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 Today, there is the very concept of a universal fashion. The focus is set individually, so we do not need to stick to any certain style, but you can express yourself to the fullest. Some people prefer spirits to gourmet notes - aromas of chocolate, caramel, melon. Some shops located in the old vintage odors. Someone crazy oriental spices, and some prefer to smell clean and soap. We live in a world of infinite variety of flavors. There is only one problem - how to choose yours? ..
From the history of fragrances
Perfumes has its origins in ancient Egypt and ancient Greece, where the flavors are used for a wide range of treatments: embalming, hygienic and therapeutic purposes, and, of course, for seduction. Legendary Greek ferryman Phaon using a bottle of perfume, received a gift from the goddess of love, Aphrodite, was able to conquer the beautiful Sappho - poet from the island of Lesbos.
A huge contribution to the development of perfumes made the Persians and the Arabs: in the East for the first time learned how to make aromatic oils and essences. Then the spirits penetrate the Ancient Rome, where he actively used not only as a fragrance, but also as a healing agent (not by chance at the same time were the sellers of incense and pharmacists).
The Romans invented glass and perfume bottles, extant. On the areas of ancient cities rose water fountains. On Nero's feasts during the meal over the heads of the guests ran soaked with white doves in scented water wings.
Recipes aromatic substances can be found in the Old Testament. Spirits are associated with many historical figures. In the tenth century BC, the queen of Sheba presented as a gift to King Solomon precious casket with incense. And Alexander the Great went to this box as a war trophy.
With the advent of Christianity, the spirits were treated as something frivolous, though incense is still used in religious ceremonies. In Europe, the art of perfume almost disappears, but in the East it reaches its greatest prosperity. But as communication between different regions grow stronger, to conceal the precious liquid is no longer possible: the Crusaders through Venice again import it into Europe. In 1615 there appeared the first recipe for lavender water.
Among the clients of the Eastern perfume sellers were the senior Europeans. At the same time the best connoisseurs of the best students and perfume production turned out to be French. And that France became the new capital of perfume. Such it remains to this day.
Aromas blue-blooded
For centuries, the spirits were considered a luxury, so the first ordered it, and at the same time advertising potrebitelnits persons perfumes were holders of blue blood.
It is believed that the spirits of the fashion for Catherine de Medici introduced. A magician Rene le Florentin mixed scents for her at random, and the Queen chose their favorite. Incidentally, choked while mainly gloves.
The first official court considered the perfumer Jean-François Houbigant - he pampered smells of Marie Antoinette, who introduced the fashion for perfumed bath, scented handkerchiefs and special fragrant sachets worn under clothing.
Later, customers at home Houbigant were Queen Victoria, Napoleon III and the Russian Emperor Alexander III, who were dedicated to the flavors "Royal Bouquet" and "Eau de Russian Empire." Another perfume house - Creed, founded in 1760, supplied the scented water Empress Eugénie, Empress Elizabeth of Austria, and other royals. The house is well lived up to our days and today provides an opportunity for everyone to order the individual flavor (although it needs to join the long waiting list and order at least ten liters of spirits).
In the XIX century in France there were three legendary perfume house. And each had its famous patrons. Guerlain House bestowed flavors Empress Eugénie, Coudray - Adelaide Orleans and Queen Victoria, and Roger & Gallet - Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine. Napoleon was a maniac all odors: the day he translated to 12 liters of toilet water and in exile on the island of St. Helena, when he ended cologne Emperor invented own recipe with the addition of bergamot. By the way, it is believed that Napoleon and invented the term "eau de toilette".
Today and royals time two and a handful, and perfumes for them no one invents - Modern Princess and Duchess of fragrance the same as you and me.
/ Continued in the next issue /
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