Based in Paris, CREED is a prestigious luxury fragrance company established in 1760. It holds the distinction of being the world’s only dynastic, privately held fragrance company, with ownership passed down from father to son for over 250 years. Serving royal houses and discerning customers alike, CREED has been a purveyor of exquisite fragrances throughout its long and illustrious history.
Today, CREED is led by Olivier CREED, the sixth generation of his family to helm the company. As the creator of some of its most popular scents, Olivier has proven to be an exceptional guide for the brand. Contributing to the artistry of CREED and poised to carry forward the legacy as the future head is his son, Erwin, the seventh generation of the family.
CREED was originally founded in London by James Henry CREED. In 1781, the firm received its first royal commission from King George III of England, who requested the creation of the fragrance Royal English Leather. In 1854, at the behest of Empress Eugenie of France, CREED relocated its operations to Paris. It was during this time that CREED crafted Jasmin Imperatrice Eugenie, a fragrance that remains in its offerings to this day. The brand also had the privilege of serving Empress Eugenie’s husband, Napoleon III. Notable clients of CREED during this era included Emperor Franz-Josef of Austria-Hungary, Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) of Austria, and Czar Nicholas II of Russia.
In recognition of its exceptional craftsmanship, CREED was appointed the “official supplier” to the British royal court by Queen Victoria in 1885. On behalf of her majesty, CREED created the scent Fleurs de Bulgarie, a captivating fragrance that continues to be available today. Queen Maria Cristina of Spain also bestowed the honor of supplier upon CREED through a royal order in the same year.
Throughout the 20th century, CREED continued to captivate royalty and influential figures alike. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, as well as renowned politicians, became loyal patrons of the brand. Notably, Sir Winston Churchill was partial to CREED’s Tabarome, while Congressman John F. Kennedy, who would later become President, favored CREED’s Vetiver.
The allure of CREED extended beyond the realms of monarchy and politics, earning the brand a firm foothold in Hollywood. In 1956, Prince Rainier of Monaco commissioned CREED to create Grace Kelly’s wedding day fragrance, Fleurissimo. This marked the beginning of a long-lasting love affair between Hollywood and CREED.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Olivier CREED, a master perfumer, conceptualized some of CREED’s most cherished fragrances. Green Irish Tweed, Millesime Imperial, Silver Mountain Water, Spring Flower, Himalaya, and Original Vetiver are among these beloved creations. Notably, the last two fragrances were developed in collaboration with Olivier’s son, Erwin CREED.
In 2005, CREED introduced Love In White, a fragrance that garnered attention from two First Ladies. Laura Bush, wife of former President George W. Bush, graciously received the first bottle of Love In White in 2005 and expressed her gratitude to CREED in a note sent from Paris. Michelle Obama, the following First Lady, is also known to be a wearer of this signature fragrance.
The year 2006 witnessed the launch of CREED Royal Ceylan, with the inaugural bottle presented to Kate Middleton. The same year, CREED introduced Original Santal, an opulent scent infused with royal Indian sandalwood, designed for both men and women. The fragrance received high acclaim, earning four out of five stars in a New York Times critique.
Inspired by Jacqueline Onassis, CREED unveiled Love In Black in 2008. In 2009, the brand introduced Acqua Fiorentina, a fragrance that evokes the spirit of Renaissance Florence. That same year also marked the debut of Sublime Vanille, the first offering in CREED’s Royal Exclusives collection-within-the-collection.
Marking its 250th anniversary in 2010, CREED celebrated by inaugurating its only U.S. store on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Additionally, the company created Aventus, a fragrance deemed “mesmerizing” by The New York Times.
Looking ahead to 2011, CREED is set to launch Royal-Oud, a unisex fragrance enriched with luxurious oud extracted from Agarwood trees. The fragrance commands a higher price per ounce than palladium. Furthermore, CREED will expand its Royal Exclusives line with the introduction of Original Cologne and White Flowers.
For a comprehensive range of CREED’s offerings, please visit the official website at www.creedboutique.com. With a portfolio of 93 unique perfumes, CREED is a venerable name in the world of perfumery. Its commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and enduring elegance has solidified CREED as a revered institution spanning generations.
