The Splash Collection by March Jacobs: A Review

Cotton, Ivy, Orange, Violet . . . You may be wondering how does this list of plants relate to fragrances. It makes sense if it is from a world-renowned perfumer and fashion designer. And, in this case, it represents a sampling of the Splash Collection by Marc Jacobs.

According to Perfume-Smellin' Things, this unisex collection was inspired by Jean Nate's splash-on fragrances that were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Marc Jacobs Splashes first appeared in the fragrance market in 2006, and each scent in this collection represented the essence of each season or a particular plant. For instance, osmoz.com stated that one of the newest members of the Splash Collection, Orange, evoked “the shimmer of leaves seen through other green leaves in the sun (…) the air filled with an explosion of citrus scents.”

So, what do I think of this collection? Although the reviews are mixed about this line, the ones that I have personally tried, Violet and Ivy, smell fabulous to me. I must admit that my favorite one is Ivy, since it has a more masculine scent. Violet is too feminine for me, so it's perfect for the fragrance lady. In addition, I love the lightness of both fragrances. I can spray or splash as much of them on my body and do not have to worry about overpowering the populace. In other words, no one will faint. Of course, this is what splashes suppose to do anyway; they dry quickly, leaving a light and pleasant scent on the body.

All splashes are housed in sleek glass bottles with simple cylindrical black tops. You'll also get plenty of juice. You can buy a 10 oz bottle for about $65. Marc Jacobs Splashes are meant for everyday use and I recommend them for all men and women.

The Splash Collection by Marc Jacobs

Amber

Cotton

Cucumber

Grass

Ivy

Orange

Rain

Violet

Where did I get my info? Click on the sources below.

Marcjacobs.com

Osmoz.com

Perfume-Smellin' Things

A Video Profile: Vera Wang

Presenting a video profile about Vera Wang,
an award-winning designer

Behind the Velvet Ropes - Vera Wang



Vera Wang Displays Her Russian Themed Collection



Vera Wang

Click here for a list of fragrances by Vera Wang

Where did I get my info? Click on the sources below.
Vera Wang Biography on Infomat.com
YouTube.com

Reprint and Fragrance Education: Guest Author

Types of Perfumes

By Roberto Sedycias

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of types of perfumes in today`s market. The high demand for various types of perfumes makes it easily available to find them from inexpensive to moderate expensive to very expensive types of perfumes for all tastes and pockets. One does not have to go very far in order to find major brands available.

The most common way to describe a perfume is perhaps considering its concentration level, where it has been originated from, and the notes of the scent. The most common scent is floral with ingredients such as carnation, jasmine, violet, orange blossoms, lilies, orchids, just to name a few. All perfumes and colognes are different and they are meant to associate the personality and skin type of users.

In order to classify a perfume or cologne, one interesting aspect to consider would be the percentage of concentration by volume of perfume oil:

Perfume usually has in its content, 15 to 25% of perfumed oil.

Eau de Perfume usually has in its content 8 to 15% of perfumed oil.

Eau de Toilette usually has in its content 4 to 10% of perfumed oil.

Eau de Cologne usually has in its content 2 to 5% of perfumed oil.

Nowadays with modern technology of perfume manufacturing, new categories have been formed, the most common of them being described as: Bright Floral - the most popular of them all, meant for almost everyone and for any occasion. Earthy or Woody - it evokes the environment of the forest, with a very refreshing smell. This fragrance has a strong appeal to the older generation. Green - it is considered to be a lighter fragrance and is meant for casual wear. Oceanic - it is very popular with the younger generation. Spicy Fruit - it is a good choice for tropical weather. Oriental - it is composed of spicy scents, meant for special occasions.

Plants are the largest source of fragrant compounds used in the perfume industry. Fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are also used. Some seeds and woods are very important in providing the base notes to a perfume.

Most modern perfumes and colognes are made using the fragrance oils that the fragrances houses develop using essential oils and aromatic chemicals. The fragrance oils are then blended with ethyl alcohol and water and then aged in thanks for a certain time and filtered through processing equipment to remove any particles before the solution can be considered ready to go into the perfume bottles.

