At the recent unveiling of Clive Christian’s latest release in Nigeria, the spotlight was cast on the country’s position as the largest consumer of this world-renowned luxury perfume brand. The launch, which reintroduced a 1925 fragrance inspired by the elegance and power of Winston Churchill, was more than just a marketing event—it was a celebration of British heritage and Nigerian sophistication. In this report, Elizabeth Chimobi delves into the fascinating history behind this iconic scent and its unique connection to one of Britain’s most revered figures.
During World War II, Winston Churchill—then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom—was known for many things: his leadership, his oratory, and even his scent. It was said that Churchill favoured fragrances blending bergamot, sandalwood, and cedarwood. This powerful combination was a fitting choice for the man who led Britain through its most challenging moments. The fragrance, with its rich, earthy, and citrus notes, embodied his strength, resilience, and unmistakable British charm.
Churchill, much more than just a politician, became a symbol of victory and perseverance. His intellectual prowess and strategic brilliance were admired not only in Britain but also across the globe. His association with refined tastes extended beyond politics, making him a favorite among the UK’s aristocrats, international elites, and cultural influencers of the time. In a world where image and presence mattered, Churchill’s fragrance became part of his larger-than-life persona, contributing to the air of sophistication and authority that surrounded him.
At the exclusive re-release of the iconic 1925 perfume Town & Country by Clive Christian, a gathering of Nigerian perfume connoisseurs took place at Providus Bank headquarters on Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, a collaboration between Clive Christian, Seinde Signature, and Providus Bank, marked the highly anticipated re-invention of Winston Churchill’s legendary luxury cologne.
The perfume is a tribute to London’s rich cultural legacy, seamlessly blending the sophistication of the city with the calming essence of the English countryside. The scent encapsulates a unique blend of elegance and nature, celebrating the timeless appeal of both environments.
During a Q&A session, Mr. Tate Torongo, Regional Director of Clive Christian for Northern Europe, the UK, and Africa, explained why Nigeria was chosen as the unveiling location. “Nigeria remains one of our top consumer markets globally,” he revealed. “Nigerian clients have long been loyal to our brand. When we look at our global sales—whether in the US, UK, or elsewhere—Nigerians consistently rank among our highest consumers. For years, they’ve traveled abroad to purchase our products, so it only made sense to bring this unveiling to them.”
Torongo praised the refined taste of Nigerian consumers, describing them as sophisticated with an exceptional understanding of niche perfumes. “The Nigerian luxury market continues to evolve, and as it grows, so does the appreciation for the craftsmanship and stories behind our perfumes. Our creations are infused with passion, each telling a unique narrative, and Nigerians truly value that differentiation.”
He also highlighted Clive Christian’s strategic partnership with Seinde Signature, a leading Nigerian luxury perfume retailer, describing them as the ideal partner due to their deep knowledge and personalized service in the perfume industry.
“Our partnership with Seinde Signature and Providus Bank is rooted in shared values. Luxury is not just about price—it’s about attention to detail. Seinde Signature exemplifies this in their approach, which is why we chose them for this launch. We’re rolling out globally, but here in Nigeria, Seinde Signature and Providus clients are the first to experience this unveiling,” Torongo concluded.
The re-invention of the fragrance from 1925 called Town & Country
The re-invention of the 1925 fragrance Town & Country by Clive Christian offers a modern twist on a classic, blending tradition with contemporary sophistication. The original formula, known for its herbal notes of clary sage and juniper, has been carefully reimagined to suit today’s luxury market.
According to Tate Torongo, Clive Christian’s Regional Director for Northern Europe, the UK, and Africa, the new Town & Country draws its inspiration from the original 1925 recipe. “This was a fragrance worn by Winston Churchill,” Torongo explained. “We revisited the original formula from 1925 and used that as a foundation to craft the new Town & Country. It celebrates the duality of life—having a home in the city and another in the countryside.”
One of the standout features of the new Town & Country is its concentration—at 25%, it is one of the most concentrated perfumes on the market. Comprising 207 individual ingredients, it far exceeds the 60 to 80 ingredients found in typical perfumes, creating a rich and complex scent profile.
The top notes introduce a fresh burst of lemon, juniper, bergamot, and clary sage, offering a vibrant and invigorating opening. The heart of the fragrance reveals layers of cardamom, white tea, sandalwood, and olibanum, adding a warm, spicy, and slightly smoky depth. Finally, the base notes bring in earthy patchouli, gray amber, and cedarwood, softened by a touch of cashmere for a luxurious finish. The woodiness of juniper provides an arboraceous backbone, while sandalwood—long a favorite in British fragrances—adds richness and longevity to the scent.
The modern Town & Country reflects an evolution from its 1925 predecessor, which included notes of lavender, rosemary, thyme, and cedar. Unlike the original, this new iteration omits lavender—a staple of British perfumery at the time—and instead emphasizes a more contemporary herbal blend. Despite these changes, the fragrance remains true to its heritage as part of the Crown Collection, which has its roots in The Crown Perfume Company, acquired by Clive Christian in 1999.
Visually, the new Town & Country is presented in a striking royal red bottle, exuding the regal sophistication for which Clive Christian is known. Priced at €400 (₦204,000) for a 50ml bottle, the perfume is unisex, unlike many of the brand’s other offerings, which are sold in gender-specific pairs.
When asked what distinguishes the brand, Torongo emphasized the quality of ingredients. “Every ingredient in a Clive Christian perfume is the finest quality available on the market. That’s what sets us apart.”
