" I loved old, traditional things—I will, always—and Floris was one of those stores. I didn’t go in with the intention of buying a perfume. I went in because I was responding to the visuals as much as a fragrance I found there called Red Rose. I just loved the idea that it was pretty much crushed rose petals and that was that."

Grace Coddington | 1959



Floral


TOP NOTES

Green Grass | Geranium | Sicilian Lemon


HEART NOTES

Cinnamon Leaf | Clove Bud | Palmarosa | Rose Absolute


BASE NOTES

Vetiver | Cedarwood | Sandalwood | Musk

John Galliano | Bath Essence

The avant-garde fashion designer John Galliano is known for his bold and theatrical creations, and his choice of fragrance is no less distinctive. Galliano’s love for Floris Bath Essence speaks to his appreciation for opulence and indulgence. This luxurious bath essence transforms an ordinary bath into a ritual of relaxation and sensuality, with its rich, aromatic blend of essential oils.

John Galliano sat in hist bath surrounded but bath & body products and perfume.
FRANÇOIS HALARD 

The Floris Legacy Continues

From royalty to rebels, artists to icons, Floris London has been the fragrance house of choice for those who appreciate the finest things in life. Each fragrance tells a story, capturing the essence of its wearer’s personality and legacy. Whether it’s the subtle sophistication of No. 89, the timeless allure of White Rose, or the modern freshness of Jermyn Street, Floris offers a scent for every discerning nose.


As we look to the future, Floris continues to craft fragrances that resonate with the modern world while honouring its rich heritage. Just as it has captivated the hearts of history’s most iconic figures, Floris will continue to inspire and enchant for generations to come.

Discover Your Signature Scent

Are you ready to find your own place among the ranks of Floris aficionados? Explore our collection and discover a fragrance that speaks to your soul and leaves a lasting impression, just as these legendary figures have done.


Whether you're drawn to the floral elegance of Queen Victoria's Bouquet de la Reine, or the daring allure of David Bowie’s Elite, there's a Floris fragrance waiting to become part of your story.