Cussons

In 1798, a perfumery named Bayleys of Bond Street was visited by Russian nobleman, Count Olaf and asked to create a fragrance that recreated the aroma of a Russian Court. The fragrance they created was 'Eau de Cologne Imperiale Russe', and became his favourite fragrance.

Much later, in the early 1900's Cussons bought Bayleys and decided to use this fragrance as the basis of a new soap: 'Imperiale Russian Leather'. This soon became known as Imperial Leather, and Cusson's most famous brand was born.