The Fragrance Of Power: Jfk's Cologne Choice

John F. Kennedy wore a variety of colognes, including Eight & Bob, America One by Krigler, and Creed's 1948 Vetiver. The story of how Kennedy came to wear Eight & Bob is particularly fascinating. While vacationing on the French Riviera in 1937, Kennedy met a young fragrance connoisseur named Albert Fouquet. Intrigued by Fouquet's scent, Kennedy requested a bottle for himself. After returning to the United States, Kennedy sent Fouquet a letter asking for eight more samples, plus an extra one for his brother Robert, hence the name Eight & Bob.

JFK's favourite cologne was Eight & Bob by Albert Fouquet

Upon returning to the United States, Kennedy sent a letter to Fouquet expressing his appreciation for the unique scent and requesting more samples. He asked for eight additional bottles and, if possible, an extra one "for Bob" (his brother, Robert Kennedy). This request inspired the name of the cologne, "Eight & Bob". The story of Eight & Bob is a testament to the power of a shared interest and the impact it can have on people's lives.

Albert Fouquet was a talented perfumer who, through his expertise in crafting fine fragrances, created a lasting impact on the world of scents. His encounter with Kennedy showcases the importance of taking initiative and pursuing one's passions. Fouquet's attention to detail, from the beautiful glass bottles to the personalised labelling, showcases his dedication to his craft. This dedication paid off, as the cologne gained popularity not just with Kennedy but also with Hollywood elites such as Cary Grant and James Stewart.

The resurgence of Eight & Bob in recent years, after more than 70 years, is a testament to its timeless appeal. The cologne's top notes of pink pepper, cardamom, and lemon, heart of violet leaves, labdanum, and dried wood, and base of sandalwood, amber, and vetiver create a sophisticated and elegant aroma. The mysterious ingredients, including extracts of the "Andrea" plant, add to the allure of the fragrance. Today, it continues to be sought-after and celebrated, honouring the legacy of both JFK and Albert Fouquet.

JFK requested eight samples of the cologne, plus one for his brother Robert

JFK's favourite cologne has a fascinating story behind it. While touring France in 1937, Kennedy, then a college student, met a young fragrance connoisseur named Albert Fouquet. JFK was impressed by the scent that Fouquet was wearing, and the Frenchman kindly left a sample of his personalised cologne at JFK's hotel, along with a note that read, "In this bottle, you will find the dash of French glamour that your American personality lacks."

Upon returning to the US, Kennedy wrote to Fouquet, thanking him for the kind gesture and requesting eight more samples of the cologne, plus one for his brother, Robert, or "'Bob" as he was affectionately known. This order inspired the name of the fragrance, "Eight & Bob". JFK's father, Joe, also shared the scent with his Hollywood friends, and soon Fouquet was receiving requests from the likes of Cary Grant and James Stewart.

The cologne, with its top notes of pink pepper, cardamom and lemon, heart of violet leaves, labdanum and dried wood, and base of sandalwood, amber and vetiver, became a cult classic. However, its production was halted in 1939 when Fouquet died in a car accident. The fragrance was recently re-released for the first time in 60 years, allowing people to add a touch of JFK's elegance and French glamour to their personalities.

JFK's father, Joe, shared the cologne with his Hollywood friends

JFK's favourite cologne was Eight & Bob by Albert Fouquet, a Parisian perfume connoisseur. JFK first encountered the scent in 1937 while touring France. He was so taken with the fragrance that Fouquet left a sample at his hotel, along with a note that read: "In this bottle, you will find the dash of French glamour that your American personality lacks."

Upon returning to the US, JFK wrote to Fouquet, requesting eight samples, and "if your production allows, another one for Bob", referring to his brother, Robert Kennedy. The cologne was subsequently labelled "Eight & Bob", and a brand was born. The cologne proved so popular with JFK's friends that requests soon started rolling in from Hollywood nobility, including Cary Grant and James Stewart.

JFK's father, Joe Kennedy, was a prominent businessman, investor, philanthropist, and politician. He was also a patriarch of the Kennedy family, which included President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and longtime Senator Ted Kennedy. Joe Kennedy's Hollywood connections were forged in the 1920s when he made huge profits by reorganising and refinancing several studios. Several of these acquisitions were ultimately merged into Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO) studios.

During this time, Joe Kennedy had affairs with Hollywood stars Gloria Swanson and Marlene Dietrich. Swanson was a major star, but her extravagant lifestyle had left her in debt. Kennedy, a banker, offered her financial advice, and their affair developed quickly. Swanson's husband even joined Kennedy and Swanson in California, where Kennedy sent the former on a day-long fishing trip so that he could spend time alone with the latter.