The foundation of the crown symbol of Clive Christian
The crown symbol of Clive Christian carries a rich historical narrative, deeply rooted in the great love story of Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, according to Tate Torongo, the brand’s Regional Director for Northern Europe, the UK, and Africa.
Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901, ascended the throne at just 18 years old. “When Victoria became queen, many doubted her ability to rule alone,” Torongo explained. “There was immense pressure for her to marry, and she eventually chose Albert, her cousin from Germany. Their relationship became one of the most celebrated royal love stories in history.”
At the heart of their enduring love was a shared connection to the orange blossom, a flower that held deep significance for the couple. During that era, British nobility, known for their emotional restraint, communicated their feelings through a symbolic practice known as floriography, or the “language of flowers.” As Torongo noted, “In the early British days, especially among the upper classes, people found it difficult to express their emotions openly. Floriography became a way to convey deep feelings without uttering a single word.”
The orange blossom became a symbol of love and commitment for Victoria and Albert, with the flower often appearing in their gifts to one another. “You could send a flower to say everything you wanted without speaking,” Torongo continued. “In this language, the orange blossom symbolized eternal love and purity, which is why it became so meaningful to Victoria and Albert.”
Floriography allowed individuals to communicate a range of emotions, from admiration to heartbreak, simply through the choice of a flower. “If you wanted to express that it was time to end a relationship, you could give a particular flower, and the message would be clear,” Torongo explained. “It was an intricate system of emotional expression, and the orange blossom held a unique place in Victoria and Albert’s love story.”
This symbolism, centered on the orange blossom, is what inspired the crown logo of Clive Christian, a brand that honors the legacy of Victorian luxury and romance. The crown itself, granted by Queen Victoria, is a mark of the brand’s connection to British royalty and the timeless elegance that defines Clive Christian fragrances.
Albert and Victoria met, fell in love, but faced a unique challenge: Albert could not propose to Victoria because she was the Queen. According to royal protocol, only the Queen could propose to a suitor, as no one was deemed worthy to ask for her hand. So, Victoria took the lead and proposed to Albert. Of course, Albert accepted, but he constantly worried that Victoria might doubt his love, thinking he married her only because he had no choice.
To assure her of his genuine feelings, Albert gave her a special gift—a set of brooches adorned with orange blossoms. In the language of flowers, which was a popular way to convey unspoken emotions at the time, the orange blossom symbolized “true and eternal love.” This flower became a central symbol of their relationship. On their wedding day, Queen Victoria wore orange blossom earrings, a necklace, and even included the flower in her bridal bouquet, further emphasizing its significance.
Their marriage was filled with love and devotion, and they had many children together. However, in 1861, tragedy struck when Albert fell ill and passed away. Victoria was devastated by his death and mourned him for the rest of her life—over forty years. She famously wore black for the remainder of her reign, and her deep grief became one of the defining aspects of her later years.
To honor Albert, Victoria commissioned numerous monuments in his memory. West London is filled with tributes to him, including the Royal Albert Hall, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Originally, the concert hall had a different name, but when it opened, the organizers asked Victoria to attend the inauguration. She refused to go unless they renamed it in honor of her beloved Albert.
Throughout her mourning, Victoria wore traditional widow’s attire, which included a widow’s veil. However, wearing the royal crown along with the veil posed a challenge due to their design. Faced with this dilemma, a jeweler in London crafted a special small diamond crown that Victoria could wear alongside her widow’s veil. This crown became closely associated with her and was even placed on her coffin when she passed away.
During her mourning, one of Victoria’s most personal ways of remembering Albert was through perfume. Both she and Albert had been passionate about fragrances, and they frequently worked with a perfumer named William Thompson to create custom scents for each other. After Albert’s death, in 1872, Victoria granted Thompson a special right: he was allowed to use the image of her small diamond crown on all his products, for eternity, as a way to honor their love. This crown became the symbol of Thompson’s company, The Crown Perfumery Company.
Today, that same crown, a tribute to Victoria and Albert’s enduring love, is found atop every Clive Christian perfume bottle, carrying with it the legacy of their royal romance.
From Crown Perfumery Company to Clive Christian perfume
The Crown Perfumery Company, established in the 19th century, evolved into Clive Christian Perfume in 1999, but its legacy is steeped in British heritage and the timeless love story of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Clive Christian now carries forward this rich tradition, blending royal history with modern luxury.
Prince Albert, a patron of the arts, influenced much of the cultural sophistication of his time. While royal weddings were typically adorned with regal purple and finery, Victoria chose to wear a simple white dress when she married Albert, symbolizing her desire to be seen as his wife, not just his queen. This choice began the global tradition of brides wearing white for weddings.
The Crown Perfumery Company quickly became the most prestigious perfume house in Europe, beloved by royalty and elites alike. Its clientele boasted names like Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Lawrence of Arabia, making it a symbol of luxury and status. When the Titanic sank in 1912, its first-class cabins were stocked with products from the Crown Perfumery, further cementing the brand’s reputation among the world’s most affluent.
However, the brand faced a decline after World War II. Following both world wars, public sentiment shifted, and many countries sought to distance themselves from the monarchy and aristocracy. This led to a downturn for brands associated with royalty, including the Crown Perfumery.
In 1999, Clive Christian, a renowned British designer, discovered the brand and saw its potential. He purchased the Crown Perfumery Company and reinvented it as Clive Christian Perfume, breathing new life into its prestigious heritage. Today, the brand is celebrated for its luxurious fragrances, each bottle still bearing the iconic crown granted by Queen Victoria—a lasting tribute to the history and romance that began it all.