The Fragrance Of Power: Jfk's Cologne Choice

John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, wore a fragrance called America One by Krigler. The brand was founded by Albert Krigler, a German chemist who created a fragrance called 'Pleasure Gardenia' as an engagement gift for his wife, the daughter of a French perfumer. JFK wore the scent on special occasions, and it is now known as 'the fragrance of the leader'. JFK also wore Eight & Bob, a European perfume that claims to be the scent of his college years. The story behind this fragrance is that JFK met Albert Fouquet, a perfume connoisseur, while touring Europe in 1937. JFK complimented Fouquet on his cologne, and the latter sent samples to JFK's hotel. JFK later requested more samples – eight in total, and one for Bob (his brother, Robert Kennedy).

JFK's favourite cologne was America One by Krigler

In 1929, Albert Krigler's granddaughter moved to New York and, in 1930, she convinced the general manager of The Plaza Hotel to give her a space to showcase her perfume. In 1931, she launched America One, the first scent to be created stateside, celebrating the American people and their spontaneous spirit. Ernest Hemingway received a bottle of America One 31 from Krigler's granddaughter at The Plaza Hotel.

In the 1950s, John F. Kennedy, then a senator, went on vacation to the South of France and discovered that America One was the fragrance of Hemingway. JFK had to have it. He wore it only on very special occasions as it meant so much to him. With its blend of vetiver, bergamot, neroli, and citrus scents, it has a fresh and spicy scent that is now known as 'the fragrance of the leader'.

JFK wore Eight & Bob, a cologne by Albert Fouquet

John F. Kennedy wore Eight & Bob, a cologne by Albert Fouquet. The story of how JFK came to wear this scent is an interesting one.

In 1937, when Kennedy was a college student, he toured France. He struck up a conversation with a Frenchman, Albert Fouquet, about the fragrance he was wearing. Fouquet, a hobbyist perfumer, left a sample of his fragrance at JFK's hotel with a note that said, "In this jar, you will find the dash of French glamour that your American personality lacks."

When Kennedy returned to the United States, he sent Fouquet a letter requesting eight samples and "if your production allows, another one for Bob" (his brother, Robert Kennedy). Fouquet complied, and labelled the samples "Eight & Bob", and a brand was born.

The ingredients of Eight & Bob are a mystery, and that's how the family wants it to be. The only thing we know for sure is that it contains extracts of the "Andrea" plant, which is a nickname Fouquet gave to a plant he discovered on a trip to Chile. It can only be harvested in December and January, and only 7% of the harvest is usable, so that limits how much fragrance can be made. Perfume connoisseurs have identified the scent as a "woody vanilla," and it's definitely a unisex scent.

JFK wore 4711, a German cologne

The story behind the Eight & Bob fragrance is fascinating. In 1937, when Kennedy was a college student, he toured France. He struck up a conversation with a Frenchman, Albert Fouquet, about the fragrance he was wearing. Fouquet, a perfume-making hobbyist, left a fragrance sample at JFK's hotel with a note that said, "In this jar, you will find the dash of French glamour that your American personality lacks."

When Kennedy returned to the States, he sent Fouquet a letter requesting eight samples and "if your production allows, another one for Bob" (his brother, Robert Kennedy). Fouquet complied, and labelled the samples "Eight & Bob", and a brand was born.

The Eight & Bob story may be pure fiction, however. A disclaimer in the brochure that comes with the bottle states: "The story of Eight & Bob is based on a family story transmitted verbally over time. For its final narration, fictionalized facts and characters were introduced."

JFK wore Vetiver by Creed

The story of how JFK came to wear this cologne is an interesting one. In 1937, when Kennedy was a college student, he toured France. There, he met Albert Fouquet, a hobbyist perfumer, and complimented him on the cologne he was wearing. The next day, Fouquet delivered samples to Kennedy’s hotel. The pair stayed in touch after Kennedy returned to the States, and JFK later requested more samples—eight in total, and "one for Bob" (his brother, future senator Bobby Kennedy). This is how the cologne got its name, Eight & Bob.

The Eight & Bob cologne has a fascinating backstory involving the Kennedys, and the scent has been re-released for the first time in 60 years. The ingredients are a mystery, and that's how the family wants it to be. The only thing we know for sure is that it contains extracts of the "Andrea" plant, which is a nickname Fouquet gave to a plant he discovered on a trip to Chile. It can only be harvested in December and January, and only 7% of the harvest is usable, so that limits how much fragrance can be made. Perfume connoisseurs have identified the scent as a "woody vanilla," and it's definitely a unisex scent.

JFK wore Jockey Club by Caswell Massey

The brand Caswell Massey has a rich history, dating back to 1845 when it was founded by Dr. Huntington Caswell and his partner, Dr. David Massey. The company initially focused on providing pharmaceutical products to the medical community. However, over time, they expanded their offerings to include a range of luxury lifestyle products, including fragrances.

Jockey Club is a sophisticated and elegant scent, capturing the essence of power and prestige. With its blend of vetiver, bergamot, neroli, and citrus notes, it offers a unique olfactory experience. The fragrance is a perfect blend of freshness and spice, making it a favourite among those who want to leave a lasting impression.

JFK's choice of Jockey Club reflects his appreciation for quality and distinction. He understood the impact of a well-chosen fragrance and how it can enhance one's presence. The cologne became synonymous with his charismatic personality and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on those who encountered him.

The fragrance's association with JFK adds to its allure and intrigue. It is not just a scent but a piece of history, evoking a sense of Americana and the Kennedy legacy. Wearing Jockey Club is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the world of one of America's most iconic figures.

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