At Floris London, lavender is more than a note, it is a timeless signature.
Clean, fresh, and floral with subtle herbal and woody undertones, lavender has shaped the character of our most iconic creations for centuries, from historic masterpieces to modern reimaginings.
While lavender found new expressions in contemporary compositions like 71/72, it is with the launch of Purple Mémoir that we proudly return lavender to the heart of a fragrance, a homecoming to tradition, refined for the modern world.
Today, we explore the self-care benefits of lavender, its enduring heritage in perfumery, and its vital role across the Floris London timeline, from royal favourites to bold contemporary classics.
The Self-Care Benefits of Lavender: Calmness in Every Breath
Lavender has been cherished for centuries not just for its beautiful aroma, but for its proven therapeutic effects on the mind and body. Its ability to support emotional well-being makes it a cornerstone of modern self-care rituals.
Quelling Anxiety and Stress
Lavender is rich in naturally occurring compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, helping reduce overactivity in the nervous system. This results in a calming effect, easing restlessness, tension, and anxious thoughts.
The scent of lavender can help lower blood pressure and heart rate , promoting physical relaxation.
Clinical studies have shown lavender aromatherapy may be comparable in effect to light anti-anxiety medications, but without sedative side effects.
Promoting Restful Sleep
Lavender is one of the most widely used natural remedies for improving sleep quality. It supports the body’s transition into deep, restorative sleep by quieting the mind and lowering the body’s stress response.
Inhaling lavender before bed can lower cortisol levels, helping you unwind naturally.
It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs the body’s rest-and-digest mode.
Studies show improved sleep latency and sleep depth with consistent lavender use.
Lavender captures the duality of refreshment and calm, making it indispensable for wellness and daily rituals alike.
What is Lavender in Perfumery?
In fragrance, lavender brings a beautifully balanced scent profile: clean, bright, and floral , underpinned by aromatic greens and soft woods. Depending on its pairing, lavender can lean toward light floral elegance, aromatic sharpness, or fresh woody sophistication.
There are two important types of lavender used in perfumery:
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender): Soft, sweet, floral and calming.
Lavandula latifolia (French Lavender): More camphoraceous, sharper, and herbaceous.
At Floris, we select only the finest lavender types to create fragrances that feel both classic and cutting-edge.
Lavender in Men’s Fragrance: A Legacy of Fresh Masculinity
Historically, lavender has been intimately linked with men’s fragrances, especially through the Fougère family, a structure that combines lavender with oakmoss, woods, and fresh herbs. Early 20th-century advertising positioned lavender as a clean, crisp symbol of masculine refinement.
Today, lavender remains a key ingredient in men’s fragrance, not for old-fashioned reasons, but for its undeniable power to bring clarity, freshness, and timeless sophistication to any scent composition.
Lavender’s Signature Role in Floris Classics
Lavender has long been a defining note in Floris fragrances, bringing clarity and freshness to some of our most iconic creations. From historic colognes to modern classics, its presence runs like a thread through our olfactory heritage.
Special No. 127 (1890) - A fragrance with noble origins, blends lavender and orange, neroli and bergamot to create a luminos, floral-citrus composition. Lavender provides a crisp, refreching clarity, elevating the fragrance to a level of effortless sophistication.
No. 89 (1951) - Worn by the likes of Ian Fleming, No. 89 is a masterclass in British elegance. Lavender's distinctive freshness defines the opening, mingling with bergamot and orange, before giving way to a heart of rose, nutmeg, and geranium. A warm, woody base completes this enduring icon.
Elite (1979) - A green-aromatic masterpiece, Elite uses lavender to temper the richness of cedarwood, vetiver, and leather. Its fresh top notes of grapefruit and juniper set the stage for lavender’s clean, herbal lift, creating a sophisticated balance between tradition and vitality.
Vetiver (2000) - Lavender weaves an aromatic brightness through the zesty citrus opening of bergamot and lemon. The heart, a blend of cinnamon, coriander, and vetiver gives the fragrance a lively, contemporary energy, anchored by the earthy depth of amber and sandalwood.
Santal (2002) & Santal Intense (2024) - Lavender’s clean refinement plays a crucial role in Santal, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of sandalwood. Fresh notes of bergamot, cardamom, and black pepper enliven the opening, while lavender ensures the scent remains bright, never heavy.
71/72 (2016) - Created in collaboration with London’s prestigious tailors Turnbull & Asser, 71/72 offers a modern, textured fougère. Lavender provides a smooth, aromatic lift at the top, blending seamlessly with vibrant juniper berries, orris, and warm frankincense. It’s a contemporary tribute to British craftsmanship.
A Return to Tradition: Purple Mémoir
Purple Mémoir is more than a new fragrance, it is a homecoming. As the first Floris fragrance since 2016 to prominently feature lavender, Purple Mémoir reconnects with our enduring tradition while embracing a truly modern spirit.
Opening with a radiant blend of lavender and bergamot, Purple Mémoir unfolds into a textured heart of orris, violet, and delicate florals. A rich, comforting base of sandalwood, tonka, and cacao grounds the composition, creating a fragrance that is at once timeless and avant-garde .
Purple Mémoir is exquisitely balanced, gentle yet commanding, nostalgic yet daring, and perfectly suited to be worn by both women and men. It is a scent of memory, emotion, and pure beauty.
Lavender: The Eternal Spirit of Floris London
From the royal elegance of Special No. 127 to the contemporary artistry of Purple Mémoir, lavender has remained a vital thread in the story of Floris London. Its enduring freshness and subtle strength continue to inspire fragrances that transcend trends, creating timeless expressions of individuality and style.
Why is lavender often used in men’s fragrances?
Lavender has long been associated with classic masculinity due to its clean, crisp scent and its central role in the traditional fougère perfume family. In early 20th-century marketing, lavender became symbolic of refinement, strength, and British grooming, making it a staple in men’s fragrance design.
What are the different types of lavender used in perfume?
Perfumers use several types of lavender, each offering a distinct scent:
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is soft and sweet.
Frence Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is sharper and more camphorous.
Is lavender considered unisex in perfumery today?
Absolutely. While lavender has historic ties to masculine scents, modern perfumery embraces it as a versatile, unisex ingredient. Floris London’s Purple Mémoir is a prime example, a sophisticated blend where lavender shines equally on women and men.
