Fashion and fragrance have always had a strong connection, so it should come as no surprise that cities known for design houses also tend to be where the perfume makers are. New York, Paris, Milan and, of course, London, are as famous for one as the other, right now, but those reputations came after a lot of hard work.

Capital cities always have a special vibrance about them, and with so many events and occasions for people to go to, finding the best perfumes for women or the best men’s aftershave has always been important to keep your fragrance in line with your aesthetic.

London’s connection to the fragrance world goes back over a century, with Floris, one of the most prestigious London perfume makers, first opening their doors in the 1730s and many more joining them since. This is a list of London’s Top 5 perfume makers, with a little about each brand and their fragrances included.

Dunhill, London

Dunhill London moved from making harnesses to making motoring accessories in the late 1800s, and though they have made fewer than 50 fragrances in that time, the ones they have produced have been so good, they have helped cement the Dunhill name as a giant of perfume. With one eye still on motoring, Dunhill fragrances tend to have masculine scents and the effort that goes into designing the bottles is outstanding.

Burberry London

Originally concerned with men’s outdoor wear, Burberry made their first fragrance in 1981. A men’s fragrance, its name was simply Burberrys for Men. Since that time, they have added almost 100 other fragrances, in men’s and women's varieties, to their collection and continue to make perfume today. Their focus on high end, British-centred products runs right through their collection and makes them very distinctive products.

Yardley, London

Yardley have been in business since the 1770s, making the company 252 years old! Their signature scent, English Lavender, came in 1873 and is still on the shelves today. Being London based allowed Yardley to become symbolic of ‘Swinging London’ and capitalise on their celebrity customers in the 1960-80s, and their range of products is so diverse, it really does have something for everyone.

Jo Malone

Founded in 1990, Jo Malone may be younger than the other brands here but their perfumes are no less delicious. By bending the rules and combining ingredients not regularly used together, as well as pairing scents that can be worn together, Jo Malone created a whole experience of fragrance that seemed to be brand new to everyone’s nose!

Penhaligon’s, London

Founded in the 1860’s, Penhaligon’s was originally a barber shop, where William H. Penhaligon would cut men’s hair and makeup products to sell to his customers. Mr Penhaligon was eventually made Court Barber and perfumer to HRH Queen Victoria, a high honour indeed, and now the brand has over 30 stores throughout the UK.

These are some of the best and most well-known perfumers that London has to offer and many have other products and accessories available in their collections.