Tag Archives: floris london

Mr Selfridge S04E02

mrselfridge_s04e02_bornunicorn (1)

mrselfridge_s04e02_bornunicorn (2)

florisroyalarmsdiamondedition_bornunicornTwo different Floris perfumes can be seen on the counter in the cosmetics department – one has a red label, the other has a purple one. Both of them are limited editions.

The first – Amaryllis – was launched in 2010 as part of the brand’s Private Collection; the second – Royal Arms Diamond Edition – was launched in 2012 but has got a longer history. It was originally created in 1926 to celebrate the birth of George V’s grand-daughter’s birth, who was to become Queen Elizabeth II. In 2012 Floris re-issued the historical fragrance to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Crown S01E05 (Smoke and Mirrors)

thecrown_s01e05_bornunicorn-1When the Duke of Windsor (Alex Jennings) is interviewed by a magazine reporter, he opens the doors of his private rooms. Four perfumes and a soap can be seen among his toiletries.

thecrown_s01e05_bornunicorn-2

thecrown_s01e05_bornunicorn-3

floris_cefirosoap_bornunicornThe “good, well-milled soap” in the silver soap dish is by Floris. The first perfume on the left is by the same brand, which received the first Royal Warrant in 1820.

floris_specialno127_bornunicornReading the perfume label is impossible, but I’m pretty sure it could be Special N°127, a fragrance that the Duke of Windsor wore. Created in 1890 for Russia’s Grand Duke Orloff, it was originally named Orloff Special, but later renamed after the page in the ‘Specials’ formula book in which the recipe was recorded. It was regularly used by Eva Peron and Winston Churchill.

geoftrumper_spanishleathercologne_bornunicornThe second bottle from the left is Spanish Leather cologne by Geo F. Trumper, another historical London brand, established in the late 19th century by Mr George Trumper, operating from a shop at 9 Curzon Street, in Mayfair.

penhaligons_blenheimbouquet_bornunicornThe other two bottles are by Penhaligon’s perfumes. The one with the grey ribbon bow is Blenheim Bouquet: created in 1902, it was one of the favourite perfumes of Winston Churchill.

penhaligons_hammambouquet_bornunicorn

The one with the dark red ribbon bow is Hammam Bouquet, created in 1872 and inspired by the scent of the Turkish Baths on Jermyn Street, Piccadilly.

Thanks to my friend Raffy for telling me about this scene and for identifying the Floris soap.