We all know what Marilyn Monroe wore to bed, but what did she like to bathe in, beforehand; and which matching fine fragrance captivated her to the point of what we would class a definite fragrant obsession: ordering SIX bottles at a time…?
We adore the fact that fragrance is so immediately evocative, and can take us back to happy memories and surround us with a comforting sense of nostalgia. But how wonderful that we can also use fragrance to gain olfactory insight into the past – and to even wear it ourselves, to feel like a star! So: given her famously scandalous revelation of sleeping naked but for THAT iconic scent, we wonder if perhaps Marilyn was way ahead of her time in liking to layer other fragrant body treats, and indeed of stepping outside the (then) social norms of having a single scent you wore to every occasion? It certainly seems so, now we have the actual receipts (as the young people like to say), and can see some of Marilyn’s personal perfumed preferences and scent-shopping habits…
You see, historic British house Floris have a letter from Marilyn Monroe thanking the fragrance house for sending a consignment of Rose Geranium Bath Essence. What superb taste she clearly had: this is also one of our own favourite nostalgic bath treats, with just a drop or two filling the room with its incredible powdery rose geranium fragrance. Alongside the geranium, you’ll enjoy fresh citrus touches, and a beautifully pared-down base of cedarwood.
Floris Rose Geranium Bath Essence £65 for 50ml florislondon.com
Floris Says:
“Rose Geranium was first introduced by Floris in 1890 when pink geranium was added to the existing Geranium fragrance.
One of our most esteemed and loved clients was Marilyn Monroe, a star that has transcended time and captured our imaginations like no other. Whilst staying in London at Claridge’s Hotel, Marilyn made the short walk from her luxurious lodgings in Mayfair to St James’s and into Floris’ boutique. Under the alias of Miss Dorothy Blass, Monroe ordered six bottles of Floris Rose Geranium ‘Toilet Water’.
The perfumes were to be sent from the Floris shop at 89 Jermyn Street, London to Beverly Hills Hotel in California, where Monroe stayed after filming one of her most famous movies, ‘Some Like It Hot’. The original receipt from 1959, initially under the name of Miss Dorothy Blass was amended to read Marilyn Monroe Miller, is available to view at our Jermyn Street ’museum’ along with other treasured pieces of Floris history.”
And the matching scent the world’s biggest sex-symbol always made sure to stock up on? In their extraordinary archive (some of which is on display in the rear of their stunning Jermyn Street boutique), Floris also happen to have an original form relating to Marilyn, detailing her order for their surprisingly unisex and greenly fresh Rose Geranium – now revived as part of their Ledger Collection. Indeed, she loved it so much she requested SIX bottles at a time be delivered to her in Beverley Hills!
Floris describes: “The characteristic notes of geranium are enhanced by the fresh citrus nuances of citronella and a hint of rose. A harmonious heart with an uplifting blend of palmarosa, the timeless beauty of rose, and the gentle touch of rosewood. A captivating heart that evokes elegance and grace leaves space to a simply woody base note accord of cedarwood. A grounded warm woody presence adds depth and sophistication to the delicate bouquet.”
Floris Ledger Series Rose Geranium £220 for 100ml eau de parfum florislondon.com
Fragrance is the closest we get to time travel, and via the historic bath essence, and the new Ledger Series eau de parfum, it ensures that this beloved scent, once favoured by Marilyn Monroe, continues to captivate us today. Its enduring appeal not only secures a place in the Floris archives, allowing us to spritz on a piece of history whenever we desire; but also feels perfectly suited for the present – preserving the perfumed legacy for future generations of fragrance (and Marilyn) lovers to come…
Written by Suzy Nightingale
– It’s vital to live with a fragrance for several hours (better still – an entire day) on your skin. That scent you spritz and immediately fall for may turn into something less than loveable as the notes develop.
