The House of Creed, founded in 1760 by James Henry Creed, originally started as a bespoke tailor firm on Conduit Street in Mayfair, London. The addition of fine fragrances, available to London’s elite, soon filtered through and took off in 1781, when James Henry created Royal English Leather scented gloves (scented gloves were all the rage among the British upper classes), in honour of King George III. The famed scent remains in the collection today.
Over 206 years and over 200 fragrances later, House of Creed is still creating fragrances for the discerning and big names have been linked to various perfumes over the years, from Winston Churchill, Cary Grant, Michelle Obama, Richard Gere and Frank Sinatra back in the day to Usher, who is a fan of Absolu Aventus, a fresh take of the celebrated Aventus for Men.
Today, Olivier Creed, the sixth generation of the family, runs the business together with his son Erwin and the House continues to create original fragrances.
Creed’s latest creation for women, Queen of Silk, was recently presented at a lavish sit-down dinner, all decked in shades of purple, at Skins in Sandton City. In homage to the luxury of fine silk, a treasured fabric since ancient China, the amber floral fragrance is crafted to capture the effect of a delicate wrap that embraces the skin.
What does it smell like?
Chinese osmanthus imparts a silky, fruity softness, while tuberose and patchouli give a decadent floral touch, and Madagascan vanilla ensures a warm, comforting trail. The leathery, suede scent of saffron takes the edge off the sweetness, while Chinese cedarwood and agarwood give it a warm and sophisticated finish. Rich and complex, it’s one for evenings or special occasions. Creed Queen Of Silk Eau de Parfum retails for R4 300 for 30ml and R6 540 for 75ml at Skins.
