Phul Nana – fresh to begin with, elegant dry down. Easy to wear, but not a girly fragrance. I could easily imagine a man wearing this.

Shem-El-Nessim – rich floral with base notes which remind me of L’Heure Bleu or L’Origan

Hasu-No-Hana – spicy floral

I also have to emphasise that these fragrances are very much ‘of their time’, i.e. they are not modern fragrances. I also feel they are high quality. I would recommend if your curiosity (or cynicism!) is aroused that you try them for yourself. I would certainly invest in a bottle of Phul Nana (or all three if funds permit).

I should also state that I am not employed by Grossmith in any capacity.

Do a bit of research – google Phul Nana, shem el nessim, hasu no hana.. look up http://www.grossmithlondon.com

it’s not for me to prove the point, but if it was all a sham then the Grossmith fragrances would have been placed in a much more mainstream position to maximise purchase.. that they haven’t should suggest to you that this is a labour of love as opposed to merely a money making opportunity!

Honestly, I can see why people may be cynical, but I’ve lived with this project for 18 months and I can honestly tell you that it isn’t trumped up at all!

The original formulation books DO exist.. I’ve seen them, and in the case of Phul-Nana we had access to an old, relatively well preserved sample of the perfume. How did we start? by looking at the original formulations, determining what could and could not be used under 21st century health standards, and what the modern equivalent ingredients were. We also where possible analysed the remants at the bottom of original bottles to gain an better understanding.

I can assure you that the three fragrances are as true to the originals as 21st Century safety standards will allow… and believe me, you will get high quality fragrances for your money!

As for Simon keeping his feet on the ground.. after working closely with him for 18 months on this project I can be certain that he is a level headed guy who is adamant to recreate the company as close as possible to the original, and with the greatest respect to Roja Dove.. Simon will not need his help to remain level headed – far from it!

Believe me, the new Grossmith opportunity is not some opportunist back-making chap with nothing better to do with his time!

I guess Queen Victoria was keen on Grossmith’s Lavender Water. I wouldn’t mind trying their White Fire if they recreate it. I recall buying my mother a Christmas present when I was 7 years old, but forsook the White Fire for Max Factor’s Primitif (you might recall those black cats with bright coloured glass eyes)