The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Floris created this fragrance in collaboration with Turnbull & Asser, the heritage British shirtmaker. The concept was to translate the qualities of impeccable tailoring into scent: structure without excess, quiet confidence that speaks for itself rather than announcing itself. Juniper and citrus open the composition with crisp, clean precision, establishing an aromatic framework that feels both modern and timeless. The heart builds with lavender and floral notes that provide depth without heaviness, maintaining the refined restraint that defines the fragrance throughout its evolution. The base anchors everything into a warm foundation that holds its shape throughout the day, offering longevity and presence without ever becoming overwhelming.
The base reveals Floris' approach to complexity without resorting to heavy-handedness. Agarwood provides presence but remains restrained, offering its characteristic depth without dominating the composition. The sandalwood adds creamy smoothness that rounds out the woodiness, creating a foundation that feels both warm and elegant. Amberwood contributes a clean warmth that elevates without weighing down the overall structure. Frankincense enters in the drydown, bringing a trace of something ancient and contemplative, a subtle resonance that draws you closer rather than pushing outward.
The evolution
Juniper arrives in the opening, crisp and precise, bringing an aromatic edge that cuts through any initial sweetness with confident clarity. Bergamot follows, adding a slight bitterness that keeps the citrus elements from becoming overly sweet, maintaining balance and sophistication in those crucial first moments. This opening phase lasts approximately thirty minutes and represents the most assertive stage of the fragrance's development. As the top notes begin to recede, lavender takes center stage, not the soapy or barbershop variety but a clean, intentional aromatic that provides structural support without weight or heaviness. Orris enters the composition next, its powdery sweetness softening the edges of the lavender while adding an elegant floral dimension.
Cultural impact
This fragrance emerged from a collaboration between Floris and Turnbull & Asser, two British houses with deep roots in traditional craft. The partnership brought together the perfume house's expertise in scent composition with the shirtmaker's understanding of refined masculine aesthetics. Released in 2016, the initial production run consisted of 200 pieces. The response to the fragrance was strong enough that it transitioned from that initial offering into the brand's ongoing range, remaining available since 2017.
The House
FlorisFloris London stands as the world’s oldest independent perfume house, tracing its roots to 1730 when Juan Famenias Floris opened a modest shop in St James’s, London. Over nearly three centuries the brand has supplied scent‑crafted goods to royalty, diplomats and collectors, while keeping production in the family’s hands. Today it offers a curated range of fragrances, grooming essentials and home aromas that echo its historic craft.
The Creator
Penny EllisWorking within Floris's tradition, Ellis gravitates toward classical materials and time-tested construction. Her compositions tend toward refined elegance, favoring natural raw materials and the kind of complexity that reveals itself gradually on the skin.
