Prefacing fern as an ‘ingredient’ within perfumery is somewhat of a misleading description, as the plant itself does not have a particularly distinct characteristic odour! However, the influence of ferns on perfumery cannot be understated.
In 1882 the revered French perfumer Paul Parquet released Fougère Royal, a perfume which incorporated an accord representing a fantastical imagination of the scent of ferns. This became known as the fougère accord (fougère being the French translation for fern), remaining one of the most popular bases for masculine fragrances to this day.
The classic structure of a fougère fragrance is comprised of three key notes: 𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐧, and 𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐬, with complementary components such as geranium and bergamot often added for a more complex aroma profile.
Experience this classic scent for yourself with Fougère Eau de Parfum by Howarth & Lear, where the vintage accord is married with woody cedar, spicy black pepper, and rich vetiver, forging a bold and unforgettable fragrance.