The Origin Of Cologne: Cologne, Germany's Gift To The World

Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, is a perfume that originated in the city of Cologne, Germany. It was originally mixed by Giovanni Maria Farina in 1709 and has since become a generic term for scented formulations with a typical concentration of 2–5%. The name Cologne comes from the French Eau de Cologne, meaning Water from Cologne. The original Eau de Cologne is a spirit-citrus perfume with a blend of citrus fruits and is considered a unisex fragrance.

The origins of Eau de Cologne

In a letter to his brother Jean Baptiste in 1708, Farina described his new fragrance as reminiscent of "an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain". He named his creation Eau de Cologne in honour of his adopted hometown.

The original Eau de Cologne was a spirit-citrus perfume containing a blend of essential oils, including bergamot, neroli, lavender, rosemary, and various citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit. It was considered a luxury item, with a single vial costing half the annual salary of a civil servant.

Farina's perfume was soon in high demand, being sold to nearly all royal houses in Europe. The ability to produce a homogeneous fragrance on a large scale was seen as a sensation at the time. The success of Eau de Cologne led to the establishment of the world's oldest fragrance factory in Cologne in 1709, and the formula has remained a closely guarded secret ever since.

Over time, the term "Eau de Cologne" has become a generic term for scented formulations with a concentration of 2-5% and has come to be commonly associated with perfumes marketed towards men, particularly in American English. However, it is important to note that Eau de Cologne can be worn by both men and women and has evolved into a refreshing and stimulating fragrance that is perfect for summer.

The history of the 4711 brand

The 4711 brand is a traditional German Eau de Cologne, first produced in the 18th century. The original fragrance was created by Johann Maria Farina (1685-1766), an Italian living in Cologne, Germany, who named it "Eau de Cologne" or "water from Cologne" after his new home.

According to legend, on October 8, 1792, a Carthusian monk gave a secret recipe for a so-called "aqua mirabilis" or "miracle water" intended for both internal and external use as a wedding gift to the merchant Wilhelm Mülhens. Soon after, Wilhelm opened a manufactory in the Glockengasse (meaning "Clock Tower Square") area of Cologne, Germany, and marketed his miracle water as a health drink. The name came about thanks to the French military occupation that began in 1794, when a French general, frustrated by the disorganized layout of the city, ordered that all houses be sequentially numbered. Mülhens' house was given the number 4711, which has stuck with the brand ever since.

In 1810, Napoleon decreed that all recipes for medications intended for internal use publicly list their ingredients. Muelhens didn't want to disclose his secret recipe, so he began to market his miracle water as a fragrance. The company name was Eau de Cologne & Parfümerie Fabrik Glockengasse No. 4711 gegenüber der Pferdepost von Ferd. Mülhens in Köln am Rhein until 1990, when it was renamed Mülhens GmbH & Co. KG.

In 1820, Peter Heinrich Molanus designed the hexagonal, upright bottle still used today. Its flat surfaces make it easier to package for transportation, and there is plenty of room for label design. In 1875, Ferdinand Muelhens (Wilhelm's grandson) registered 4711 as a brand and created the first iteration of the modern logo.

In the 20th century, the brand experienced significant growth. In 1921, they introduced Tosca, a perfume for women based on aldehydes, which became one of the best-selling perfumes worldwide. In the 1930s, the brand expanded its fragrance offerings for men and women, introducing Troika, Sparta, Shahi, Sir, and Carat. They also introduced new products such as cosmetics, hair care, and skincare.

In 1943, 4711's headquarters were destroyed during the American carpet bombing of Cologne in World War II, and nearly 90% of the city was left in ruins. However, the brand persevered, and in the 1950s, they erected the "Blue and Gold Building" across from Cologne Cathedral, as well as a new manufacturing plant. In the 1960s, the company moved to another new headquarters and aired its first-ever color TV ad.

