Discover Michael Edwards’ world
of fragrances
Founded by the fragrance expert and author Michael Edwards in 1983, Fragrances of the World is the largest guide to perfume classification that has ever existed.
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The Reference Guide
Now in its 33rd edition, Fragrances of the World is the definitive reference to luxury, prestige, niche and celebrity fragrances and their classifications.
Explore Michael Edwards’ Fragrance Wheel
The Fragrance Wheel explains the relationship between innate fragrance preferences and the fragrance families.
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Family
Soft Oriental
Smooth Carnation, incense and warm spices … if these soft, yet sensual notes speak to you, then you’ll love fragrances from the Soft Oriental family.
Iconic
LOULOU
Cacharel | 1987 | Soft Oriental
Family
Oriental
Vanilla and musk, cinnamon and cardamom … opulent, sweet and warm. If these sensual notes are what you are drawn to, then you’ll love fragrances from the Oriental family.
Iconic
VANILLE PASSION (VANILLE)
Comptoir Sud Pacifique | 1978 | Oriental
Family
Woody Oriental
Take a healthy dose of patchouli and sandalwood, add a splash of spice and maybe something sweet enough to eat … if this sounds like the way you like to smell, then you’ll love fragrances from the Woody Oriental family.
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ROYAL COPENHAGEN
Royal Copenhagen | 1970 | Woody Oriental
Family
Woods
Cedarwood, sandalwood and vetiver – raw and simple. Freshly sanded floors and sawdust … if these are the notes that make your senses sing, then you’ll love fragrances from the Woods family.
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PHILOSYKOS
Diptyque | 1996 | Woods
Family
Mossy Woods
If it is traditional style fragrances with sweet, smooth, sometimes earthy woody and mossy notes that inspire you, then you’ll love fragrances from the Mossy Woods family.
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DIVA Ungaro
Ungaro | 1983 | Mossy Woods
Family
Dry Woods
The smokiness of smouldering embers and the unmistakable leathery smell of new shoes … if these scents define your style, then you’ll love fragrances from the Dry Woods family.
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MACASSAR
Rochas | 1980 | Dry Woods
Family
Aromatic Fougère
If clean, uncomplicated and fresh describes you … if the blend of lavender and other herbs such as rosemary or basil teamed with the warmth of wood sums up your favourite smells, then you’ll love fragrances from the universally popular Aromatic Fougère family.
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CANOÉ
Dana | 2001 | Aromatic Fougère
Family
Citrus
If it is the smell of zesty, tangy and juicy lemons and mandarins that invigorates and energises you … then you’ll love the fragrances in the Citrus family.
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EAU DE COLOGNE IMPÉRIALE
Guerlain : Les Eaux Fraîches | 1830 | Citrus
Family
Water
The smell of fresh sea sprays, or wet air after a thunderstorm … if these are the scents that move you, then you’ll love fragrances in the Water family.
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SUNFLOWERS Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden | 1993 | Water
Family
Green
Nothing beats the smell of freshly mown lawns, and crushed green leaves, right? If you think so too then you’ll love the fragrances in the Green family.
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VENT VERT
Balmain | 1999 | Green
Family
Fruity
Sweet, juicy and edible. Tropical fruits, peaches, pears and orchard fresh summer apples … if these mouth-watering scents excite you, then you’ll love fragrances in the Fruity family.
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CHIFFON SORBET 1993
Escada | 1993 | Fruity
Family
Floral
Can’t walk past a florist shop without slowing down, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath? Roses, jasmine, lily, frangipani ... if these are the scents your dreams are made of, look for fragrances in the Floral family.
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CALYX (Aramis Prescriptives)
Clinique | 1986 | Floral
Family
Soft Floral
Soft, powdery … sweet, musky and creamy. If these nostalgic scents transport you back in time, then you’ll love fragrances from the Soft Floral family.
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NOCTURNES
Caron | 1981 | Soft Floral
Family
Floral Oriental
Florals like Orange Blossom, made smooth, sweet and subtly spicy with incense and amber … if these are the scents that say “style” to you, then you’ll love fragrances from the Floral Oriental family.
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BYZANCE (1987)
Rochas | 1987 | Floral Oriental
Testimonials
Testimonials
Fragrances of the World online database is the ‘Google’ of the fragrance industry. A quick search for a key fragrance note would take me hours to pour through press releases and internal training notes, but with the FOTW, I am presented with results in seconds. A truly valuable tool to have at your fingertips.
Anita Providel
PR & Communications Manager, Coty Australia Pty Ltd
Michael Edwards has observed the perfumed world for 32 years. That perspective has produced the premiere reference and historical record on the world on fragrance. Fragrances of the World is where I turn when researching the background for nearly everything I write. Mark Behnke, Colognoisseur.com
“As a global fragrance development team, we are highly discriminating in which sources of information we choose to work with. Fragrances of the World is our chosen reference tool for fragrance information. It is without question the most accurate, comprehensive and significant database of fragrances in the world. Our confidence in Fragrances of the World is at the point that we simply think of it as our own reference archive – it is passionately curated and impeccably maintained, which is aligned with our own approach to fragrance design.” Will Andrews, P&G Prestige Fragrance Creation Team - now at Coty Luxury
Michael Edwards is a renowned Fragrance Historian, born educator, raconteur (or captivating orator) with faultless presentation. A librarian of all things fragrance who has been a stalwart enthusiast of scent related projects/creations since 1983. Over 8 years Grandiflora wouldn’t have founds its path in the world of Niche perfume without his continued guidance and interest. Unparalleled knowledge and healthy industry relationships make Mr Edwards an international icon. Saskia Havekes, Grandiflora Fragrances
“As a fragrance developer. I find myself constantly looking into the Fragrances of the World database to learn more about the classification of different olfactive families…to categorize the creative and sometimes chaotic world of scent is understanding the olfactive world as an essential part of our natural, and indeed, cultural history” Carlos Huber, Founder, ARQUISTE Parfumeur
Mention Michael Edwards to anyone in the Fragrance Industry –Houses, Perfumers, Retailers and perfume lovers and there is such great respect for the man who has chronicled the history of fragrances over the past 32 years. In this digital age and our need for immediate access to information – I see “Fragrances of The World Database” as the Wikipedia of the perfume industry – so much more insight than just facts. It is THE only source I completely trust for accuracy Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief of the Award Winning site CaFleureBon.com
Fragrances of the World in all its forms has been an indispensable reference guide and companion to me over the years, and I've recommended it countless times to anyone who wants to augment their knowledge of fragrance. The online database is terrific - we use it as an educational training tool in our Sniffapalooza Master Class series, and I affectionately describe it as "My Bible". With just a few clicks, it truly is the one comprehensive source you need to expand your awareness and understanding of scent. Karen Dubin, Founder/CEO, Sniffapalooza
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