This just in...

Want cutting edge info!?  Read on!

(newest info is last on the list)

- The World Perfumery Congress

I REALLY wish I could go to this...

(quoted from their page:)

"The World Perfumery Congress is a major international event that provides a unique opportunity to perfumers and those involved in the perfume industry to meet their counterparts from around the world. The 1998 edition will be held in the beautiful region of France called the CÙte d'Azur."

 

A friend of mine, Jean-Pierre Subrenat, is a master perfumer and just happens to be the Co-Chairman of the entire event... Hey Jean-Pierre - how about a pair of tickets for me?

- NEW Boss?

A new Boss cologne is coming to the U.S. around Fall of '98, but will be available in Europe before that for market testing. It's supposed to be basically a modernized Boss Classic.

- Chanel Technique Pour Homme fragrance!?

Heard it from an insider in Chanel... Fall 98! The fragrance is split between two fowmulas as of now - so no word on EXACTLY what it's like.

- Purple Label, by Ralph Lauren

You're hearing it here first! (as always, right?)  Ralph Lauren doesn't even have this news on their own web site yet! (still a secret? ~ whoops!)  I don't have a huge amount of details, but I had to tell you!  If you're familiar with the Purple Label line of clothing R.L. makes only in England, then you've got the genereal idea for his new scent.  It's going to be a men's fragrance (women's probably coming later with their new "color" line) and it will be launching at Nordstrom in spring? 1998.  I haven't smelled it yet - but I have seen its prototype pictures... Very cool ~ Everything's in a rich purple. The bottle is purple with a silver top, and most of the ingredients that went into making the fragrance are even purple in their natural form! It's supposed to be a warm spice...

- Perry Ellis Reserve, by Perry Ellis

Just launched about two weeks ago, this is the "real" retail version. It was designed about a year ago specifically for people that rented the Perry Ellis Reserve tux. You rent, you get a sample. It was only sold at tuxedo rental shops, but with different packaging and a different bottle. I guess it got popular enough to break into retail. The fragrance itself was created with a top note that is "reminiscent of a freshly poured glass of champagne." They achieved this with a note called "Bergamot Sparkling Life Scent." Neat, but I'm not impressed with the cologne.

- Cigar Aficionado, by Paul Sebastian

Yes, it is Cigar Aficionado magazine's cologne! It's an opaque black, cylindrical bottle, with a silver band around the top. It also bears the distinctive "CA" logo from Cigar Aficionado magazine. As of now, they only make a 3.4oz & 1.7oz spray cologne, and a 3.4oz after shave. It's only sold at Nieman Marcus, and possibly Marshall Fields for the launch, but it should spread soon... I haven't smelled it yet ~ only gotten scoop from the vendors, but I'll write it up once I do.

- What's going on with Donna Karan's fragrances!?

Well... They were bought out by Estee' Lauder. Whoops! Was I supposed to tell people that? Oh well, you have a right to know what is happening to your cologne! Originally, just the fragrance lines were going to be kept... Now the story is that ONLY the women's fragrance is staying! Okay, that pisses me off.

 

- All the Aramis news you can stand...

You won't hear this bundle of news ANYWHERE.  Aramis, of all companies, will be introducing a new signature men's fragrance that is "fresh & clean."  No name yet, and my contact wouldn't divulge any possibilities either. The launch date has bounced around from late last year to late this year ~ so I'll wait until I hear for sure before speculating.

 

On the Lab Series home front, there's U-Turn. It will be similar to the ill-fated Skin Rebuilder, but possess extra treats like anti-oxidant vitamins. It is basically insurance in the future of your skin's healthy appearance, i.e. elasticity, wrinkles, etc.

 

Tommy Hilfiger will be opening 10 shops around the U.S. specifically for his merch.  Anyway, the only special thing about them will be the fact that they will carry 40 new unisex body products exclusive to the stores!  There will be everything from scrubs to hair shampoo to choose from.  I think the "exclusive" part of this will change though.  I don't see how Tommy can create all of these products and then say they're not available anywhere but those shops.  For spring '98, believe it or not there will be a new tommy "active" cologne.  - Hilfiger Athletics.

 

- Extreme Polo Sport, by Ralph Lauren

It's had a name change and was supposed to be out in December of this year, but will be launched on Feb.5th. It's a sporty, "fresh spice" they say... I say, it has a bit too much black pepper oil, but I am getting used to it ~ and kinda liking it.

 

More news to come...

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