Here’s the story so far: In 1760, the House of Creed began its life in London as a supplier of scented gloves, clothing, and, perfume for the English court. In fact, its very first perfume, Royal English Leather, was created for King George III, who knew a thing or two about the good stuff, as seen in his acquisition of an all-gold horse-drawn carriage and Buckingham Palace (then called a house), both of which are still used by the Royal Family.
Its royal support continued with an appointment from Queen Victoria, the second-longest reigning British monarch (the immortal Elizabeth II broke her record in 2015) as the official supplier of the royal household, and the patronage of Napoleon III and his wife, Empress Eugénie, whose good favor prompted the house’s relocation to Paris, where it remains headquartered today.
With the backing of a king, a queen, an emperor, and an empress, everyone wanted to wear Creed.
European royals such as Franz-Joseph and Elizabeth of Austro-Hungary and Queen Christina of Spain wore Creed. More modern clients include Prince Rainier of Monaco, who had Fleurissimo commissioned as a wedding gift to Grace Kelly, and non-royals (but not peasants!) like movie stars Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant.
Apart from its glittering lore and clientele, keen noses crave Creed because it makes unique scents, the kind that doesn’t smell like this year’s re-re-release of that one perfume theme that everyone owns.
The house notes that its creations possess a very high dosage of natural oils, a concentration that not only ups the quality, but also makes every batch of perfume unique—like wine. “[T]he accents of the scent will vary bewitchingly with every vintage. The perfume becomes a living entity, as animated and arbitrary as any of its wearers,” it describes on its website.
As well, its oils are derived from the rarest ingredients grown in the choicest locations: Indian tuberose, Haitian and Bourbon vetiver, Calabrian bergamot, Provencal lavender, Egyptian jasmine, Bulgarian rose, and Sri Lankan sandalwood.
All that adds up to outstanding scents in, of course, handsome bottles fit for a king (some are even dressed in gold). If you’re new to Creed or looking to expand your perfume collection, consider the following fragrances. Maybe you want to smell like a royal, too?
Creed Aventus
Start with Creed’s bestselling fragrance for men. This fruity fougere is packed with top notes of apple, blackcurrant, and pineapple, a floral heart of jasmine blossom and juniper berries, and a woody base of oakmoss and ambergris (the house’s signature ingredient). Sophisticated and complex, Aventus is for the confident gentlemen. Also, it can be worn day or night.
Creed Green Irish Tweed
Creed has a great tradition of creating bespoke perfume for very special individuals. Green Irish Tweed was intended for screen legend and style icon, Cary Grant. As it names suggests, it’s fresh and woody (and masculine)—a combination of sea breeze and crushed leaves achieved by lemon, verbena, violet leaves, sandalwood, and ambergris. No need to explain who Irish Tweed is for. Grant was debonair and charming, suave and gracious. Maybe you can have a little bit of his magic with this one.
Creed Silver Mountain Water
If the previous reminds you of morning dew on a wet field, Silver Mountain Water takes you skyward and into the icy freshness of, well, the mountains. Made with citrusy notes (bergamot, mandarin), a heart of green tea and blackcurrant, and musk, the perfume is one of the lighter entries on this list. It’s even been described as refreshing and relaxing like a vacation away from summer’s relentless heat. Silver Mountain is a unisex scent so share it with your lady.
Creed Original Santal
How about something with a bit of bite? The elements of Original Santal—sandalwood, ginger, cinnamon, oriental vanilla, Tonka bean—recall an exotic sojourn to, say, India, which is the opulent inspiration for the perfume. Because of all that tingly heat, this is best reserved for night. Also, please know that wearing Santal will turn the spotlight on you.
Creed Millésime Imperial
Okay, let’s turn it up to the max. And by max, we mean perfectly balanced (light citrus meets fresh marine meets musk), elegant, stylish, for-anywhere, and for-all-times. The just-right character of Millésime Imperial is the very reason why it has earned a spot on the dressers of many men and also women. And did we mention the all-gold bottle? George III will approve.
creedfragrances.co.uk
