House of Creed
by allthebest • 11 Jan ’08 • fragrances • 20 Comments
seventh generation Parfumeur Erwin Creed
These days, when the perfume industry is increasingly dominated by heavily advertised brands, it’s refreshing to know there still exists a discreet family-owned perfume house dedicated to the creation of highly original fragrances of extravagant quality.
The House of Creed was founded in 1760 when James Henry Creed opened his first shop in London. It rapidly became a favorite of the aristocracy and soon Queen Victoria appointed Creed as an official supplier to the Royal household. In 1854, under the patronage of Empress Eugénie, the House of Creed moved to Paris where it still operates. Today Olivier Creed, direct descendant of James Henry Creed, continues the tradition as Createur Parfumeur and President of the House of Creed.
When I was home visiting family in Houston this past November I had the opportunity to meet seventh generation Parfumeur and designated future head of the company Erwin Creed. Creed has long been one of my favorite fragrances, so it was quite fascinating to meet M. Creed over a glass of champagne at Neiman Marcus.
Over the years the Creed family has produced over two hundred perfumes, all original and hand-made, often creating fragrances for the exclusive use of their wealthiest customers. My personal favorites include Silver Mountain Water, Spring Flower and Fleur de Thé Rose Bulgare.
House of Creed commissioned fragrances:
Royal English Leather, commissioned by King George III in 1781
Fleurs de Bulgarie, commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1845
Jasmin Imperatrice Eugénie, for the Empress Eugénie
Angélique Encens, for Marlene Dietrich
Jasmal, for Natalie Wood
Fleurissimo, commissioned for Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier
Millésime Impérial, for King Faisal of Saudi Arabi
Sélection Verte, for Cary Grant
Fleurs de Thé Rose Bulgare, for Ava Gardner
Cuir de Russie, for Errol Flynn
- Follow up post –
Yesterday I posted only House of Creed commissioned fragrances, but a comment by Things That Inspire inspired me to list other popular Creed fragrances and Creed admirers.
Vetiver, worn by John F. Kennedy
Tabarome, worn by Winston Churchill
Green Irish Tweed, worn by Prince Charles and George Clooney
Silver Mountain Water, worn by David Bowie
Spring Flower, worn by Audrey Hepburn
Fleurissimo, worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
I don’t think I have ever smelt their fragrances. Now you have my curiosity peaked.
They are wonderful Patricia! Let me know if you get the chance to smell them.
I’d love to have a glass of bubbly with M. Creed. My favorite is Green Valley.
I’ve tried for years to switch to Creed (Cary Grant! C’mon… a guy needs all the help he can get) but Mrs. E. is a one scent gal and won’t let me switch. (To be fair, she only wears Coco by Chanel and I wouldn’t have it any other way…)
I love the idea of the family business having that kind of longevity. Thank you for bringing these folks out from behind the product.
i adore spring flower! and i love that they aren’t selling out to horrible “heiress” like paris and her cheesy “can can” frag.
i wear nothing but fleurissimo year round. i have worn it for so many years and i imagine i will never change. what good fortune for you and erwin to meet. an interesting profession indeed.
Silver Mountain Water is my personal favorite too. No matter where I go, if I am wearing it at least one person will inquire about it. And it’s completely unisex to boot, smells fantastic on both men and women. Had no idea about all the commissions, however. Great post!
Me too John, I always get comments when I wear it…it’s simply divine!!
Green Irish Tweed…forever my favourite!
Cheers.
It’s such a classic scent Amy. I now remember that you wear Fleurissimo from one of my very first blog post. It was good fortune indeed!
I soooo agree with you Pink wallpaper!!
Silver mountain water is totally unreal! I can’t begin to count all the great comments I’ve received.
Wow, what a list of clients!
Young and handsome! I suspect we will be seeing alot more of Mr. Erwin Creed.
i like to wear green irish tweed almost every day even though it is a men’s fragrance, i get loads of compliments on it though
Great post! I love Creed, and it is so hard to find. Neiman Marcus carries it in Atlanta. Spring Flower is the most beautiful scent, and now I am anxious to smell silver mountain water and Fleurissimo. I seem to recall reading that Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O and Princess Diana had favorite Creed scents…
ok, NOW i’m going to have to go find some creed in california after reading all these comments, and the list of historical icons who have worn it. perhaps i will have to give young mr. erwin a call if i can’t get it here – he’s just my age
LOVE Green Irish Tweed Paul and mackenna!
And cute too coco+kelley
He seems to be making many appearances these days Katiedid.
Wow…just one easy and elegant life! I have so many, just can’t limit myself.
I do love the idea of having a signature scent, though. Somehow it seems so decadent. Or self-assured, at any rate.