My Islands Colognes by Colton c1967

The My Islands cologne collection debuted in 1967 as the feminine counterpart to the successful Nine Flags men’s cologne line. Produced by Colton and distributed in the UK by Gillette, this collection featured six distinct colognes, each named after a famous island: Stromboli, Majorca, Corfu, Barbados, Moorea, and Skye. The name My Islands was likely chosen to evoke a sense of personal connection and ownership, inviting wearers to experience the essence of these exotic locations as if they were their own private retreats. The phrase “My Islands” conjures images of sun-drenched shores, tranquil waters, and lush tropical landscapes, evoking emotions of escape, adventure, and indulgence. It suggests a deeply personal sensory journey—one where fragrance transports the wearer to distant destinations without ever leaving home.

The late 1960s was a period of social and cultural transformation, often referred to as the Swinging Sixties. It was an era defined by youth-driven movements, artistic experimentation, and a newfound emphasis on individuality and self-expression. In fashion, bold prints, mini skirts, and mod styles dominated, while a bohemian, jet-set aesthetic also took hold, reflecting the growing accessibility of international travel. The post-war economic boom had made exotic vacations more attainable, and a fascination with global destinations flourished. The influence of travel on perfumery was evident, with fragrances increasingly drawing inspiration from far-off places. Perfume marketing embraced escapism, offering scents that symbolized adventure and glamour.

For women of this time, My Islands would have represented both fantasy and sophistication. Those who had the means to travel could associate the scents with personal experiences, while others could indulge in the dream of distant shores through fragrance alone. The idea of wearing a scent imported from an island like Moorea or Majorca added an air of mystery and allure, aligning with the decade’s broader embrace of independence, exoticism, and sensuality.

 "Something happens to a girl on an island; My Islands colognes by Colton."

Nine Flags Colognes

NINE FLAGS

Launched in 1965, the Nine Flags men’s shaving cologne collection embodied the spirit of adventure, global exploration, and the era’s fascination with international sophistication. Distributed by the Colton Company of Boston, Massachusetts, and marketed by Gillette in the United Kingdom, the collection positioned itself as more than just a grooming product—it was an olfactory passport, inviting men to experience the world through scent. Each cologne in the line was named after a different country, with the fragrance said to incorporate essential oils sourced from that nation before being blended in the United States.

The name Nine Flags evokes a sense of cultural diversity, travel, and prestige. While the number nine does not directly correlate with the number of fragrances in the collection—there were at least twelve at different points—the phrase suggests a multinational theme, perhaps referencing an imagined fraternity of nations, a collection of iconic destinations, or a tribute to places known for their rich natural ingredients. The imagery conjured by Nine Flags is one of cosmopolitan elegance, where a man could select his fragrance much like he might choose his next destination. Whether inspired by the crisp air of Sweden (Clear Spruce), the tobacco fields of Brazil (Aromatic Tabac), or the citrus groves of Italy (Dry Citrus), each scent reflected a romanticized essence of its namesake country.

The mid-1960s was an era of transformation. Air travel had become increasingly accessible, leading to the rise of the Jet Set lifestyle—where the wealthy and aspirational elite traveled frequently, indulging in European escapades, Caribbean vacations, and exotic adventures. The Cold War shaped global politics, while the Space Race fueled an obsession with progress and exploration. Culturally, the British Invasion dominated the music scene, Mod fashion redefined style, and Sean Connery’s James Bond films epitomized a new ideal of masculinity—suave, sophisticated, and internationally minded.