I first discovered the fragrance house Bois 1920 whilst perusing the shops in one of Italy’s most artistic and stunning city, Florence. Situated down a narrow historic street near Ponte Vecchio this small store was a treasure trove of artisan perfumes. The brand started In Florence during the 1920s when a gentleman named Guido Galardi collected lavender from fields that surrounded this majestic city. In his tiny workshop, he began to experiment and created numerous products using the essential oil and the herb, not long after thatBois 1920 was born. Since then it has been handed down from one generation of the Galardi family to the other and over time has been developed and perfected into the beautiful range of fragrances it is today.
With over 30 fragrances to choose from and all housed in a beautiful array of coloured handmade vessels, I spent a long time discovering each scent. Every bottle encapsulates a different characteristic yet still manages to grasp on to that true artistic soul that Florence is renowned for. Each creation has been thoughtfully put together to produce a range of niche scents built from tradition but still fit perfectly in today’s modern world. I had many many favourites but I thought I would share my top five fragrances in the range that truly made an impression and would make a fantastic addition to anyone’s fragrance wardrobe.
Oro Rosso
Released 2019
240 Euros
NOTES
Top: Blood Orange, Agrumate Notes
Heart: Jasmin, Lavender, Sage Saffron
Base: Woody Notes, Musk of Oak, Oak Wood
Oro Rosso is my absolute favourite and I first discovered this new addition not in Florence but in the Amalfi Coast last year on its release. Its vibrant red bottle with golden top immediately caught my attention and as soon as I tried it, it was love at first spray. After the initial first hit of sparkling blood orange, it delves down into the floral heart where my favourite note jasmine intertwines with the warm and sultry saffron. It has a fantastic sillage, even in the warmth of the Italian climate it still left a trail in the air and I received many compliments. Once Oro Rosso dries down it leaves a warm and sensual aroma which is highly addictive. You won’t be disappointed with this one!
Paranà
Released 2018
175 Euros
NOTES
Top: Birch, Bergamot, Cardamom, Cassis, Galbanum, Blackcurrant
Heart: Rose, Jasmine, Neroli
Base: White Musk, Patchouli, Oak Musk, Amber, Vetiver
It was a difficult decision between Paranà and Oro Rosso as my ultimate favourite but Paranà came a close second. I love how this fragrance flirts between masculine and feminine. At first, the juicy fruit punch of Blackcurrant and Cassis shines through but it transforms as soon as it enters the more delicate floral notes of Rose, Neroli and once again my favourite, Jasmine. This is definitely a much fresher scent than Oro Rosso but has an added spice and depth to it that gives it a completely new dimension. The longevity is stunning and I feel would make a fantastic fragrance from day to night.
Elite I
Released 2019
350 Euros
NOTES
Top: Lemon, Mandarin
Heart: Marine Notes, Tuberose, Gardenia, Lily
Base: Sandal Wood, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Musk
Elite by name Elite by nature. This scent is impressive right from the beginning as it immediately tantalises your nostrils with the uplifting citrus notes of Lemon and Mandarin. For me, it is the marine notes that really take precedence here. It reminds me of walking through one of Italy’s many coastal gardens, the warm wind merging the floral notes with the fresh sea air. It is one of those scents that truly brings a smile to my face and conjures up many memories of my Italian travels. The vanilla, tonka bean and musk provide a lasting warmth, creaminess and sweetness that cling to the skin and slowly dissipates throughout the day and long into the night. Sophisticated, energetic and captivating.
Classic 1920
Released 2005
145 Euros
NOTES
Top: Bergamot, Nutmeg, Apricot, Basil
Heart: Rose, Osmanthus, Lavender, Jasmine, Juniper Berries
Base: Amber, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Sandalwood
As its name suggests this fragrance definitely exudes a more classic collection of notes, however it still manages to sit perfectly in today’s modern world. I find this fragrance very elegant and as I spray it on I immediately want to put on a crips white shirt and my Blu Blazer and head to the nearest cocktail bar. The fragrance has a warm spice to it on the initial spray due to the inclusion of basil and nutmeg, however it has a fruity depth and subtle sweetness througout that counteracts this. Before long the floral/herbaceous notes of Lavender really take precedence and this along with its woody base is the perfect classic mix.
Oro 1920
Release 2013
320 Euros
NOTES
Top: Raspberry, Ginger, Incense, Fir.
Heart: May Rose Absolute, Iris, Guaiac Wood
Base: Benzoin, Leather, Vanilla, Beeswax, Tabacco
This deep and alluring fragrance conjures up images of smoking jackets, cigars and whisky. I adore how immedietly the raspberry emanates from the smoky notes of tobacco and oud without taking over. The inclusion of leather and vanilla add an intricate sweetness that lies in the background but becomes more eminent over time. This fragrance definately evokes memories of walking past the numerous leather making workshops that are so prominent in Florence. I have a fascination for leather inspired scents, of which there are many available but this particular expression of it somehow manages to captivate me more with its enticing combination of notes.
Don’t worry if you can’t travel all the way to Florence, there are numerous establishments in the UK that stock this fantastic range including Fortnum & Mason London, Fenwick London and Gentleman’s Groom Room.
Check out more information and the range over on their website Bois 1920.
Blu Blazer Guy
BLU BLAZER GUY 
One thought on “Bois 1920 – Artisan Perfumes”