Spring has sprung and the flowers are popping up, so it's time for your fragrance to burst out of its winter rut. We spoke to fine fragrance buyer Jo Spencer about some of the best new scents on the scene and how to find your perfect match.
What trends we are seeing in fragrance this spring?
There's definitely a trend towards florals, incorporating both soft and sparkling elements. For celebrity scents the detail is in the bottle! Both the new Beyonce Pulse and Rihanna's Reb'l Fleur have bottles that are head-turners, as creative as the celebrities themselves. There's also a trend toward experimentation, with customers creating a fragrance wardrobe for themselves. They may well still have their signature fragrance, but adding a new seasonal fragrance or two is as essential as having the latest fashion piece.
What do you look for in a spring scent?
It's nice to make the transition from winter to spring with a fresh citrus scent, or a sparkling floral. We tend toward the warmer oriental scents for the winter months as they give a sense of comfort. In spring it's time to branch out and try something new and uplifting.
What are some your latest favorites?
The new Madly Kenzo. The notes are a combination of rose, orange blossom and musk, and it's described as an addictive floral, a great option for spring. Fendi are launching their new fragrance Fan di Fendi. Packaged in an elegant gold bottle, it has top notes of pear and blackcurrant, heart notes of pink peppercorn, and base notes of patchouli. Another must-have is the latest from Marc Jacobs. Oh Lola has the same over-the-top bottle as Lola, but the flowery top has a bright pink colour palette. The fragrance has top notes of pear and raspberry and base notes of sandalwood and vanilla.
What are the best-selling scents right now?
Katy Perry's fragrance Purr has been a phenomenal success. Four months on it is still our best-selling female fragrance. Gucci Guilty Pour Homme continues to be a favourite with our male customers. Classics continue to sell well too — our yearly top ranking fragrances for women are always made up of a mixture of our staples, such as Coco Mademoiselle and Elizabeth Red Door, and the latest newcomers.
How would you suggest someone choose a new scent?
Start off by selecting about three fragrances to spray on a spray card. Any more and you might start to get a bit overwhelmed. Then choose the best of the three to try on your skin. See how this develops on your skin over an hour or so — if you love it, go back and treat yourself, If not, start the process over again. It's worth taking the time to find something you really love.
Is there a best time to buy perfume?
Special occasions such as Christmas and Mother's Day are always a great time to buy with a fabulous selection of value added gift sets. However we try and keep things exciting for our customers at all times of year with innovative gifts with purchase, and a combination of exclusive promotions and special offers.
