Timeless and classic fragrance, rich in nuances.

An initially rather tart and fresh - citric scent. Lavender and jasmine make this fragrance softer and gentler after a short time on the skin. A classic perfume that captures the promise of the American Dream and perfectly preserves the flair of classic East Coast chic. It was precisely these promises of the American Dream that lured Michael B. Knudsen to the new world.

Fragrance Notes

Top: Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Basil
Middle: Petitgrain, Jasmine, Lavender, Tonka Bean
Base: Patchouli, Moss & Vetiver

Fragrance House

Long ago and far away there lived a gentleman named Michael Knudsen. He left his native Scandinavia in the 1920's and travelled to Hollywood to seek his fortune. He was a very handsome gentleman and the fates smiled; Michael became an actor. He was incredibly charming and lived a glittering lifestyle during Hollywood's golden era, fraternising with members of high society and cinema's elite.

In the 1950's, inspired by the optimism of the post war era, Michael re-located to New York and, supported by his friend Hazel Guggenheim, determined to create something new for gentlemen of elegance and refinement!

He conjured the very first American Cologne and named his brand 'Gravel', as each bottle contained tiny stones from the bed of the Hudson River (a tradition that remains to this day!).

In 1950's America the idea of a gentleman wearing perfume was outrageous, however Michael chose the name cleverly to overcome this prejudice - an early example of intelligent marketing!

He took his creation straight to the top - then F.R Tripler on Madison Avenue - and the buyer, impressed by the concept, the fragrance (and Michael's chutzpah) placed 'A Man's Cologne by Gravel' on their shelves. Tripler was THE fashion destination for wealthy, influential New Yorkers and 'Gravel' soon became a huge success, securing mentions in gossip columns and the patronage of emerging television hosts, like Jack Parr and Johnny Carson, who mentioned it on their shows. Gravel paved the way for the huge boom in fragrance sales for men in the 1960's, and is considered an American icon.

Michael Knudsen dedicated the rest of his life to creating unique and elegant scents for men and died at the tender age of 98.

The collection has recently been restored by a father and son (Georg & Christian Blessing) with a passion for fine fragrance, to unveil a little piece of history! it gives me the greatest of pleasure to be the very first Perfumery in the United Kingdom.