Most fragrances with the names of well known designers are constantly improving in order to produce top quality perfumes. Due to the high demand that major brands experience, it suggests that the perfume industry will keep on a fast mode for quite some time in the future.

Finally, it is a good idea to keep in mind that different people have different tastes and the choice or preference for a particular fragrance is a very personal one and may vary dramatically from one person to another, suggesting that it is better to try it before you buy.

Article From Northern Light Articles

The List

We only have real designers on this week's list. Thank you Lord!

Many established, influential and upscale perfume and fashion houses recently came out with their new creations for fall 2007. And, this week's list represents this “eternal trend.” Calvin Klein, Caron, Dior, Hermes, Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Lalique and Yves Saint Laurent have recently launched their new fragrances for men and women. In addition, two lesser known houses, Acqua di Parma and Morgan, have released their new scents to the public.

Lastly, if you have been reading my blog for a while, you already know my advice for trying out new scents. Ask the fragrance expert at your favorite department store or perfumery for assistance and please try to get a free sample before purchasing a newbie. I present this week's list.

For Women

Amethyst by Lalique

Love Love de Toi Glamstar by Morgan

Kelly Calèche by Hermes

Midnight Poison by Dior

Montaigne by Caron

Opium Orient Etrême by Yves Saint Laurent

For Men

Colonia Intensa by Acqua di Parma

L'eau D'issey pour Homme Intense by Issey Miyake

Man by Calvin Klein

Tokyo by Kenzo

Fragrance Education -- Scentsa

We love them; we hate them; and we want to be them. Yes, people, I'm talking about our favorite American pass time, obsessing over celebrities. Now you can know more intimate details about them by visiting this informative site, Scentsa.com. It reveals celebrity fragrance favorites.

This wonderful and entertaining source is very simple to use. You can do a simple search by celebrity or fragrance name. You just click a few buttons and the fragrances that your favorite stars wear will appear. I highly recommend this site for nosy people or obsessive fans. Have fun!

Click here to visit Scentsa.

NEW LOGO!

Do you notice something different about my blog? I have a logo! I hope you all love it and please tell me what you think about it. Ta ta. FM

A Video Profile: Tom Ford

You all know by now I love creating series. I'm blaming this obsession on my librarian mind, which means that all information must be neatly organized for me. My newest creation is called A Video Profile. Every week I will create a "video essay" about my favorite designers. All videos will come from YouTube.com. Here is my first profile. I present Tom Ford.

The Sweet Scent of Tom Ford



FT Present: Tom Ford



Tom Ford New Store Madison Avenue

Click here for a list of fragrances by Tom Ford

Fall Trends

Welcome to fall! And, I'm glad it's here. I've just experienced my first full summer in Las Vegas, and I was melting like good chocolate every summer day. So, fall weather is a welcome relief for me, and I suppose my fellow Las Vegans feel the same.

Autumn is also a good time for fragrances. Usually the newest and best scents are launched during this season. You'll also find some of the most interesting trends during this time of year. However, most fall fragrances have these characteristics – exotic, alluring and spicy. So, what are the trends for fall 2007 in the perfume world? The experts at osmoz.com and WWD.com can give the best answers to this question.

According to osmoz.com, these are the trends for fall fragrances:

• Many fragrances will be inspired by Asia.

• Look for re-releases or relaunches. Think of Pucci's Vivara.

• Perfumers are creating playful perfume bottles and juices, very whimsical creations.

• Amethyst-purple bottles and juices are in vogue.

• Night as theme is popular among perfumers

• Iris is the fall flower.

• Do you love leather and fur notes? Animalistic notes are trendy among fragrance designers.

• Gourmand notes, paired with chypre, floral or woodsy accords, are maturing and trendy. A must-have for men's fragrances.

• Finally, black-rose accords are the trendiest among rose notes

So, what is WWD.com saying about fall fragrances?

• Gender-bending perfumes and colognes? Designers are placing traditional male notes in women's perfumes, and floral notes, which are usually reserved for women's fragrances, are being added to men's scents.

• Fragrances are going “green.” Since many consumers want natural ingredients in their scents, perfume companies are complying.

• Chypre fragrances are in full force this fall.

• Expect to see more fragrances from celebrities.

