London, 1872: William Sparks Thomson (1823-1907), who has been selling corsets for women since 1840, founds the Crown Perfumery.
To be precise, the perfume house originated from a curious, but not uncommon medical problem of the time. The ladies who tried on and bought corsets at 'Thomson' literally lost their breath due to the tight lacing. The inevitable consequence: fainting.
It was Thomson's son and chemist who came up with the idea of reviving the incapacitated ladies with a lavender smelling salt.
In 1865, the first perfume named "Crab Apple Blossom" followed the smelling salt - and in 1872, the "Crown Perfumery" was founded.
... In 1999, the label "Clive Christian" emerged from the Crown Perfumery.
... In 2022 - 150 years after the founding of the Crown Perfumery, Clive Christian celebrates this occasion appropriately with two specially created fragrance creations.
In addition to "Anniversary Collection - 150: Timeless | Clive Christian," this review will focus on "Anniversary Collection - 150: Contemporary | Clive Christian."
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It is rare to encounter Clive Christian fragrances in perfumeries. However, those lucky enough to own a Clive Christian fragrance, or who have held a bottle in their hands, will know the heavy crown-shaped cap.
Overall, the small, colorful 50ml glass bottles feel truly luxurious. But the outrageously expensive concoction is meant to be protected. And speaking of the concoction - that's what we're really here to discuss:
A 50.0% fragrance oil concentration is granted to the owner of this limited, fruity-fresh scent. Globally, 3,500 copies have been released. Most of them have likely ended up with their final owners by now.
"Contemporary" translates to "zeitgenössisch" in German. So thematically, it fits like a glove. Whether the fragrance itself truly corresponds to the spirit of the time, I cannot judge.
What I can judge, however, is that "Anniversary Collection - 150: Contemporary | Clive Christian" is a very straightforward fragrance. There is little development, and that should not be viewed negatively in any way.
To give a rough idea of the direction the fragrance takes, I would suggest
Acqua di Giò pour Homme Eau de Toilette as a reference. However, this comparison only conveys a very subtle vibe. Fortunately, the aquatic touch is completely absent in "Anniversary Collection - 150: Contemporary | Clive Christian." The fragrances are different!
Upon spraying, I perceive an interesting mix of various fragrance notes. Sage, blackberry, but also a slightly powdery violet appear almost simultaneously and dance around their place in the overall picture as if choreographed. This choreographic performance happens in the well-known Clive Christian manner - namely, almost perfectly.
Masculinely grounded, the whole thing is rounded off in the nose by a fine, mossy base and the understated single malt.
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I see "Anniversary Collection - 150: Contemporary | Clive Christian" more suited to a masculine wearer. Despite its uniqueness, the fragrance is relatively versatile due to a certain appeal. Only in winter would I reach for a fragrance that perhaps brings a bit more warm spice and sweeter components.
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In conclusion, the usual price disclaimer:
I do not wish to pass judgment on the price of "Anniversary Collection - 150: Contemporary | Clive Christian." The fragrance smells incredibly luxurious, but whether it is worth the asking price is an individual decision.
I believe that at the very least, the last steadfast contemporary ladies would have lost their breath at the price tag. Then Thomson might have brought out the tried-and-true smelling salts again, because "Anniversary Collection - 150: Contemporary | Clive Christian" would surely have allowed the ladies to continue dreaming ;-)
Personally, I would be more inclined to pay a high price for a limited and very distinctive fragrance.
Blackberry
Black pepper
Moss
Cedarwood
Nutmeg
Violet
Geranium
Whisky
3aloosh
Dixieland88
NicheOnly
CollectPerf
Eggi37
Theris
Konst121
Cfr
Schoeibksr
Smoetn
