L'Officiel Nose: Eight and Bob
Many fragrance brands take inspiration from the present, but Eight & Bob is finding innovative ways to elevate a legacy. Albert Fouquet founded the brand in the early 20th century after years of creating fragrance for his own personal use, in part thanks to a young JFK taking notice and requesting eight samples, as well as one for Bob (naturally, referring to his brother Robert F. Kennedy). The fragrance expert finally decided to market his creations, and he humorously decided to label the packaging with the would-be political star’s request. Fouquet’s popularity kept spreading throughout the late 1930s as Hollywood learned of his cologne, but the brand became dormant when he died in a car accident in 1939. Though the house would disappear for decades due to a combination of the tragic death and World War II, insiders have since recovered the formula and production process, allowing for a full line celebrating its founder’s life and luxurious experiences. Just don’t ask who the nose is behind this new revival, because the Grasse-based perfumer’s identity is tightly under wraps.
While Eight & Bob now has scents celebrating places like Provence and Egypt as well as three tributes to Fouquet’s love Annicke, the original formula remains its most fascinating creation. With notes including violet leaves, sandalwood, vetiver, and lemon, the captivating creation comes in a classic version as well as a special edition for Robert F. Kennedy. The latter, in addition to featuring chic packaging with the iconic politician’s photo, collaborates with his human rights organization in a charitable tribute. Though the world may not know who Eight & Bob’s current nose is, they certainly seem passionate about preserving Fouquet’s elite, alluring legacy, as evident from musings that align the scent with relaxed music, memoirs, and of course, Paris. Read on to remember the French essence of the brand that captivated some of America’s most high-profile figures.
If Eight and Bob was the star of its own movie, which actor would play the starring role?
Cary Grant.
What color(s) does your fragrance smell like?
A clean and pure black.
Which place in the world does your fragrance encapsulate best?
Paris.
If you had to place your fragrance in an iconic decade past, which one would it be?
The 1930s, when all began by the hand of Albert Fouquet.
What item from your wardrobe would you compare your scent to?
A classic white shirt of the best quality poplin, always with a double cuff. Timeless elegance for a man or a woman. It's the best option to wear on all occasions.
What genre of music do you think your fragrance most aligns with and why?
Instrumental music, to create a relaxed, elegant, and everlasting atmosphere in which to enjoy the fragrance.
If your fragrance had a night out on the town, what drink would it order at the bar?
A Kir Royal.
If you were to relate your new scent to a book, what would it be? Why?
It would be a book that talks about moments lived, the good moments. Perfume is the best way to bring to life the moments that you would always like to remember.
If your new fragrance had a soundtrack, what three sounds would play once you spray the scent?
A soft piano, the crackle of a fireplace, and a suggestive conversation..
If it wasn’t called Eight and Bob, what would it be called?
Albert Fouquet.