• Fragrances are getting personal. Henri Bendel is offering a fragrance bar; consumers can individualize their fragrances. Bergdorf Goodman will be offering only exclusive scents, such as Tom Ford's Voile de Fleur and Hermès' Kelly Caleche.

• Finally, the French perfumer, Mane, will offer a limited edition perfume called Yu. Expect to pay $5000 for this scent.

These trends are very exciting for you as consumers. You have so many options to choose from. If you are confused by these choices, ask the fragrance expert at your favorite department store or perfumery for assistance.

Sources

Fragrance Collection 07-08 by osmoz.com

A Closer Look: Fragrance by Michelle Edgar (WWD.com Beauty)

Hot, Hot, Hot News -- Prada and IPO

If you haven't heard or read this news yet, one of my favorite fashion houses, the eternal Prada, will go public next year. If you are a high-end fashion whore just like me, Prada is the must-have for your investment portfolio. I can't wait to be an owner of this über fashion house. BTW, as The Fragrance Man, I am compelled to list Prada's perfumes and colognes. So, here's the list.

For Women
Infusion d'Iris (their newest perfume)
Prada
Tendre

For Men
Prada pour Homme

What Happen to New Fragrance Monday?

Since I'm a cancer, I always have to change things. It's a moody thing. So, I've decided to rename New Fragrance Monday to The List. It will be a mixture of Just Gossipin' and New Fragrance Monday. Both series basically gave the same information. So, I hope you enjoy this newly merged series, The List. Expect to see its first post at the end of this week. Ta ta. FM

The Fragrance Man's Recent Note (9/3/07)-- Ok, ok, I didn't get a chance to post the list this week. However, it will be out soon. So, please forgive me for my little fib. Ta ta. FM

Reprint: A Deal… A Bargain… What the Hell is This? by The Huntress

I thought I would digress for this post. This beautifully written and funny article was done by my former shopping columnist, The Huntress. Read and be amused by this young writer.

A Deal… A Bargain… What the Hell is This?

When I shop, I get a tingle down my spine. I once saw a report on 20/20 that explained how our basic hunting and gathering instincts are brought out when we shop. That’s right, I thought, the great hunt! I am an animal waiting for the kill, and when I see a good deal, I pounce!

Tonight, at Target, one of my favorite bargain hunting grounds, I saw that a closet organizer was on sale by California Closets. So, let’s just say I am excited to see their next selection on sale. As I walk, I grimace at the memory of the messy clothes in my walk-in closet, overflowing the hamper. The hairs on my arms stand up, and I tingle at the thought of the add-on sale -- thirty-six smackaroonies!

As I approach the aisle, I notice a couple rounding the bin behind me. Was it my imagination or is she eying my closet system? I notice her watching me out of the corner of her eye too. I take a quick look -- one shelf left! Oh no, honey, this one’s mine! I walk a little faster. So does she. I think back to “Christmas with the Kranks” and how Jamie Lee Curtis raced another woman to the last ham in the grocery store. What would this woman do? I quickly turn my cart to block her view of the closet system, and I wait, heart thumping. She starts to open her mouth as if to say ‘excuse me’, and I shake my head, looking her dead in the eye, nostrils flaring. She backs down, I have won. I am the warrior queen! The huntress!

As I turn toward my conquest, I am on cloud nine, and I float down the aisle, patting myself on the back for being frugal enough to wait for this sale when -- Wham! -- this is not the California Closet in Cherry, but some watered-down, flimsy, manufactured, cheap-as-can-be (dare I even call it wood?) imitation!

I dragged myself home deflated, my clothes metaphorically torn by the battle that -- well let’s face it -- only happened in my mind. So I send this message to you. Don’t wait too long for the deal. I was been slapped in the face by my own prudence. Sometimes you have to pay a little more. Settle for 20% instead of waiting for 50%. I shall live to hunt another day because the huntress always lives inside. I wait in the grasses of sales and clearance. My shoulders are thrown back, my teeth are bared, and I watch for that opportunity, ready to pounce.

The Huntress is a freelance writer. She has wrote dozens of articles for community and professional publications. If you would like to contact The Huntress, please email her at huntress@ljpsearch.com.

