4711: The Oldest Cologne Brand In The World?

Posted: 05/10/11

Katie Jones

Follow: 4711, Beauty, Cologne, Fragrance

4711-cologne Photo: 4711

Cologne brand 4711 has become a cult fragrance, but one of their best kept secrets is that their formula dates back to the 17th century.

The 'wonder water' has got quite a history too. It was first given as a wedding present in 1792 and after Napoleon ensured all secret formulas were decreed in 1910, 4711 officially became a perfume. The famous blend of orange, bergamot and lemon means that this unisex scent is still popular today.

The latest addition to the 4711 family is Nouveau Cologne, an updated, uplifting version of the original scent. Blackcurrant and lychee have been mixed with woody base notes and the ornamental label has been given a modern twist. Our favourite part? The iconic Molanus glass bottle design has hardly been changed.

4711 fragrance and Nouveau Cologne are available from Boots stores and escentual.com. Take a look below to see more of our favourite (and the most beautiful) perfume bottles.

Beautiful Perfume Bottles

Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune - Guerlain
 <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Guerlain+Aqua+Allegoria+Pamplelune+EDT/819028592,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune by Guerlain</a>, £35.50 for 75ml, available from House of Fraser "Since 1853, with the creation of the Eau de Cologne Impériale for the Empress Eugénie and its legendary bottle adorned with 69 bees, this motif has been part of the house’s history. "Faithful to the tradition of the bottle created by the sculptor Robert Granai, with an elegant honeycomb casing around the neck, the Aqua Allegoria retain their original design but are now adorned with a golden label, more precious and distinguished than ever. The bee motif also features on its cap."
Midnight Rain - La Prairie
 <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/La+Prairie+Midnight+Rain+Eau+De+Parfum+50ml/117564278,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Midnight Rain by La Prairie</a>, £74 for 50ml, available from House of Fraser
Be Delicious - DKNY
 <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/DKNY+Be+Delicious+Women+eau+de+parfum/DBDEW_EDP,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Be Delicious by DKNY</a>, £43 for 50ml, available from House of Fraser
Lovestruck - Vera Wang
 <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Vera+Wang+Vera+Wang+Lovestruck+Eau+De+Parfum/WangLovest,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Lovestruck by Vera Wang</a>, £35 for 30ml, available from House of Fraser
Dolce Vita - Dior
 <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dior+100ml+Dolce+Vita+Eau+de+Toilette/804000301,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Dolce Vita by Dior</a>, £69.50 for 100ml, available from House of Fraser
Neroli Portofino - Tom Ford
 <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Tom+Ford+Neroli+Portofino+Decanter+250ml/152763469,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Nerolie Portofino Decanter by Tom Ford</a>, £270 for 250ml, available from House of Fraser "Originally packaged in the apothecary brown Private Blend bottle, the scent is re-coloured in a dramatic yet translucent turquoise glass bottle in the same three bottle designs [50ml, 100ml, 250ml]. The crimp cord around the neck and familiar Tom Ford label are still coated in a decadent golden hue. The body products are packaged in clear and opaque aqua, reminiscent of the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea."