Gals, I love Benefit. The whimsical, retro brand houses some of my favorite items ever. So you can imagine how jazzed I was to be invited to the launch of their new fragrance collection, Crescent Row, last week. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Jean and Jane Ford, the hilarious founders of Benefit. Benefit has so generously provided yours truly an official blog exclusive to break the news.
Jean’s daughters (and Jane’s nieces) Maggie and Annie were inspired to bring the concept of Crescent Row when they stumbled upon the incredible Royal Crescent whilst on a trip to Bath, England. I love (in addition to the heavenly scents) the backstories about the perfumes. I love a backstory. It makes such a difference, no? The brand envisioned three girls as neighbors, living on Crescent Row. I fancy myself a Sofia, but you’ll have to learn about all three before you let me know which one sounds like you in the comments.
The perfumes were entrusted to perfumer François Demachy of LVMH and developed by Jean and Jane Ford over two years with fragrance companies Robertet and Firmenich. The scents are housed in flacons inspired by a cocktail shaker Jean and Jane found in their grandmother’s belongings from the 1920s in their home state of Indiana. The design was modernized and recreated by Ateliers Dinand. Each is packaged in a mini dollhouse-esque townhouse complete with interior design reflecting the furnishing and decorations of the corresponding fictional gal’s eponymous fragrance.
Let’s take a stroll down Crescent Row and discuss the three fragrances, shall we?
Laugh with me LeeLee
Her playful wink
and mischievous smile
the flirtatious side
of her innocent style
no thought or worry
of what’s meant to be
first laughter, then love
“… along came leelee”
Woody Floral
Top notes: cassis, melon, citrus
Middle notes: Black violet, lily, jasmine
Bottom notes: blonde wood, amber, sandal
Something about Sofia
She lives in a dream
more dazzling than fiction
imaginary yet real
she defies all prediction
an incredible girl
Sofia draws you right in
to where the everyday ends
“and magic begins.”
Oriental Floral
Top notes: mango, freesia
Middle notes: sheer lily, jasmine sambac, peony petal
Bottom notes: musk, white caramel, vanilla bean
My Place or Yours Gina
Gina lives to seduce
to tempt and flaunt
and knows you should always
get what you want
so sinfully sexy
her allure is unjust
but as they say…
“all’s fair in love and lust.”
Woody Oriental
Top notes: Pink pepper, bergamot, tangerine
Middle notes: Peony, wild raspberry, wild lily
Bottom notes: Patchouli, tonka bean, vanilla
Crescent Row hits counters in July 2009 and costs $36 apiece for the scents. The brand will feature a holiday set with a 1 oz perfume and 2 oz body lotion for $46.
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Sephora may still be offering samples of it if you type in CRESCENT with purchase. Lee Lee is definitely my favorite!
Those look fab! The packaging is super cute!
This is a very nice posting on the launch of Crescent Row. The packaging of the fragrances are really awesome and lovely. 🙂
Leelee and Sophia both sound lovely. I think I’m a bit more of a Leelee personality-wise, but I’ll probly like Sophia better, seeing as I automatically love anything with freesia in it. 🙂
Love those bottles and the back story. So neat to hear where they come up with their ideas! I think that I’m partial to LeeLee. : D