Stop by WWD today, and you will learn that there are two new fragrance launches from the world of fashion and Hollywood. Roger Vivier, the French shoemaker, will introduce five signature scents for women - to be sold at the company's boutiques, starting this fall. WWD quoted Vivier brand ambassador Inès de la Fressange as saying, "Luxury is about not having to choose." That's one way of looking at it, I guess. Another way - from my perspective - would be, "Luxury is about having the best and only the best."Each of the five Roger Vivier fragrances will highlight one key ingredient – iris, neroli, rose, sandalwood, or amber (how original!). There's no word on whether the scents will make their way to the United States.
Another fashion house, another fragrance introduction. What shouldn't be surprising, but is, is the report that Bruce Willis is joining the bandwagon by introducing a signature "tough guy" collection for men. An eau de parfum (I find the terms "eau de parfum" and "tough guy" incongruous), hair and body wash, deodorant spray, and after-shave balm comprise the collection. The scent is gray in color and features notes of grapefruit, pepper, and vetiver. That blend sounds nice. I wonder if Bruce will be wearing it. The debut will be in Germany.
As each new fragrance introduction rolls out, I wonder how many the world can support. How many of each year's new fragrance introductions are unique, meriting introduction because they are special, rather than a psychological connection to the "name" associated with the scent. How many people buy fragrance because they want something from a brand, but can't afford the brand's iconic items? Do women buy celebrity scents because they want the aura of the celebrity and believe she actually created the fragrance? How many new fragrance introductions flame out, leaving the remaining stock to the discount market?
There are market research answers to most of these questions, so you have to wonder, "Why?"
Photo courtesy of WWD, which got it from Roger Vivier