Grey Flannel, authentic as a quality fabric. Born in Louisiana in 1927, Geoffrey Beene is well known in the world of American haute couture. He is the first menswear designer to present a ready-to-wear collection.
Have you not yet discovered Grey Flannel by Geoffrey Beene? Unfortunately in France, it remains little known, whereas in the United States it is a star of masculine perfumery. The first perfume and a great success for the designer who reigned over flannel clothing in the 60s and 70s, Grey Flannel is a work of art, its floral sophistication being almost unique.
Grey Flannel, or the American cousin of Fahrenheit!
While the beautiful Grey Flannel was quickly noticed by the American public upon its release in 1976, it would seem that France may not have fully recognized this giant of American perfumery at its true worth. So much so that there is even disagreement over which master perfumer created it. Some sources claim that André Fromentin was the creator of Grey Flannel, while others attribute its composition to Jean-Louis Sieuzac. Either way, these two great masters of perfumery both worked as perfumers for the great house of Givaudan, so it may be assumed that they both took part in this splendid Grey Flannel.
While it is difficult to know for certain the actual perfumer behind this singular Geoffrey Beene perfume, one thing is certain: its kinship with Fahrenheit, released a few years later, is unmistakable. All the more so since the highly original Fahrenheit, with its typical woody violet accord, was created by Jean-Louis Sieuzac—the same perfumer who is said to have composed Grey Flannel in 1976, also with a violet accord, though a much greener one than that of Fahrenheit.
Grey Flannel would thus be, in a sense, the American older brother of Fahrenheit. However, while the use of the violet accord is evident in both, Grey Flannel is far more aromatic and biting than its artistic, chiaroscuro successor.
A novel floral violet accord created by Jean-Louis Sieuzac for Grey Flannel
Grey Flannel is the first perfume from the haute couture house of Geoffrey Beene. A true star designer of his era, the fragrance had even won over one of the designer's main clients, a devoted wearer of flannel suits, who was none other than President Kennedy. Indeed, the highly original and floral scent of Grey Flannel seemed to perfectly match the fiery personality of the young American president.
Indeed, from the opening of Grey Flannel, an aromatic and green breeze carries us into the dynamic beauty of petitgrain and clary sage. Galbanum then displays its strong character against these intense freshnesses. At the heart, we have the pleasure of discovering a veritable bouquet of flowers through the scents of neroli and rose, enhanced by geranium—a rarity for a men's perfume, especially in the 70s. The originality of Grey Flannel's heart continues with the powdery notes achieved through violet and coumarin. Finally, the depths of soft, cottony white musks are tinged with the gourmand, woody sweetness of tonka bean.