London’s haute perfumer Clive Christian’s eponymous company has had one goal since its inception—to restore ultimate luxury to the world of fragrances. Clive who started his company in the 1970’s started off by creating classical fitted furniture and paneling for luxurious homes around the world. He diversified into perfume making in 1999 after acquiring one of Britain’s oldest perfumery – Crown Perfumery (est.1872). Originally the perfumery was known for creating fragrances for a discerning clientele (including the British Royalty). This was borne out by the fact that in 1872 Queen Victoria granted the company the right to use the image of her crown to top the fragrance bottles – signifying her stamp of approval for the perfumes’ quality.
When Clive took over, undeterred by market trends, he decided to release limited-number fragrances created using only exceptional ingredients. (For example one drop of the triple extract of Rose de Mai-a rare rose that blooms only for a week in May – an ingredient used in making the perfumes, is extracted from 170 full roses!). In 1999, Clive Christian launched a total of only 6 fragrances – 1872, X and No. 1 – in his and hers variants. No.1 went on to become a bestseller and in 2006 a limited edition of No.1 called No.1 Imperial Majesty became the world’s most expensive perfume ($1,70,000). Another ten years elapsed before, acquiescing to his clients’ persistence, Clive launched ‘C’ for men and ‘C’ for women.
After a gap of almost three years, Clive Christian has now released another fragrance, ‘V’ for men and ‘V’ for women. The name ‘V’ comes from the initials of his eldest daughter Victoria Christian who has been the brand ambassador of the company – this is Clive’s way to paying a tribute to her and her work over the years for the brand.
‘V’ for women is a white floral Chypre, where orange blossom is embraced by rose and jasmine and further entwined with soothing chamomile and lavender. ‘V’ for men is a Woody Oriental, in which frankincense, one of the most important aromatic incense since antiquity, leads the intensity of precious woods and resins. The pink, white and black pepper is interlocked at the core to evoke the a fragrance that brims of masculinity. Both variations available for £230 (which will be delivered to India) are presented in the customary deep amber bottle which pays tribute to the original apothecary bottles of Crown Perfumery.
www.clive.com