Fragrance Education -- The Fragrance Foundation Fragrance Directory

Do you want to know if Paris Hilton has launched a new perfume or if Chanel has created a new fragrance for men? To answer your questions about perfumes and colognes and to research general information about designer fragrances, choose the Fragrance Foundation Fragrance Directory for your fragrance information needs. This directory was based on Fragrances of the World.Info marketing database by Michael Edwards, an acclaimed author and FiFi winner. To navigate the directory, you can use the main menu, “which includes parameters such as fragrance brands, year of launch, country of launch, gender, fragrance family, FiFi winner, and distribution” according to the Fragrance Foundation. You can also use the Research Wizard for natural language searching and limit your search by one or more categories, such as gender or fragrance family. This database is for fragrance editors, industry professionals and you.

The Official Description of the Fragrance Directory

The Fragrance Foundation Fragrances Directory

www.fragrancedirectory.info/usadirectory

“Adapted by the FiFi® winner and acclaimed author Michael Edwards from his Fragrances of the World.Info marketing database, the Fragrance Directory is the ultimate asset for editors, industry professionals and consumers.

Updated on a weekly basis, the Fragrance Library includes detailed fragrance information, such as colorful bottle images, launch dates (US and European), perfume descriptions, fragrance family categories, as well as distributor contact information. Whether you are searching for the latest perfume launches or specifics regarding feminine fragrances released over the past year, the Fragrance Library will make answering these questions an effortless endeavor.” -- The Fragrance Foundation

Award Winning Fragrances -- The FiFi Awards

Did you know that the fragrance world has its own "Oscars?" The FiFi, created by the Fragrance Foundation, recognizes the most outstanding and creative ideas of the fragrance industry. It was conceived 35 years ago by Anette Green, President Emeritus of The Fragrance Foundation. The FiFi awards are currently held in six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The main FiFi Ceremonies are held in New York in late spring. Make sure to ask the fragrance experts at your favorite department, specialty or drug stores about the 2007 FiFi winners below.

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S LUXE*
Juicy Couture – Liz Claiborne Cosmetics

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – MEN’S LUXE*
Terre d’Hermès – Hermès
Unforgivable by Sean John – Sean John Fragrances/Estée Lauder

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S NOUVEAU NICHE*
KenzoAmour – Kenzo Parfums

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – MEN’S NOUVEAU NICHE*
Viktor & Rolf Antidote – L’Oréal USA

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S PRIVATE LABEL/DIRECT SELL*
Dream Angels Desire – Victoria’s Secret Beauty

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – MEN’S PRIVATE LABEL/DIRECT SELL*
Banana Republic Black Walnut – Inter Parfums USA

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S POPULAR APPEAL*
American Beauty Wonderful Indulgence – BeautyBank Inc.

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – MEN’S POPULAR APPEAL*
Antonio Antonio Banderas – Puig Beauty USA, Inc.

BATH & BODY LINE OF THE YEAR
Juicy Couture by Liz Claiborne Cosmetics

INTERIOR SCENT OF THE YEAR
Banana Republic Chilled Sangria Candle – Inter Parfums USA

BEST PACKAGING – WOMEN’S PRESTIGE
Armani Privé Cuir Amethyst (unisex) – Giorgio Armani Beauty
KenzoAmour – Kenzo Parfums

BEST PACKAGING – MEN’S PRESTIGE
Armani Privé Cuir Amethyst (unisex) – Giorgio Armani Beauty
Viktor & Rolf Antidote – L’Oréal USA

BEST PACKAGING – WOMEN’S POPULAR APPEAL
Secrets D’Essences Voile d’Ambre – Yves Rocher Inc

BEST PACKAGING – MEN’S POPULAR APPEAL
Driven – Derek Jeter – Avon Products, Inc.


Looking for more info?

For more information about this year's FiFi Awards Ceremonies and to see the winners of the European FiFis, click here.

*Definitions

Luxe: Fragrances sold in 250 or more specialty (i.e. Neiman Marcus) and/or department stores (i.e. Macy's).

Nouveau Niche: Fragrances sold in under 250 specialty stores.

