BEAUTY

What are you Wearing?

Eight fragrances that give new meaning to a question usually reserved for fashion.


bess-fall-fragrances-01-v.jpg
1

The designer has described this as a sister to his Lola scent, and you can see why. Like Lola, it’s berry-based—though Dot feels more outdoorsy, likely thanks to the clever addition of coconut water.

2

In-house perfumer Jacques Polge blended grapefruit, bergamot, and rose with a shot of bourbon vanilla for this creamy, sultry scent.

3

When Lancôme set about creating a fragrance for which Julia Roberts would be the “ambassadress,” the actor expressed a fondness for patchouli—with reservations. “Even I, a great lover of patchouli, know it can be bad,” Roberts told me, laughing. “But Lancôme elevated it.” They did—by combining it with jasmine, orange blossom, and praline.

4

Creative director Frida Giannini wanted Gucci’s newest scent to evoke Hollywood glamour. Indeed, the allure of bergamot, orange blossom, leather, and balsam wood would go perfectly with one of Giannini’s red-carpet couture gowns.

5

Though vetiver is usually reserved for men’s fragrances, I love it. So I’m thrilled that Donna Karan featured it with sandalwood and white flowers—think “flowing silky dress,” only with bare feet.

6

Mr. Ford is among the best at doing smoky scents. This time, warm labdanum and oakwood permeate one of my favorite floral notes, ylang-ylang, lending this usually “nice” ingredient a hint of naughtiness.

7

In the McCartney household, L.I.L.Y stood for “Linda I Love You” (Paul’s nickname—surprise!— was Pily). Their designer daughter mixed lily of the valley with an unusual note—truffle, which adds an unexpected earthiness to this pretty scent.

8

Vetiver is a main component in this fresh green scent, along with caladium leaf, amber, carnation, and mint. It’s quite a departure from Nicolas Ghesquière’s first, the potent, violet-based Balenciaga Paris; in fact, this one’s downright breezy.