Feb
27
2009
By
Alex Miller
for Valet.
  • Creed's United States Headquarters are based in the Empire State Building.
The
Cult
of
Creed
 

Few indicators of your personal style are as immediate and potent as a signature scent. Who better than the storied house of Creed—the luxury fragrance dynasty that's been commissioned for colognes by the likes of King George III to Cary Grant—to illustrate the point? Seven generations of Creed men have studied under their father's tutelage to become the company's next master perfumer. Currently, Olivier Creed is teaching the family business to his 28-year-old son Erwin, which means traveling the world over to find inspiration and ingredients. The men insist on all natural essences and labor-intensive production methods as opposed to the industry standard of synthetic aromas. The difference, for the uninitiated, is that the quality stuff produces a truer scent and lasts longer than the noxious swill you spritzed in high school. All the legwork seems to be paying off. Creed's bottles of handcrafted colognes are moving faster then ever before. Below, three to check out.

 
 
The Scents
Green Irish Tweed

Back Story

Originally created for Cary Grant in 1985, it's undoubtedly the brand's most recognized product.

Himalaya

Back Story

An avid outdoorsman, Olivier Creed was inspired by his adventures climbing the mountain range.

Millésime Impérial

Back Story

The former King of Saudi Arabia actually gave Creed a bar of gold to serve as a design influence.

 

Notes

  • Top: French verbena, Florentine iris blossom
  • Middle: Violet leaves
  • Base: Sandalwood from Mysore, ambergris

Notes

  • Top: Grapefruit, bergamot from Calabria, lemon from Sicily
  • Middle: Sandalwood
  • Base: Musk, ambergris, cedarwood

Notes

  • Top: Crisp fruit notes, sea salt
  • Middle: Sicilian lemon, bergamot, mandarin, Florentine Iris
  • Base: Musk, woody and marine notes
 

Layman's Idea

Though comparisons can be made to Cool Water, this has a more subtle character and is certainly much more gentlemanly. A bit mossy and woodsy, but also sporty.

Layman's Idea

Confident, yet not domineering. Perfect for the cool spring months, this clean, slightly soapy scent reminiscent of the morning after the rain.

Layman's Idea

Predominantly citrusy and sweet, but also warm and a bit floral. This is a strong scent—best suited for an evening out.

 
$122 to $250, at Neiman Marcus
$122 to $250, at Bergdorf Goodman
$122 to $250, at Neiman Marcus
 
 
 
Who's Wearing It
Tabarôme

Winston Churchill

Vetiver

John F. Kennedy

Green Irish Tweed

Prince Charles, Clint Eastwood

Silver Mountain Water

David Bowie

Millésime Impérial

Harrison Ford

Bois du Portugal

Paul Newman

Erolfa

Sean Penn

 

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