tuberose

Jimmy Choo launches its second fragrance FLASH this month and as you would expect from the iconic brand, it’s glamour and seduction all the way.

Created by perfumer Christine Nagel (Christian Dior Miss Dior Chérie, Dolce & Gabbana The One and numerous Jo Malone fragrances), FLASH is a fresh, sparkling yet intense solar floral fragrance that exudes luxury and decadence. As suggested in the name, the inspiration for the fragrance comes from the thrill of the red carpet, fabulous international nightclubs and high octane glamour, with the paparazzi fighting for the Jimmy Choo girl’s attention.

Jimmy Choo Creative Directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway designed FLASH to be part of the ritual of dressing up to go out – another covetable Jimmy Choo accessory to match the perfect shoes, bag and dress. They said: “FLASH is about the cool rush of excitement and the sense of power a woman feels when dressed in a pair of sexy shoes”.

Perfumer Christine Nagel looked to stylish, urban women in the world’s style capitals to find inspiration for the scent. She said: “I imagined the sounds of heels, clicking on the streets of New York, London and Paris”.

While Jimmy Choo was all about the snakeskin for its first fragrance in 2011, the FLASH packaging reflects the look that Jimmy Choo is currently best-known for – glitter luxe. The glass bottle is inspired by a modernist chandelier from the 1970s, however, the circular shapes also reference a retro camera flash. The cool blue-silver colour is a nod to the ultraviolet lights of a nightclub and the flash of paparazzi bulbs.

FLASH opens with top notes of pink pepper, strawberry and leads to a heart of Tuberose, Jasmine and White Lily. White woods are at the base and as the fragrance develops, it leaves a warm, complex, spicy vanilla trail.

It’s a powerful, alluring fragrance for a night out, beginning with sparkling vibrancy and becoming more sultry and seductive as the evening goes on. I have been wearing FLASH for almost two months and it has become a firm favourite for winter evenings out and when I need a bit of extra polish and confidence during the day. It’s effervescent, heady, captivating, sophisticated and an absolute joy to wear.

Natasha Poly is the glamorous face of the campaign, shot by Steven Meisel with a Studio 54 meets Tamara de Lempicka vibe of excess and hedonism.

FLASH is sure to appeal particularly to Jimmy Choo’s younger customers who identify with the brand’s fun, daring, free-spirited side. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked by more classic, understated perfume enthusiasts, as the fragrance is surprisingly timeless and complex.

Jimmy Choo Flash will be available exclusively at Debenhams from 14th January 2013, then nationwide from 28th January. Prices start from £36 for 40ml and the range also includes a body lotion and shower gel.

* PR sample

Yesterday, I was invited to a very special afternoon tea with Leighton Meester and Vera Wang at the Corinthia Hotel London to celebrate the launch of her new fragrance, Vera Wang Lovestruck.

We took tea in the elegant, beautifully scented ballroom among a sea of peony roses – a perfect afternoon treat.

Then the moment we were all waiting for…Leighton and Vera arrived for the launch presentation, introducing Lovestruck and the inspiration behind the fragrance and campaign.

Leighton was unsurprisingly stunning in the flesh – fresh-faced, radiant and ever so charming. It was a surreal experience meeting Vera Wang, who despite being a highly-regarded fashion legend was outgoing, irreverent and a tiny ball of energy.

Vera regaled us with tales of shooting all day in freezing temperatures on an NYC fire escape, with Leighton wearing little more than ‘a whisper of tulle’ and being ‘a good sport’.

Lovestruck is inspired by a modern day twist on Romeo & Juliet and captures the first magical moments of falling in love – the passion, romance and the excitement.

Vera looked to her love of vanilla and grapefruit and then focused on the elegant, freshness of peony to create modern, youthful scent. Lovestruck includes top notes of pink guava and angelica flower, a heart of tuberose and a dry down of precious woods.

Lovestruck is an absolute joy to wear if you love feminine, contemporary rose scents and there’s nothing vintage about the fragrance, it’s all about the here and now. It begins with a rush of fresh, soft peony and then develops a warm yet sparkling citrus fruit scent with a subtle hint of sticky candy.

Vera insisted that the bottle would be a visual treat and the cap really does impress, with a deep magenta blooming bouquet inspired by Murano glass and a tulle and organza tie. The trend for ‘work of art’ 3D bottles could be down to the ‘Marc Jacobs effect’ – just see the floral explosions on the tops of Lola and Daisy.

The Corinthia Hotel London ballroom was a perfect match for the prettiness of the fragrance and it felt like we were somewhere in between Vera Wang’s cool New York and a debutate ball in Paris – Blair Waldorf would have approved.

Our afternoon tea included a tiered stand full of finger sandwiches, mini scones with clotted cream and jam and delicate cakes – the Lavender éclair was simply divine! I chose a pot of English Rose tea by Tea Palace, which seemed fitting when surrounded by roses.

The only thing that could come close to having tea with Leighton Meester and Vera Wang was leaving with a bottle of Lovestruck and a handful of those lovely peonies – what a dreamy day!

Vera Wang Lovestruck is available exclusively at Harrods now and then nationwide from 26 June.

Jimmy Choo Launches New FLASH Perfume

Lovestruck On Leighton Meester & Vera Wang