Popular Appeal: Fragrances sold in drug (i.e. Walgreens) and chain stores (Kohl's)

Private Label/Direct Sell: Fragrances sold via private label or direct sell ( i.e. Victoria's Secret)

Reprint: The House of Coty

Founded in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty, Coty has created innovative fragrances for over 100 years. This multi-billion dollar corporation has developed a portfolio of over 35 designer, celebrity and life style brands. Their collection includes well-known designer brands, such as Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang. They also distribute celebrity brands; e.g. Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker. And, of course, Coty is famously known for their lifestyle brands, i.e. the “old drug store favorites.” These brands include Aspen, Jovan, Stetson and Vanilla Fields. Browse through the collections of Coty at ljpsearch.com (this store has temporarily closed) and be amazed.

Coty Brands

Coty Beauty

Adidas
Aspen
Celine Dion
Chupa Chups
David and Victoria Beckham
Desperate Housewives
Esprit
Exclamation
Isabella Rosellini
Kylie Minogue
Jovan
mary-kate and ashley
Miss Sixty
Miss Sporty
Pierre Cardin
Rimmel
Shania Twain
Stetson
Vanilla Fields

Coty Prestige

Calvin Klein
Cerruti
Chloe
Chopard
Davidoff
House of Phat (atmanfragrances.com, http://www.babyphatfragrances.com/)
Jennifer Lopez
Jette Joop
Jil Sander
Joop
Kenneth Cole
Lancaster
Marc Jacobs
Nautica
Nikos
Sarah Jessica Parker
Vera Wang
Vivienne Westwood

Web References

Coty
http://www.coty.com/

Wikipedia Articles about Coty

Coty, Inc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coty%2C_Inc

Francois Coty
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_Coty


This winter 2006 article fist appeared on ljpsearch.com.

New Fragrance Monday

This week's list celebrates new celebrity fragrances. According to a 2006 article in the Pittsburgh Post- Gazette, celebrity fragrances are fueling the growth of the fragrance industry. Of course, the reason behind this growth is obvious; Americans and the rest of the world worship famous and fabulous wealthy people! Try a new scent from your favorite star today. Make sure to ask the fragrance expert at your favorite department store or perfumery about these new perfumes and colognes. And, try to get a free sample before you invest in these newbies.

For Women

3121 by Prince
Christina Aguilera by Christina Aguilera
Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker
Darling by Kylie Minogue
Glow After Dark by Jennifer Lopez
Intimately Beckham Night Women by David and Victoria Beckham
Kate by Kate Moss
L by Gwen Stefani
M by Mariah Carey
Midnight Fantasy by Britney Spears
Sheer Stella 2007 by Stella McCartney
Unforgivable for Women by Sean John
Un printemps à Paris by Celine Dion
USHER for Women by Usher

For Men

Driven Black by Derek Jeter
Intimately Beckham Night Men by David and Victoria Beckham
USHER for Men by Usher

Fragrance Education -- osMoz.com

osMoz.com is the best web site for fragrance information. With its high-end and avant-garde design, you can find information about new fragrances, read articles about perfume “stars,” learn about the history of fragrances, become knowledgeable about different perfume processing techniques and do much more. It is a true fragrance universe.

Official Description of osMoz.com

osMoz.com

www.osmoz.com

“osMoz, created on March 29, 2001, is the premiere website devoted to perfume and fragrance. Aimed at both consumers and professionals, osMoz offers a unique range of perfume-based content presented in five languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. The osMoz website does not do on-line sales, but offers, among other services, an “Interactive Guide” with links to brands’ and distributors’ websites . . .

The osMoz website aims to provide insight into all fragrances . . ., through information about their production techniques, the ingredients they are composed of, and their stories.

The site’s features:

Encyclo – all about perfume: its history, ingredients, production techniques and olfactory families, as well as a complete list of brands and fragrances.
New Products – to keep track of new fragrances.
Focus - to find out about the latest news and trends in perfume and fragrance design
Games - to test your knowledge about perfume and fragrance and discover the one that suits your personality best.
Club – to take advantage of lots of special offers, and to participate in fragrance tests and studies.
Guide – a guide to perfume- and fragrance-related websites.” -- osMoz.com

Reprint: Demeter: the Library of 1,200 Scents

Demeter began in 1996 on a family farm in Pennsylvania. And, their very first scents -- Dirt, Tomato, Grass and many others -- were inspired by the smells of the gardens, fields and woods on and surrounding the farm. Their library composes of 1200 single note or single experience fragrances. The single note fragrance captures a single scent from an object, while a single experience fragrance is built by blending multiple notes or scents to represent a single idea, such as Angel Food Cake or Cosmopolitan Cocktail. They currently sell 200 fragrances out of this library.