Kennedy and Swanson also collaborated professionally on the film "Queen Kelly", which was a disaster. Kennedy hired Erich Von Stroheim to direct it, and Von Stroheim was notorious for production delays and other complications. Eventually, Kennedy needed to replace his director but couldn't find a new one. The script changed repeatedly, and the production was enormously expensive. When the film finally came out, it flopped at the box office. Shortly after this, in 1931, Kennedy left Hollywood and ended his affair with Swanson.

In 1938, Kennedy was appointed US ambassador to England. The following year, he met film star Marlene Dietrich while summering with his family in Cannes. Dietrich, who was married, was having an affair with writer Erich Maria Remarque. Kennedy tapped into his old network of Hollywood contacts to help her negotiate a role in a western that would revive her career. Kennedy and Dietrich had similar personalities and loved to talk politics, although she didn't agree with his isolationist policies toward Nazi Germany.

Dietrich's daughter, Maria Sieber, became close friends with the Kennedy children, especially Rosemary, the Kennedys' intellectually delayed oldest daughter. Sieber recalled: "We were both shadow children." The Kennedys, including Rose, Kennedy's wife, continued to treat Sieber well, even after Kennedy's affair with Dietrich ended.

It was likely through these connections that Joe Kennedy shared JFK's cologne with his Hollywood friends.

JFK also wore America One by Krigler

JFK wore America One by Krigler, a woody, spicy fragrance for men. The cologne was first launched in 1931 in New York, and it embodies the American spirit with its blend of vetiver, bergamot, neroli, and citrus scents. JFK first discovered the fragrance while vacationing in the South of France in the 1950s. He learned that it was a favourite of Ernest Hemingway, and he began wearing it on special occasions.

America One by Krigler has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The Krigler perfume brand was founded by Albert Krigler, a German chemist who fell in love with the daughter of a French perfumer. Albert created a fragrance called "Pleasure Gardenia" as an engagement gift for his future wife in 1879. The brand later moved to Moscow, then Saint Petersburg, and finally back to Berlin in 1905, where they opened a shop in the Hotel Victoria. Albert became known as the perfumer of hotels and palaces.

In 1929, Albert's family moved to New York, and in 1930, they opened their first store in the Plaza Hotel. America One was the first scent created by the Krigler house in the United States, and it quickly gained popularity. It was described as an exuberant fragrance that celebrated the American people and their spontaneous spirit. The cologne features top notes of mandarin, neroli, and citrus, with underlying notes of vetiver, bergamot, cumin, cedar, and black pepper. The combination of these scents creates a fresh and spicy fragrance with a stylish finish.

America One by Krigler has been worn by notable figures such as Ernest Hemingway and JFK, who valued its unique scent and the prestige associated with the brand. The cologne has become known as "the fragrance of the leader" due to its association with influential individuals. Today, the Krigler brand continues to be recognised for its high-quality fragrances, with boutiques in locations like The Plaza Hotel, where the brand has a long-standing connection.

JFK's choice of cologne reflects his appreciation for quality and his attention to style. America One by Krigler not only represented the American spirit but also added a touch of elegance and sophistication to JFK's persona. The cologne's blend of fresh and spicy notes created a memorable scent that became a signature of JFK's presence, especially on significant occasions.

Creed claims JFK wore their 1948 Vetiver cologne

John F. Kennedy's fragrance of choice has been the subject of much speculation over the years, with several brands claiming to have been the late president's preferred scent. One such brand is Creed, which asserts that JFK wore its 1948 Vetiver cologne.

Creed, a fragrance house with a long history, claims that its Vetiver scent was worn by John F. Kennedy. Creed has a unique infusion technique that captures raw and rare materials, creating a legacy of unrivalled scents commissioned and worn by notable figures throughout history. The brand gifts an exclusive fragrance to each incoming US president and maintains that it sent its Vetiver cologne to Kennedy while he was in office. Creed's Vetiver features notes of tropical grass, ginger, and cedar, offering a fresh and spicy scent.

The story of JFK's fragrance preference dates back to his college years in 1937. While touring France, Kennedy encountered Albert Fouquet, a Frenchman skilled in crafting fine fragrances. Kennedy was captivated by Fouquet's unique scent and requested a bottle for himself. This fragrance, later named Eight & Bob, became a favourite of Kennedy's, and he even ordered additional bottles for his friends and family back home.

However, Creed's claim regarding JFK's preference for their Vetiver cologne has been disputed. Some sources suggest that the only first-hand account of Kennedy's fragrance choice indicates that he wore 4711, a German perfume brand. Creed has been criticised for its marketing tactics, with some believing that the association with JFK is fabricated to enhance the brand's image.

Despite the controversy, Creed's Vetiver cologne stands on its own as a well-crafted fragrance. The 1948 Vetiver, in particular, is considered "good stuff" by fragrance enthusiasts, showcasing the brand's expertise and dedication to creating exceptional scents.

While the exact cologne JFK wore remains a subject of debate, Creed's assertion that he wore their 1948 Vetiver adds to the allure and intrigue surrounding the late president's fragrance choices.

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