On the memorable afternoon of Wednesday 28th February, the prestigious Hotel Café Royal graciously welcomed our nearest and dearest to honour a tale deeply cherished within Floris history.

Among the famous faces who have graced our doors, literary icon Oscar Wilde stands prominently, his presence echoing through the corridors of time since his frequent visits to our Jermyn Street boutique during the 19th century. It was here at Floris where he acquired his signature scent, Malmaison, before embarking on leisurely strolls to the illustrious Hotel Café Royal.

Renowned for its opulence and distinguished as one of London’s only absinthe bars, this establishment held a particular allure for Oscar Wilde. Here, amidst the ambiance of extravagance, he would enjoy a tipple, allowing the intoxicating essence of absinthe to spark his imagination, before retiring to The Grill Room. It was within these gilded gold walls where he would both dine and dream, his mind ignited by the spirit of creativity and the ethereal effects of absinthe, penning some of his most iconic literary masterpieces.

In homage to Oscar Wilde, it was only fitting that we unveil in that very room our interpretation of his essence with the captivating Wilde Eau de Parfum . A scent capturing sparkling bergamot and gentle citrus blossom, layered with the spicy combination of white jasmine, ginger and green carnation, an affirmation to Wilde’s love and affection.

As guests entered the room, their eyes beheld a spectacle of splendour: walls adorned with gleaming gold, ceilings decorated with hand-painted renaissance art, and the air filled with the tantalizing notes of bergamot and ginger. Each table presented a delicate arrangement of green carnations, a nod to Wilde's favoured bloom. With glasses of champagne in hand, guests mingled amidst the opulent surroundings, sharing in the admiration for Floris and its storied legacy.

An exclusive culinary journey soon awaited, expertly crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Loic Carbonnet. A symphony of scent and flavour unfolded as guests delighted in an array of sweet treats, each artfully paired with the essence of Wilde. From the delicate bergamot cheesecake to the tantalizing spiced apple and ginger tartlets, and the citrus-infused lemon drizzle cakes, every bite was a testament to the essence of Wilde.

The highlight of the evening came with heartfelt speeches from two distinguished figures of Floris: Edward Bodenham, 9th generation Floris Family Member and Perfumery Director, whose family welcomed Wilde often at 89 Jermyn St. And Penny Ellis, the talented perfumer behind Wilde Eau de Parfum, and whose admiration for Wilde shines through this sparkling fragrance.

As we devoted an afternoon to honouring Oscar Wilde's timeless ethos, delving into the rich tapestry of Floris' heritage, and revelling in the allure of its impeccable scent, a shared feeling flowed through the room. The feeling in that we were all experiencing a small part of history. With nearly three centuries of Floris history behind us, the path ahead brims with promise, ensuring countless more tales yet to be told.