Nowadays there are hundreds of perfumes out there. But this was not always the case.
Once Upon A Time
The Persian doctor and scientist Avicenna, who was a genius in many fields, created rose water and essence of roses by means of distillation and alcohol 1000 years ago. Perfumed water and scented wood have always been present, and some of these are still standing the test of time.
Why Eau de Cologne?
Eau de Cologne simply means «Water of Cologne». Its inventor, however, was an Italian by the name of Giovanni Maria Farina. He came to Cologne to set up his business, as this city was a vibrant trading town at Farina’s time. He launched his first perfume in 1709 and named it Eau de Cologne in honour of his new hometown. The scent, made from about twenty natural ingredients, soon found its way to the royal houses, admired for its floral-fruity notes.
4711
The most famous Eau de Cologne is 4711 (pronounced forty-seven-eleven). Around a hundred years after Farina’s invention, one of Cologne’s clever citizens, Ferdinand Muelhens, saw an opportunity in the market. Since patents did not exist at this time, he simply bought the name Farina to sell his own creations branded «Farina». The fragrance was even marketed as a remedy.
It is little surprising that this caused a bitter fight with Farina’s family. The court eventually decided in favour of the Farina family, and Muelhens had to find a new name. Muelhens's factory was at Glockengasse 4711 in Cologne. From that moment, 4711 became the new brand name.
To this day, the company’s headquarters are at this address, and every year thousands of tourists visit. 4711 remains a number associated with luck and long-lasting success, a symbol of heritage and craftsmanship.
NUMBERED LUXURY
Just as 4711 carries its number with history and pride, every Stilettissimo shoe is numbered and crafted with the same care and attention. Each piece is unique, designed for her who appreciates exclusivity, precision and beauty in everything she wears.