The rich history of fabric and fragrance
When we think of fragrance, we usually think of dabbing scent on our wrists, walking through a cloud of perfume, or spraying a cool spritz across the collarbone. But there’s another way to wear your favorite fragrance; on your clothing.
Here at Poète, we think fabric and fragrance belong together. That’s what inspired us to create Poète Clothing Spritz™; our fine French fragrance spray that leaves your clothing delicately scented and effortlessly ready-to-wear.
But we’re not the only ones who think fabric and fragrance were made for each other. History says so, too.
Fabric and fragrance go way…way back
Scented textiles have been part of the fabric of society for millennia. 4,000 years ago, in ancient Egypt, perfumes took the form of oils, salves, or incense-style fragrances made by burning resin and bark. Many of the ingredients they used way back then are still popular scent staples today – like lily, lemongrass, and rose.
Rare and costly, these fragrances were largely restricted to the wealthy. Cleopatra herself made the ultimate scent statement, by perfuming her golden ship’s purple sails. But by the 15th century, perfumes had become more accessible to all – not just the elite few. And from there, fragrance and fabric’s friendship only grew closer.
Scented fabrics were also an important fashion statement
Centuries ago, perfuming fabrics was an important and desirable last step in fabric production. Woolen cloth was washed with soap, linseed and lavender. Dyed silk was often bathed in soap and anise. And in France, leather gloves were infused with orange-blossom.
Perfumed clothing was a marker of personal status, culture, and fashion. Some of history’s biggest names enjoyed their own signature scented fabrics. In the mid-1700s, Casanova kept the ladies wanting more with handkerchiefs scented with rosewater. Henry VIII also had a thing for rosewater, regularly washing his linen shirts in a mixture of rosewater and musk.
In 16th century Italy, frangipani-scented gloves were an expensive and coveted fashion item. Light muslin cloth was often perfumed with vetiver, and lavender sachets and patchouli leaves were a staple item for keeping long-stored clothing smelling divine.
Fragrance and fabric’s friendship has lasted through the ages
In Paris in the 1920s, Paul Poiret made a splash on the runway by spritzing his winter gown collection with his own signature perfume. This was the first time a fashion designer had ever put couture and fine fragrance together. Fashion icon Gabrielle Chanel soon took the trend and ran with it, creating the legendary Chanel No. 5 – and cementing the bond between style and scent for good.
Today, technology has taken things far further. Clothing can be screen-printed with a scented satin finish. It’s said that future fashion could use engineered scents to enhance the wearer’s mood. And our Poète Clothing Spritz is creating a whole new way to introduce fine French fragrances to your wardrobe.
Poète is the next evolution in fabric and fragrance
Poète Clothing Spritz™ is expertly crafted with fragrances from Grasse, France. Our range of sprays release clothing wrinkles while leaving every item effortlessly ready-to-wear and delicately scented. That’s what we call magnifique!
