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For decades, luxury fashion brands were really the only ones to produce “It Scents” (Chanel No. 5…ever heard of it?) as it was common for women to turn to their favorite fashion designer to find her signature scent. And for those who simply couldn’t afford Saint Laurent ruffles or Prada pencil skirts, there was always a perfume from the same label that was just within reach.
Then came the wave of independent brands that seemingly took over the fragrance space – hailing everywhere from Brooklyn to Copenhagen – and many cool locales in between. Customers flocked to a declaration of “clean” ingredients, cooler packaging, and messaging that was more about individuality and less about name recognition.
But as history proves, the pendulum always swings back. Now, we’re once again looking to Madison Avenue mainstays to dictate what our new spritz should look like. The new crop of designer fragrances are decidedly chic again, with certain scents even gaining true cult followings (even with their rocketing price points). Below, some of the latest fashion house scents to garner “It” status.
The designer is known to build her fragrances from personal experiences, whether a secret trip to Portofino or nostalgia for living in LA. The newest one to enter the collection is a dark, raw vanilla that’s reminiscent of a special night in Java. The scent itself is driven by rich notes of Tobacco and Plum.
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The newest launch from the ever-chic Italian fashion house is both floral and fruity (with notes of Italina Green Mandarin Superessence and Rose Absolute) which when blended, is somewhat sweet and sour. The pink tinted bottle and blush cap in iconic Saffiano is a nod to the perfume’s rhubarb accord - and will look fabulous on a vintage tray.
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This “It brand” hails not from Paris but from Spain, an unexpected hub for luxury. It’s marketed as a unisex scent (that features notes of iris, vanilla and musk), and is inspired by the sculptural fountain at Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles, the company’s home city. Plus, the uber chic outer packaging, with artful images of irises, will beg for the scent to be gifted.
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A fashion brand for the coolest of the cool calls for an in-house scent that shares the same vibe. The company’s newest fragrance is built on Madagascar Vanilla and Sandalwood, and is meant to transport you to a Parisian bakery that’s filled with the subtle scent of sweet madeleines (the heart of the fragrance is Madeleine Accord). But sugary, it’s not - it’s grounded by woody notes of Sandalwood to keep it warm and seductive. It’s a perfect pairing for your winter wardrobe.
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With Alessandro Michele as the new Creative Director of the iconic Italian fashion house, comes a new vision for the brand extensions, with fragrance at the helm. The latest one - with a bit of spice from pepper and velvet from Italian milk foam - is truly unique in its ambery musk profile. Plus the bottle’s fabric label is there to remind you that at the heart of the brand is the utmost craftsmanship.
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To say this brand has a cult following is an understatement, with plaids and woven totes coveted alike. The sculptural bottle, inspired by traditional Venetian glassblowing techniques, is reminiscent of mouth-blown air bubbles. The scent is heady; notes of cinnamon and geranium mix with cardamom and patchouli oils to blend into a scent that’s both mysterious and captivating.
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From potentially the most iconic French luxury brand (home to the $25,000 tote), comes a new scent that blends butterfly lily and miracle berry with oakwood and patchouli. The jewel-like bottle gives a nod to the brand’s heritage with two singular studs, a signature of the classic Collier de Chien bracelet.
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The exit of the iconic Belgian designer from his eponymous brand made fashionphiles everywhere yearn for anything and everything from the house. The newest scent - housed in powder pink glass bottle that looks like the brand’s brocade fabric - has notes of Chamomile, Rose Turkish Absolute and Vanilla Bean for an evocative, leathery scent that will be a staple in your fragrance wardrobe.
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