In 1994, the Mülhens family sold the company to hair care giant Wella, which was then acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2003. In 2006, Procter & Gamble sold the 4711 brand to the perfume company Mäurer & Wirtz, an independent subsidiary of the Dalli Group. Today, 4711 is allowed to use the geographical indication "Original Eau de Cologne" due to its long history of production in Cologne.

The city of Cologne

Cologne is a city in Germany, specifically in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the fourth-most populous city in Germany, with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million people in the Cologne Bonn urban region.

Cologne is a major cultural centre for the Rhineland and is known for its medieval architecture, Roman history, museums, universities, and nightlife. The city is home to more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries, as well as several institutions of higher education, including the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest and largest universities.

Cologne is famous for Eau de Cologne, a perfume created by Italian expatriate Johann Maria Farina in the 18th century. The city is also known for its Roman Catholic archbishop and its Gothic cathedral, which is the largest in northern Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.

Cologne has a temperate and humid climate, with average temperatures of 36°F (2°C) in January and 64°F (18°C) in July. The city is situated about 21 miles (34 km) northwest of Bonn and 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Düsseldorf, at the point where the Rhine River intersects with a major land route for trade between western and eastern Europe.

The ingredients of cologne

Cologne is a perfume originating from Cologne, Germany. It was originally mixed by Johann Maria Farina in 1709 and has since become a generic term for scented formulations.

• Alcohol
• Oils
• Citrus fruits (e.g. lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit)
• Herbs and spices (e.g. rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender)
• Flowers (e.g. jasmine, rose, neroli)

Synthetic ingredients include:

• Aldehydes
• Ambroxan crystals
• Ambroxan diluted in dipropylene glycol
• Benzyl benzoate
• Benzyl phenyl acetate
• Benzyl salicylate
• Benzyl cinnamate
• Benzyl alcohol
• Benzyl acetate
• Benzyl cinnamic aldehyde
• Benzyl cinnamate
• Benzyl butyrate
• Benzyl propionate
• Benzyl isobutyrate
• Benzyl valerate
• Benzyl caproate
• Benzyl pelargonate
• Benzyl laurate
• Benzyl myristate
• Benzyl palmitate
• Benzyl stearate
• Benzyl oleate
• Benzyl linolenate
• Benzyl linoleate
• Benzyl arachidonate
• Benzyl behenate

The marketing of cologne

When it comes to advertising cologne, it's not just about the scent anymore. Today's marketing strategies rarely focus on unusual scents or exotic ingredients. Instead, they emphasise the fragrance as an accessory, an integral part of one's lifestyle and self-expression.

To create compelling advertisements, marketers must understand their target audience intimately. For example, if the target is young men, the ads might focus on sex appeal. On the other hand, a clean, fresh scent might be more appealing to sports enthusiasts and family men. More sophisticated messages would be tailored towards affluent men who can buy any cologne they desire.

Visual storytelling is central to cologne advertisement campaigns. The imagery, cinematography, and design seamlessly fuse to convey the essence of the fragrance. For instance, Dior Sauvage's ads featuring Johnny Depp in the American West evoke a sense of adventure and masculinity, complementing the fragrance's woody notes.

Another critical aspect is narrative nuances. Beyond stunning visuals, intricate narratives unfold the layers of the scent. The iconic Old Spice commercials, known for their humour and memorable storytelling, convey the brand's boldness and confidence.

With the rise of digital media, cologne advertisements have also ventured into the virtual realm. Social media influencers have become powerful allies, leveraging their reach and authenticity to connect with audiences personally.

Additionally, cultural context and diversity play a crucial role in modern cologne advertising. With the world becoming increasingly globalised, campaigns must navigate diverse cultural landscapes while resonating with audiences worldwide. The emergence of gender-neutral fragrances is a prime example of how brands are adopting more inclusive messaging and imagery.

In conclusion, the marketing of cologne is a complex and creative process that aims to captivate the senses, spark emotions, and tell stories of desire. By combining evocative visuals, compelling narratives, and a deep understanding of their target market, advertisers can effectively promote their fragrances in today's competitive marketplace.

Frequently asked questions