With legendary tracks like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock” the iconic King of Rock n’ Roll, Elivs Presely changed music forever, blending unique sounds that turned him into a global sensation. But it wasn’t just his tunes; it was his style.
With the recent Elvis film casting Austin Butler in the spotlight as the King, I’ve been getting progressively more curious about Presley. And I wondered, what cologne did Elvis Presley wear?
If you’re as intrigued as I am, stick around. I’ve searched far and wide to find Elvis Presley’s favourite fragrances.
What did Elvis Presley smell like?
It’s crucial to remember that in Elvis’s heyday, the use of fragrances for men wasn’t as widespread as it is today. Men of Elvis’ era didn’t necessarily have a daily ritual of spritzing on a cologne before stepping out the door.
Fragrances were reserved for special occasions, a symbol of luxury and class. So, when Elvis did wear cologne, it was most likely for special occasions or musical performances.
What I think is incredibly lucky for fans and fragrance aficionados is that all three of Presley’s favorite colognes are still available today. This longevity in the world of fragrances is a testament to his impeccable taste and an innate ability to recognize timeless classics.
Old Spice
In a candid interview on YouTube in 2017, Priscilla Presley sat down with Max Weinberg to discuss a range of topics surrounding the legendary King of Rock n’ Roll. Among the many insights, she revealed that Elvis Presley’s favourite cologne was Old Spice.
Originally launched by Shulton Company in 1937, Old Spice began as a fragrance for women but quickly transitioned the following year into a product line tailored for men. Over the decades, it has become synonymous with masculinity and time-honored tradition.
With top notes that burst with a refreshing mix of citrus, combined with the warmth of floral elements, it brings forth a balanced aroma.
The heart of the fragrance delves into spicy, sweet nuances, reflecting the boldness of its namesake.
The base notes, with hints of vanilla and musky undertones, provide a lasting impression, ensuring the scent lingers, much like the memories of the legendary Elvis Presley.
Interestingly, he’s not the only celebrity who wears Old Spice. It’s currently Travis Kelce’s favourite cologne.
Canoe by Dana
Launched in the 1930s, the popularity of Canoe has ebbed and flowed ever since, yet its appeal remains even today. Despite being relatively inexpensive, it has a charm that rivals many high-end fragrances.
When I sampled it, I got a really strong overtone of vanilla. This creamy notes is then accentuated by a warm, spicy undertone. It’s more subtle than overpowering, which is likely a reason it caught Elvis’ attention.
Brut
I’ve always associated the 60s with groovy tunes, vibrant fashion, and a wave of cultural revolutions, but recently, I’ve also started to realise it saw the dawn of some iconic fragrances.
One such fragrance, which originated in the heart of Paris, is Brut. A scent that, with its deep character and Parisian charm, would naturally find its way to the legends of the time.
Brut is the perfect example. It’s an evening fragrance with a fresh brust of citrus, preluding a rich spicy woody base note.
I can really picture the King of Rock n’ Roll taking the stage and dancing around with a hint of Brut in the air. Maybe that’s what really made his fans swoon.
New Fragrance By The Presleys
In 2019, Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the company with the rights to the late singer’s name, launched a collection of scents designed for both men and women. After all, singers like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, and Rihanna are making an absolute killing right now with their own fragrance lines, so why shouldn’t Presley?
ABG’s vice president of entertainment, Katie Jones, told the press, “Men want to be him and women are enraptured by him. The collection embodies these qualities.”
The debut collection includes four fragrances under the names ‘Legend’ and ‘Forever’.
Forever for Him
Forever for Him is a call to the rebels at heart. I immediately smelled spicy punch of black pepper, aldehydes and zesty yuzu.
The heart is a gin & tonic accord, which I have to say, I’m yet-to-be-decided-on.
The vetiver base gives a woody finish though that I very much like.
Forever for Her
By contrast, Forever for Her is unapologetically feminine, opening with mandarin, citrus and apple blossom. Pink peppers adds a playful touch, and the jasmine really rounds up this romantic aroma. The finale is a touch of crystal amber, which gives the fragrance a warm edge.
Legend for Him
The first time I tested Elvis Presley’s Legend for Him, I was really surprised by just how bold and audacious the black pepper notes were. It’s pretty much exactly what I imagine Elvis Presley smells like.
The pepper is balanced nicely by the yuzu, as in Forever for Him, and the amber, musk, fir balsam and incense base really grounds this cologne for me.
It’s not really an everyday fragrance, but I’ll definitely wear it for special occasions in the winter.
Legend for Her
Legend for her is another bright, zesty and fresh fragrance.
I can’t get enough of the pink pepper and apple blossom notes – this is a really elegant scent, and it has a reasonable longevity (roughly six hours on my skin).
Legend for Her almost feels like wearing a piece of history.
