Eau de Cologne - No. 4711

What is an 'Eau de Cologne'? Quite literally it is 'Water of Cologne'. But why write it in French and not German? To make things more confusing, the first Eau de Cologne was created by an Italian, Johann Maria Farina. Farina was a pioneering perfumier who opened what is now the world's oldest perfume factory in Cologne in 1709. "I have found a fragrance that reminds me of an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain," he wrote to his brother. He gave it a French name to make it sound chic.

Pre-WW2 advert for '4711'

'4711' is hands down the world's most famous Eau de Cologne. The name derives from the location of the original factory on Glockengasse, No. 4711, where the brand's rather splendid flagship store is located. The perfume was created by Wilhelm Mülhens back in the 1790's and is still produced using the original formula. JFK wore it. Holly Golightly wears it in Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffanys. Bizarrely, Pete Townshend used to snort it. It's also commonly used in Haitian Voodoo.

A bottle of '4711' dating from 1885

Like most Eau de Colognes, 4711 is a light, unisex fragrance. It has a refreshing citrus kick to it with a hint of cedar wood. On your skin it's very subtle which is the reason, I think, for its great success. It's also cheap.

'4711' today

East London - Ian Johns

Ian has been buying and selling vintage clothes in London for over 25 years. He currently runs Hunky Dory Vintage, 226 Brick Lane which always stocks an affordable, quality selection of clothing. Maybe it's not surprising that almost all of Ian's outfit came from his own shop!

 

Ian's outfit
Vintage Ray Bans
1960's tattersall check waistcoat
Vintage 'Dior' fly front shirt
Bow-tie and handkerchief from Hunky Dory
Levi's LVC 501xx 1890 model. "Given to me as a bit of product placement!"
1960's Tootal paisley scarf
Vintage gladstone bag
Church's 'custom grade' brogues

Bumble and Bumble Grooming Creme

Today's gent is always battering the hell out of his hair with pomades and waxes and what-not. They offer great hold and shine but are they any good for your hair? I'd recommend going easy on the grease for a time and using a cream every now and then. You can substitute hold for a looser, tousled look (a la Gene Vincent!) and restore a little of your hair's natural oil balance.

Rather like good old-fashioned Brylcreem, Bumble and Bumble's Grooming Creme "grooms without gumming". Just put a little on your palm and run your fingers through your hair. It's also particularly good for Afro hair-types or anyone who has coarser, dryer hair.






















This cream is carefully blended with a mixture of safflower and jojoba oils (for a light sheen), and avocado and almond oils (for moisturising). The scent is refreshingly neutral, rather like Dove soap for example. £22 will get you a large (150 ml) tube, which will last you some time. Not as cheap as Brylcreem, but a good product.

East London - Ricardo

I ran into Ricardo outside Levisons on Chesire Street, E2 which is always worth a look. I really like Ricardo's individual style. All his tattoos have personal meaning and I get the impression his clothes do too.

Ricardo's outfit
Glasses - 1960's Polaroid "I got them for ten pounds many years ago."

Shirts - Forsyth leaf shirt / Orange shirt hand made in Hong Kong from Rokit for £5

Necklaces -  "The pouch is a present from a Cree Indian called Charlie Black Fox and these are Ghanaian beads."

Jeans - "Levi's, glued and stitched... had for years."

Tattoos - "Had 'em for years too."

Watch - "1968 Seiko divers watch. It belonged to my dad."

Footwear - Moccasin leather boots. "From Wildcat Will."

South London Style - Marco Nelson

Marco is a music producer and photographer. He runs an all analogue studio in Brixton Hill. He's also a founder member of Mercury Prize-nominated soul group Young Disciples and has played bass on records by Paul Weller and Primal Scream. I caught him outside the Southbank Centre snapping pictures on his Leica M3 camera.

Marco's outfit

Overcoat - French Dust Jacket from Leftovers, Brixton
Worker jacket - "Also from Leftovers."
Jumper - 1950s Royal Navy
Breton Stripes - Arthur Beale, Covent Garden
Watch - Rotary 1950s
Jeans - Levi's 501xx 1940s cut
Shoes - Clarks Originals Desert Boots
Camera - Leica M3

Mother's Day - Last minute gift ideas!

Teapot by Orla Kiely - £55

Parakeet Silk Scarf by Cléo Ferin Mercury at Labour-Of-Love - £160

Rose Otto Collection by Balance Me - £12

 Bluebell Eau de toilette by Penhaligons - £85

 Earrings by Wolf and Moon - £42

 Sweet Almond and Macaroon Candle by Jo Malone - £39

Les Demoiselles de Rochefort DVD at Amazon.co.uk - £11.55

Colours for Spring!

colours for spring!! by lostjohns featuring water resistant watches