Demeter's fragrances are meant for everyday use. You can spray them on your body, in your car, on your sheets, etc. They are perfectly safe on any fabric. You can also use them singly or blend them together to create your own unique scent.

Fragrances from Demeter are wonderful additions to your fragrance collection if you have one. If you are a novice to perfumes and colognes, you may want to try fragrances from this company first. Their collection is quite large and you will surely find one that you love. We offer several Demeter scents at ljpsearch.com. [Since ljpsearch.com no longer exists, you can find Demeter's fragrances at the Demeter Fragrance Library and most online perfumeries. FM]

Just Gossipin'

Since I love to gossip, I have decided to start a new series of articles called Just Gossipin'. I will inform you of celebrity fragrance launches, tell you about exciting and new information about established perfume makers and gossip about the newest, hottest and sexiest new perfumers. Once in a while I may digress; so, you may see some news about fashion, delish wine, nouveau beauty products, etc. In other words, I will gossip about anything that represents the good life. So, here is my first posting of tantalizing news.

It seems that more and more celebrities and fashion designers are creating new fragrances. Even a little department store located on New York's Fifth Avenue is adding a perfume and cologne to the fragrance market. Some experts believe that the fragrance industry may be becoming overcrowded due to this proliferation. However, I believe, as a fragrance addict, more new fragrances mean more options for consumers. So, here is my little list of interesting fragrance “dirt.”

Saks Fifth Avenue has commissioned Bond No. 9, the maker of ultra-luxury fragrances, to design two new scents that bear its name. According to a press letter released by Bond No. 9, “It is fitting that Saks, which for years has defined New York retail elegance, turned to Bond No. 9, the highly praised creator of artisanal New York neighborhood scents, to develop two fragrances that treat Saks, the iconic destination store located in the heart of Fifth Avenue, as an ultra-sophisticated neighborhood unto itself—one that has long played a role in defining the world’s most sophisticated super-city.” Saks Fifth Avenue for Her is a classic floral fragrance with a twist. Even though the strongest note in this perfume is gardenia, jasmine, vetiver and vanilla has been added to give it a contemporary flair. Saks Fifth Avenue for Him is a blend of Sicilian bergamot, cardamom, amber, and cedarwood, making it “an elegant aqua scent.” Design after Bond No. 9's signature bottle shape, the flacons for both sexes display Saks vibrant white-on-black logo. Saks Fifth Avenue for Her and Him is currently being sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue stores across the nation and Bond No. 9 boutiques . . .

Antonio Banderas with Piug USA will introduce his newest scent for men, Blue Seduction, to the U.S. market soon. “It is a modern scent that reflects the Latin spirit,” according to Beauty Fashion . . .

Estee Lauder's granddaughter, Aerin Lauder, has launched Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia at Berfdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. A make up collection with the same name will be available soon. Ms. Lauder said that this fragrance is a tribute to Estee Lauder and “the love we shared for these magnificent flowers . . .”

Celebrating Glow by JLo's fifth anniversary, Coty Prestige has introduced Glow by JLo Shimmer Limited-Edition. This fragrance will give your skin a beautiful shimmer. Expect to see it in department stores soon . . .

Jessica Simpson will launch her first signature fragrance set in 2008 . . .

Jimmy Choo, the idolized fashion designer who is known for creating shoes that is admired by all fashionable women, has announced he will unveil his first fragrance set in 2009 . . .

Liz Claiborne will introduce Usher's first scent for men and women in department stores next month. Named after the talented singer, USHER for Men is a fresh, woody musk. It will be housed in a sleek black flacon with the USHER logo at the base of the bottle. USHER for Women is a fruity, floral perfume. The fragrance's flacon is an elegant frosted bottle with soft, slighted curved shoulders. The silver USHER logo will appear at its base . . .

