Clive Christian No.1 – 15th Anniversary Edition

Luxury limited-edition white-lacquered bottles for him and for her

When Clive Christian commissioned his first scent, he wanted it to contain the most rare and exquisite of ingredients – a luxury classic was created in the form of Clive Christian No. 1. Both the women’s and men’s interpretations are based in sandalwood and musk – the notes in the women’s teased out with orris, orchid and bergamot, and those in the men’s with cardamom, rose and nutmeg. But this week, a limited-edition 15th-anniversary version of No. 1 (pictured, £750; 500 each of the men’s and women’s fragrances are being produced) was released. This is a more intense and concentrated incarnation of the elixir, contained in a white-lacquered interpretation of the house’s signature – and deliciously weighty – bottle, topped with a gold crown.

The crown does not signify royal aspirations, although Christian does boast an OBE; instead it continues the legacy of the Crown Perfumery, which he purchased and renamed nearly two decades ago. It had been established in 1872 to create a scent for Queen Victoria and she was so delighted with the result that she granted the perfume house permission to base the stoppers on her crown.

Perfumery has changed dramatically not just since 1872, but also since 1999. “While we were launching this very expensive and luxurious perfume, it was the era of CK One and retailers were surprised No. 1 had such a great reception,” says Victoria Christian, brand ambassador for her father’s company. Indeed, a mere six years later, the 2005 limited edition of 10 flacons of No. 1 Imperial Majesty – released in vast bottles handcrafted in crystal by Baccarat and crowned with a 5ct diamond – were snapped up for £115,000.

The focus of the limited editions always remains on eau de parfum: “Women 15 years ago bought eau de toilette, but now they realise that perfume is superior and sits very differently on the skin,” continues Victoria Christian. And although the house does sell sprays, droppers are much preferred. But rub your note-crushing wrists together at your peril. “It dramatically changes the way the perfume performs,” she warns.