Step into the world of Clive Christian No. 1 Passant Guardant – a fragrance that is like a crown jewel, embodying incomparable luxury and uncompromising elegance. This special edition, created in 2014, has been called the most expensive perfume in the world: a handmade crystal bottle surrounded by a lattice of 24-carat gold was created for the famous No. 1 fragrance. The scent opens with the freshness of bergamot and citrus, deepens into a floral heart of ylang-ylang and white flowers, and ends in the warm embrace of sandalwood. The fragrance bears the name of Clive Christian – the man who took over the historic Crown Perfumery in 1999 and was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. It is the pinnacle of British luxury perfumery and a timeless masterpiece.

A crown jewel in perfumery

Clive Christian No. 1 Passant Guardant was created in 2014 for the opening of the Salon de Parfum at Harrods in London and was sold only there. The single 30 ml bottle was priced at £143,000, which earned the fragrance the title of the world's most expensive perfume. Most of that price comes from the bottle: it is a true work of art – handmade crystal decorated with a lattice of 24-carat gold and more than 2,000 hand-set white diamonds that sparkle like stars. At the top of the bottle is a heraldic crest based on Clive Christian's personal coat of arms, granted to him by the College of Arms in 1999 when he took over Crown Perfumery. The eyes of the lion on the crest are two yellow diamonds, and its tongue is a rare pink diamond. Inside the bottle is the brand's best-known fragrance, No. 1. This special edition is meant for those who seek uncompromising luxury and want to wear a scent as unique as their personality. Because of its exclusivity and price, it is available to only a very few, but its influence on the world of perfumery is considerable.

A symbol of British elegance

The roots of the Clive Christian fragrance house go back to Crown Perfumery, founded in 1872, which has always represented the pinnacle of British perfumery. When Clive Christian took over the company in 1999, he brought his own vision to it and began creating fragrances that combine tradition and innovation. In 2012 he was awarded an OBE in recognition of his contribution to British luxury goods. No. 1 Passant Guardant embodies this heritage: it is a scent inspired by the sparkle of crown jewels and the timeless elegance of the British aristocracy. The bottle, decorated with gold and diamonds, reflects a royal aesthetic, while the fragrance itself is a tribute to luxury and refinement. It is a perfume for those who want to wear something more than just a scent – it is a symbol of lifestyle and status. To read about other extremely expensive fragrances, see the article The world's most expensive men's perfumes: a symbiosis of luxury and art.

A rare composition: the secrets of the scent

Clive Christian No. 1 is a floral-woody fragrance that unfolds in layers and offers a rich and deep experience:

  • Top notes: bergamot and citrus – a fresh, bright opening.
  • Heart notes: ylang-ylang and neroli – a floral, sweet and sensual heart.
  • Base notes: creamy sandalwood – a warm, deep and lasting finish.

The fragrance begins with the freshness of bergamot and citrus, which brings radiance and a light sweetness. In the heart, ylang-ylang and neroli bloom, adding floral sensuality and a delicate sweetness reminiscent of a tropical evening. Finally, everything is wrapped in the warm embrace of creamy sandalwood, which gives the scent depth and a luxurious dry-down. It is a harmonious composition that unites freshness, floral character and woody warmth, and is as complex as its wearer.

First sparkle: the burst of bergamot

The first spray brings out bergamot and citrus notes that shine like the morning sun on crystal-clear water. This freshness is lively and inviting, recalling Mediterranean gardens where the air is full of the scent of citrus fruit. Bergamot gives the fragrance a crisp, slightly bitter tone, while the citrus adds sweet and juicy brightness. This creates an explosive opening that grabs attention and prepares the way for the heart notes to unfold. After a few minutes the citrus notes begin to soften and make room for the floral notes, but their initial brilliance stays in the memory as the scent's royal introduction.

Heart allure: ylang-ylang and neroli

As the fragrance develops, the heart notes emerge – ylang-ylang and neroli, which bring floral sensuality. Ylang-ylang, with its exotic and rich floral scent, recalls a tropical paradise, while neroli adds a soft and sweet touch. Together these notes create a romantic and captivating heart that makes the fragrance deeply feminine. This heart is the soul of the scent, drawing attention and inviting closeness – ideal for those who want to express a delicate yet powerful nature.

Base warmth: the depth of sandalwood

Over time the fragrance opens in full glory with the base notes of creamy sandalwood. Sandalwood brings a warm, woody depth that wraps around the skin like luxurious silk. This note is the anchor of the scent, offering a lasting and comforting embrace and suiting evening events or intimate moments perfectly. The creamy texture of sandalwood creates a luxurious dry-down that lingers in the air and leaves a royal and irresistible impression. This is a scent that doesn't let itself be forgotten.

Lasting radiance: the trail of the scent

Clive Christian No. 1 is made to last: Clive Christian's fragrances are known for their high concentration of perfume oils. The perfume stays on the skin for a long time, develops slowly and leaves behind an elegant and powerful trail. In the first hours its sillage is impressive; later it turns into a more intimate skin scent. The freshness of bergamot, the floral quality of ylang-ylang and the warmth of sandalwood together create a scent that adapts to your skin chemistry and stays with you all day or night.

Your exclusivity: who it suits

This fragrance is meant for those who seek absolute luxury and want to wear a perfume as unique as their personality. No. 1 is above all a women's fragrance, suited to anyone who appreciates complex and rich scents in which citrus freshness, floral sensuality and woody warmth are intertwined. It is ideal for evening events, galas or special moments when you want to leave a royal impression. The best seasons for letting this scent shine are autumn and winter, as the warm base notes suit cooler weather. If you are looking for luxurious fragrances with floral and woody notes, browse ESSENSA's selection of women's perfumes or read more about what makes niche fragrances so special.

Frequently asked questions

When was this fragrance launched? No. 1 Passant Guardant was created in 2014 for the opening of the Salon de Parfum at Harrods.
What size is it available in? The special edition was made as a single 30 ml bottle.
Is it a limited edition? Yes, it is a unique special edition; the bottle contains Clive Christian's well-known No. 1 fragrance.

Final thoughts: why it is a masterpiece

Clive Christian No. 1 Passant Guardant is a masterpiece that takes you to the heart of luxury – a floral-woody journey with bergamot, ylang-ylang and sandalwood that offers an incomparable and irresistible experience. This perfume embodies the sparkle of a crown jewel and the pinnacle of British perfumery. If you are looking for a scent that reflects your exclusivity and elegance, it may be your new crown. On the subject of historic British and European fragrance houses, we also recommend the article The history and recommendations of Creed perfumes.