Fall 2011 Fragrance Trends

Are you looking for a new perfume to wear this fall? With so many launches, it's hard to keep track of the big picture. "Women's fragrance is heading in many different directions this season," notes Nicolas Olczyk, founder of Rouge Curacao, a Paris-based fragrance-consulting agency. "I keep a watch of all the fragrances launches, and analyze each scent for emerging olfactory patterns." Here, Nicolas explains the latest fragrance trends.

BLUE POTIONS

"Sea-colored packaging is gaining popularity this season," says Nicolas. Pulse, Beyoncé’s new fragrance, is a citrus gourmand mix in a modern blue bottle. Armani Acqua di Gioia Essenza offers a floral-woody base with delicate fruity notes, packaged in a transparent ombré bottle. And of course, we can't forget about the gorgeous comet-shaped design of Thierry Mugler Angel eau de toilette.

WHITE FLORALS

"Jasmine and orange flower-based scents are popular for fall. Jasmine is the key note in Acqua di Parma's new Gelsomino Nobile, but it also shines in other perfumes such as Guerlain Jasminora and Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir," reveals Nicolas. "Orange flower emerges as the main ingredient in Elie Saab Le Parfum, Lancôme O de l'Orangerie, and Issey Miyake A Scent Neroli Sunshine—neroli is the name of the essential oil of the orange flower." Those who like spicier white florals should try an elegant lily soliflore such as Cartier Baiser Volé, a fragrance that focuses on a single flower.

RETURN OF FANTASY AND HAPPINESS

"A more optimistic thread runs through many fall fragrances, both in their packaging and marketing campaigns. Fanciful and whimsical bottles like those for Betsey Johnson Too Too, Vera Wang Lovestruck, Marc Jacobs Oh Lola, and Prada Candy celebrate the playful character of scents," says Nicolas. However, sometimes the ad campaign itself invites women to be happy, regardless of the bottle. Commercials and print advertisements for fragrances from Nina Ricci, Kenzo, and Paul Smith evoke optimism through their highly stylized editorial imagery.

PRIM AND POWDERY

"Powdery notes are already popular with many women," explains Nicolas. Chanel No. 19 Poudré is a modern interpretation of the original No. 19, created in 1971. The newer version unveils an iris bouquet with soft, musky undertones. Givenchy Dahlia Noir is woodsy and mysterious with similar powdery facets. For a much richer note, try Love Chloé Eau Intense from Chloé; its powdery bouquet has a touch of vanilla and amber.

MEN IN BLACK

"Black packaging is a trend in men's fragrances. There's an eclectic range of scents—from the fresh and electric oriental scents of CK One Shock and Azzaro Decibel, to the fruitier citrus notes of Hugo Boss Just Different and Armani Code Sport—all housed in black."