Bring out your bottles of Pinaud Clubman, this could turn into a very "adult" conversation! Clubman is an aftershave that continually gets thrown into the strangely negative light of an "Old Man" or "Barbershop" scent. To say nothing of the love of vintage, in my opinion, other than nostalgia, it is wrongly put into those categories. Now my grandfather used Clubman, and was indeed a "country-club man" and without a doubt an aristocrat! And with the notes of clubman how could anyone argue:
"Bursting with the top notes of orange, bergamot and mouth-watering lemon with green nuances throughout... The floral heart of jasmine, orange flower and geranium dance with lavender and is completed with a warm amber background."
When I wear Clubman, there is rarely even a hint of burn. It goes on very nicely, and I would also say it goes on a little heavy or at minimum thicker than the likes of Speick. Clubman actually feels like an aftershave lotion. Along with the powdery softness, it's that very feeling on application that is such a strong selling point because you certainly can't see where those benefits would come from in its properties and ingredient list.
"In 1920, Pinaud opened its American branch on 5th Avenue, New York City. The Ed. Pinaud Building, as it was known, was an elaborate, million dollar construct that opened to great fanfare. Later on in the decade, the Great Depression had little effect on the Pinaud company as they were known mainly for their high dollar perfumes, which most of their customer base could still afford. It wasn't until 1933 that Pinaud began to reach the "common man" with their introduction of the low priced, re-formulated Lilac Vegetol aftershave which ended up being a big hit. They also began selling their Bay Rum in department stores.
A conflict of interest rippled between the New York house and the Paris house, as the French distillery did not want to be associated with American "Toilet Water". Victor Klotz, Ed. Pinaud's son-in-law, ran the New York branch and felt that there was more middle class men that would appreciate Pinaud fragrance in their homes than rich, lady socialites. To break away from the French parent branch, the Ed. Pinaud building was renamed "Klotz Family Business Co." which it was known by for many years. In order to still keep their prestigious Parfume heritage unmarred, Klotz came to the decision that he would refrain from advertising the new budget line, instead marketing it exclusively to barbers and letting word of mouth sell his line. So by around 1940 the Clubman line, which consisted of aftershave, talc, hair tonic, shampoo and soap, hit the shops and established itself as one of the finest moderately priced men's grooming brands around. By the 1950's, Clubman aftershave could be found in many homes in the country, though it was never mass marketed on the level of Aqua Velva, Old Spice, and Skin Bracer. It was an "in the know" product; what the fellows at the county club and the golf resort used."
A conflict of interest rippled between the New York house and the Paris house, as the French distillery did not want to be associated with American "Toilet Water". Victor Klotz, Ed. Pinaud's son-in-law, ran the New York branch and felt that there was more middle class men that would appreciate Pinaud fragrance in their homes than rich, lady socialites. To break away from the French parent branch, the Ed. Pinaud building was renamed "Klotz Family Business Co." which it was known by for many years. In order to still keep their prestigious Parfume heritage unmarred, Klotz came to the decision that he would refrain from advertising the new budget line, instead marketing it exclusively to barbers and letting word of mouth sell his line. So by around 1940 the Clubman line, which consisted of aftershave, talc, hair tonic, shampoo and soap, hit the shops and established itself as one of the finest moderately priced men's grooming brands around. By the 1950's, Clubman aftershave could be found in many homes in the country, though it was never mass marketed on the level of Aqua Velva, Old Spice, and Skin Bracer. It was an "in the know" product; what the fellows at the county club and the golf resort used."
This featured AS is less a call to use the aftershave, and more of a call to use it for the first time! If you don't have a bottle, pick one up! I bought my huge 16 oz bottle for the sole purpose of reducing per oz. the overall cost of my aftershave collection. I never thought I'd like it so much.
Pinaud has such a rich history and there are lot's of different bottles out there, let's see yours Every time you use it in the next couple of weeks post your SOTD in this thread. Mike and Mark, Im looking at you! Take a photo, share your thoughts and your own personal history of the Pinaud Clubman Aftershave Lotion.