Pucci, the Italian fashion power house, will relaunch its fragrance to celebrate its 60^th anniversary. Vivara, a green floral and the name of one of Pucci's classic prints, is housed in an oval-shaped orb bottle. “The Vivara print appears on the lid of the fragrance falcon, which was created by Danish Designer Helle Damkejer,” according to Beauty Fashion. The fragrance should appear next month in Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney's New York, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Emilio Pucci Boutiques . . .

Smalto by Francesco Smalto

Even though Mr. Smalto is well known for his trendy fashion designs, he must have been sniffing a little something when he'd created Smalto. This fragrance stinks! I know, I know that this conclusion is a bit harsh. After all, when I was operating my online shop, Smalto was one of my bestsellers. Therefore, it did have a wide appeal among men and women. So, why so many people like it?

I can only hypothesize that this fragrance represents the ultimate masculine man – rugged and uncomplicated. The yang in this fragrance is definitely missing. It kind of reminds me of some of the fragrances that my father likes to wear – the scent of a hardworking man. Also, it is probably popular among construction workers, plumbers, delivery drivers, etc.

Despite this virtuous nature of Smalto, this fragrance isn't my cup of tea. Its beef jerky-like and citrus notes throws me off. The main reason why I don't like this fragrance because it lacks complexity and refinery. Overall, it just smells cheap! I know, I know many fans of this fragrance will disagree with my assessment. So, I feel compel to recommend this fragrance to some men. If you are a guy who prefers simple and excessively masculine colognes buy this one. You'll love it. This fragrance can be found at online perfumeries.

The official description of Smalto by Francesco Smalto

Opening citrus notes are given a dry edge with clary sage and absinthe—the top is somewhat aromatic. Dryness increases with the wood middle. The dry down is soft and rustic—with a sweet hay note. -- ljpsearch.com

New Fragrance Monday

Florals were the dominate class of fragrances for women on this week's list. However, some established perfumers were able to sneak in new perfumes with strong woody musk and citrus notes. Surprisingly, for men, woody fragrances were the dominate ones for this week's newbies. Despite this wonderful surprise, two fragrances on the list, Emporio Armani (Red) and Play, still followed the status quo; they were both classified as being citrus/aromatic. This class seems to be the trend among new men colognes. Make sure to ask the fragrance expert at your favorite department store or perfumery about these new perfumes and colognes. And, of course, try to get a free sample before you invest in these newbies.

For Women

Amarige Mariage by Givenchy

Hugo XX By Hugo Boss

Mandarin Mist by Stila

Mangosteen by Fresh

Unforgivable Woman by Sean John

For Men

Emporio Armani (Red) pour Lui by Armani

Hugo XY by Hugo Boss

Japon Noir by Tom Ford

Play by Comme Des Garcons

Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford

Hot, Hot, Hot News -- Sean Jean's Unforgivable for Women!

I could not keep this news to myself for very long. According to my sources, Sean John and Estee Lauder will release Unforgivable for women in the fall, which means it's coming out pretty soon. If it smells just as good as his men's fragrance with the same name, I'm sure it will be a hit.

According to Osmoz.com, "Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ passion – and notoriety – for stirring the senses is undisputable. 'I’m in there as a designer, this is a lifestyle, a movement and throughout all of this, one of the things we’ve stood on as our foundation has been that it’s about the juice,' explains Combs. Determined to create a signature scent for the heated and passionate woman, Unforgivable Woman combines notes and accords that realize Sean Combs’ vision of strong, modern femininity. The Unforgivable Woman is ‘strong- yet quiet, a woman who is sensual and passionate, who makes an impact when she enters a room, a woman who picks the words that she chooses carefully, and when she speaks, she says what she means.’ said Combs. The result is a sensual, creamy floral in an elegant pearly champagne-colored bottle." It is expected to be sold in 1800 American department and specialty stores according to WWD, a trade magazine for the beauty and fashion industries for women. It will retail for $55 for a 2.5oz bottle and a 4.2oz version will cost $75. Make sure to ask the fragrance expert at your favorite department store about this perfume and tell them that The Fragrance Man told you about it.