No. 1

Exploring Clive Christian No. 1

No. 1 rewards patience. Released in 2001, this Parfum from Clive Christian does not announce itself immediately — it unfolds. The Woody, Powdery, Warm Spicy, Floral, Yellow Floral structure is layered, nuanced, and deliberately uncommercial. For those who have moved past designer signatures and are searching for something more considered, No. 1 is a destination worth the journey.

Marketed historically as 'The World's Most Expensive Perfume' using precious floral & sandalwood oils.

No. 1 Notes Breakdown

No. 1 opens with Cardamom, Nutmeg, Lime, Mandarin Orange and Artemisia — an assertive first impression that carries across a room. As the opening settles, the composition pivots to its heart of Ylang-Ylang, Iris, Rose, Jasmine and Heliotrope. What lingers on skin and clothing hours later is the base: Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla, Tonka Bean and Cedar.

Strip it back to the bones and the profile reads Woody, Powdery, Warm Spicy, Floral, Yellow Floral — the kind of profile that rewards a second and third wearing.

Performance: Longevity, Sillage & Versatility

Longevity (10/10): No. 1 delivers exceptional longevity for Parfum. On most skin types expect 12+ hours. A single morning application typically carries through well into the evening without reinforcement.

Sillage (8/10): No. 1 projects as a confident aura, detectable by those nearby. One or two sprays is all that is needed — over-application will overpower rather than impress.

Versatility (5/10): No. 1 is suited to a specific context, with a clearly defined personality that not all occasions can accommodate. It thrives in its intended context but may feel mismatched further outside that sweet spot.

Value (4/10): At around $750, there is a real question of whether the experience fully justifies the investment. Consider the alternatives in this review before committing.

How No. 1 Handles Heat, Humidity & Cold

Of the five climate zones we score, No. 1 does best in mild (Islamabad, San Francisco) at 9/10 — it keeps its shape there instead of turning sharp or fading fast. The number to watch is hot & humid (Dubai, Miami) at 3/10, where you are better off reaching for something else.

Highly favored among royal GCC buyers and elite ultra-luxury connoisseurs.

The composition explains it: Lime and Mandarin Orange are volatile materials that flash off quickly once the temperature rises, taking much of the character along.

Its average across all five zones is 6/10 — broad enough to wear most of the year without second-guessing the weather.

To see how it ranks against every other fragrance for your conditions, run the Climate Matcher.

Occasions & When to Wear

No. 1 is best suited to Black Tie, Galas, Weddings. The projection ensures presence without deliberate effort — ideal for outdoor gatherings and social occasions where you want to register.

Seasonally, No. 1 performs best in Fall, Winter. The climate data supports this range, though performance at the extremes — deep cold or intense heat — may vary.

More traditional and powdered floral-sandalwood elegance than Roja Haute Luxe.

What No. 1 Costs — and Whether It Is Worth It

Internationally, No. 1 sits at $750–$980. That places it firmly in luxury territory — a considered purchase competing with the top tier of niche and designer-exclusive releases.

Regional pricing: PKR 180,000–240,000 in Pakistan, AED 2,800–3,500 in the UAE. The currency switcher at the top of this page converts every price on the site — EUR, GBP, SAR and more — using current rates.

Where to buy: Internationally: Harrods, Selfridges, Bergdorf Goodman. GCC/UAE: Paris Gallery, Bloomingdale's Dubai, Harvey Nichols. Pakistan: Private collectors, high-end decanters.

Verdict

No. 1 earns its premium through genuine distinction rather than marketing mythology — a fragrance that rewards the wearer rather than impressing bystanders.

An overall 6.6/10 puts No. 1 in solid-but-situational territory: strong where it is strong, ordinary elsewhere. Match it to the right season and occasion and it pays off.

Astronomical price point yields fierce luxury status vs value-for-money debates.

Still deciding? Put it head-to-head against anything else in the database — scores, notes and prices side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does No. 1 last?

No. 1 has a longevity score of 10/10. On average skin, expect 12+ hours. Performance can vary with skin type, application method, and ambient temperature — heat accelerates diffusion while dry skin absorbs fragrance faster.

Is No. 1 worth the price?

At around $750, No. 1 by Clive Christian is a premium-priced option that warrants careful comparison with alternatives. Its performance scores, climate range, and composition quality make it a considered purchase — evaluate your priorities against the alternatives before committing.

What does No. 1 smell like?

No. 1 is characterised by Woody, Powdery, Warm Spicy, Floral, Yellow Floral accords. Opening with Cardamom and Nutmeg, the heart revolves around Ylang-Ylang and Iris, settling into a base of Sandalwood and Amber.

Is No. 1 good for hot or humid weather?

No. 1 was not designed for extreme heat (score: 3/10). In genuinely hot climates, reserve it for cooled indoor environments or evening wear.

Is No. 1 for men or women?

No. 1 is marketed as a Unisex fragrance. In practice, its character is better defined by its composition than by any marketing category.