The History of Cologne

Cologne is a fragrance that dates back centuries. Cologne has become a staple in the world, loved by men and women. The name cologne originates from the city of Cologne, Germany, when an Italian perfume maker named Giovanni Maria was feeling homesick after moving to a new country. With inspiration from perfume, he made a very light citrus based fragrance in 1709 that consisted of many oils such as neroli, grapefruit, orange, lemon, bergamot, and tangerine. He named this Eau de Cologne. Giovanni named his new fragrance after his honored hometown Cologne and the name has stuck ever since.

The new Eau Cologne gained popularity very quickly. It was given in almost every royal household in Europe. People started to believe that this new fragrance could improve your wellbeing and prevent disease. At the time being able to consistently produce a scent was very hard, so prices were high. Before Eau de Cologne was created there were perfumes. Perfume making was a practice under the Persian and Roman Empire. The difference between the 2 fragrances is perfume is made from incense while Eau Cologne has an alcohol base.

With all the success of Giovanni's new invention came a lot of imitators and new versions of “Cologne” being produced through Europe. But nothing was like the original, Giovanni's cologne had been produced through the Farina family for generations to come.

The history of “Eau de Cologne,” or cologne as we know it today, is fascinating. Cologne has played a signifi cant role in cultural expression and grooming. Over centuries, cologne has adapted to many new trends, but it has retained its freshness and originality. Today cologne is a way to enhance your personal style and evoke memories.