To mark the 50th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy's (RFK) death, fragrance house Eight & Bob is donating a percentage of the revenue received from a special edition fragrance to the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation, as a tribute to RFK's dream of a more fair and peaceful world. 

Led by human rights activist and lawyer, Kerry Kennedy, RFK's daughter, the Foundation has advocated for a more just and peaceful world since 1968. They work alongside local activists to ensure lasting positive change in governments and corporations. Their team includes leading attorneys, advocates, entrepreneurs and writers united by a commitment to social justice.

The special edition contains the original fragrance which was created by Albert Fouquet in the 1930s. It features top notes of pink pepper, cardomom and lemon; heart notes of violet leaf, labdanum and dry woods; and base notes of sandalwood, amber and vetiver. 

The 50ml special edition retails at £110 and is exclusive to Harvey Nichols.

THE STORY BEHIND THE BRAND
One night during the summer of 1937 in the French Riviera, Albert Fouquet, a young socialite and perfume connoisseur, met John F. Kennedy in 1937 when he was a student. Within minutes of being introduced, the vain JFK was captivated by the essence that Albert wore. John’s charm and congeniality persuaded Albert to leave him a sample of his cologne with a note at his hotel the following morning: “In this bottle, you will find the dash of French glamour that your American personality lacks.”

On returning from his vacation, Albert received a letter from JFK thanking him for the fragrance and informing him of its success amongst his friends. He requested that Albert send him eight samples, “and if your production allows, another one for Bob”.

The order wasn't fulfilled until Philippe, the family butler, found beautiful glass bottles in a Parisian pharmacy for the cologne to be housed in. Albert ordered several boxes with the same pattern as the pinstripe shirt that JFK was wearing when they met, and then labeled the bottles and boxes with John's request: “EIGHT & BOB”.

A few months later, Albert began receiving letters from America with requests from various Hollywood directors, producers, and actors such as Cary Grant and James Stewart. Everyone wanted their very own piece of “EIGHT & BOB”.

In the spring of 1939, Albert died in a car accident near Biarritz. Philippe, the only person who could create and handle the orders, continued Albert's legacy and in his final shipments hid the bottles inside books to prevent the Nazis from seizing the cologne. Decades later, thanks to the family of Philippe, the formula for “EIGHT & BOB” has been completely recovered, along with its carefully crafted production process.