Floris of London

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Floris was founded in 1730 by Juan Famenias Floris, who arrived in England from his native island of Menorca to seek fortune. Shortly after his arrival, in 1730, he secured premises in Jermyn Street, in the elegant quarter of London's St.James. Juan Famenias Floris initially set up business as a barber and comb-maker, however, he soon missed the aromas and sensations of his Mediterranean youth.

Floris holds two Royal Warrants: the first was granted to J.Floris Ltd was in 1820 as 'Smooth Pointed Comb-makers' to the then newly appointed King George IV. Today this first Royal warrant is still on display at 89 Jermyn Street together with no less than sixteen others. Floris holds two today: Perfumers to HM The Queen Elizabeth II and Manufacturers of Toilet Preparations to HRH The Prince of Wales.

Since opening in 1730, Floris has provided fragrance, fine toiletries and accessories to an incredibly loyal customer base. The Floris archives hold reams of treasured letters from customers detailing their preferences and their thanks, examples include:

  • Florence Nightingale: 25th July 1863 - thanking Mr.Floris for his 'sweet-smelling nosegay' and giving news of the Army's sickness record in India.
  • Mary Shelley, who whilst abroad sent friends clear instructions on where to purchase her favourite combs: Floris.
  • Beau Brummell, the dandy of his day in the early 19th century, would discuss his current fragrances at length with Mr.Floris.
  • Floris is even a fictional character's choice! Ian Fleming's James Bond always wore Floris No.89, while Al Pacino's character in Scent of a Woman famously declared he knew the woman in his 'sights' (sic) was wearing Floris fragrance.

In addition to the Floris Jermyn Street shop, Floris has a shop in exclusive Madison Avenue, New York in 1986. Similar in style to the Jermyn Street shop, Floris Madison Avenue is also the focus for all Floris sales across the USA.

The London store is in Jermyn Street, London

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