Last June 2024 at the Lincoln Center in New York City, a star-studded event took place as esteemed guests from the fragrance industry gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Fragrance Foundation. From celebrities to designers to influencers, this annual event was held to honor the remarkable innovations and individual achievements that made an impact thanks to the creativity, exquisite presentations, and meticulous excellence of those who are leading the industry.
As the event commenced, it is worth taking note that many of the awards from various categories were given to designer fragrances, while single celebrity labels were also given the recognition they deserved. To get a better understanding of how the night went down, let’s get to know this year’s winners based on the criteria and categories of the event.
Fragrance of the Year — Women’s Luxury: Valentino Donna Born In Roma Eau de Parfum Intense
Valentino’s Donna Born in Roma Eau de Parfum Intense welcomes a cozy and sensual amber yet floral scent. The use of the word intense comes into the conversation because it starts with a powerful vanilla and solar amber top note, and it’s sweetened by a jasmine heart that delicately moves on to a bed of resinous benzoin, expertly intensifying the amber vanilla note.
It’s best to mention that this fragrance was co-signed by the Beirut-born Honorine Blanc, whose opus also includes the sought-out YSL Black Opium and By Killian Princess—there are more worth stating, but we’ll probably end up with a list. One last thing: This scent received over 2000 positive reviews in both Sephora and Nordstrom, solidifying its recognition as the fragrance of the year.
Best worn: On a date, of course!
Born in Roma Donna Eau de Parfum
P10,500, Rustan’s
Fragrance of the Year — Women’s Prestige: Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum
It seems as if vanilla takes the spot in many winning categories because the Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum from Amandine Clerc Marie gives us a new way of enjoying vanilla. For the brand’s latest offering, three kinds of vanilla extraction were thrown into the fragrance. After the spritz, the first vanilla infusion you’ll get a whiff of is a bright yet woody vanilla, followed by Firgood®, also known as vanilla caviar, to add a sweet yet sensual note at the heart of the scent. To top it off, the base of the Burberry Goddess has vanilla absolute to cap off the notes with a darker and milky finish. Since three types of vanilla were infused, aromatic lavender and a mild spicy kick of ginger were added to enhance the scent even further.
Best worn: In cooler months with the one you love.
Goddess Eau de Parfum
P11,500, Rustan’s
Fragrance of the Year — Men’s Luxury: Armani Acqua di Gio Profumo
When it comes to the Acqua di Gio, no one knows it better than the engineer itself, and that is Alberto Morillas. For its 2023 rendition, the fragrance is presented with the freshness and intensity of nature, which is evident in its woody, aquatic, and aromatic scent that lasts for hours. The top notes include both bergamot and a marine-like trace, and a medley of herbs and florals like clary sage, rosemary, and geranium capped off with a patchouli base reimagines the iconic scent from the house of Armani.
Best worn: All year round, especially if you’re feeling the androgynous edge.
Acqua Di Giò Profumo by Giorgio Armani
P7,650, Fresh Fragrance Bar
Fragrance of the Year — Men’s Prestige: YSL Myslf Parfum
Three master perfumers from the label’s perfumery came together for the YSL Myslf Parfum, and they are none other than Antione Maisondieu from Prada Paradoze, Christophe Raynaud from Jean Paul Gaultier Scandale, as well as Daniela Andrier from Tiffany & Co. This fragrance marks the designer label’s first woody floral combination for men, thanks to the vibrant accord of the bergamot and intense orange blossom from Tunisia. To balance off the citrusy blend are Indonesian patchouli and musky Ambrofix™ for that warm and sensual woody aroma. Since it’s all about embracing modernity, the designer label took it up a notch by opting to use a refillable and recycled glass bottle—a sustainable approach in the world of perfumery.
Best worn: Anywhere, anytime in a tropical weather!
Myself Eau de Parfum
$155, YSL Beauty
Fragrance of the Year — Universal Luxury: Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum
Tom Ford never fails to come up with the boldest and most suggestive names for their fragrances, and this year’s Universal Luxury winner is no exception to that. Another vanilla-centric scent makes it to the winning list since the star of the perfume is Vanilla Tincture India, a.k.a. Ultravanilla, a note that was exclusively crafted for Tom Ford’s manufacturer, Givaudan, and the synthetic vanilla note amplifies the rest of the vanilla notes in the formulation. While this may not be your gourmand boulangerie, the Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum has a rather sexy come-hither warmth to it, and the sweetness comes into play because the symphony of vanilla notes dances around the bitter almond, tonka bean, and the sensual aroma of sandalwood.
Best worn: If you want to make a statement during the holidays in your best pantsuit.
Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum
$405, Tom Ford Beauty
Fragrance of the Year — Universal Prestige: Hermes Un Jardin De Cythere Eau De Toilette
2023 brought a new addition to the Hermes Un Jardin collection composed by none other than Christine Nagel. This was made in homage to the Greek island of Kythira, known to be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, popular for its association with love and beauty. Cythere is a woody aromatic linear fragrance with a simple variety of notes—citrus, olive tree, pistachio notes, and green accord—inspired by the pastoral tapestry of nature on the island upon Nagel’s first visit. It’s a fresh and herbaceous eau de toilette embraced by an unexpected pairing of subtle nutty pistachio accord, truly showcasing the perfumer’s signature approach to perfumery, where a little surprise is always a must. Un Jardin is the brand’s collection launched in 2003, granting Hermes in-house perfumers creative freedom to craft fragrances inspired by their olfactory journeys.
Best worn: On every opportunity to visit scenic views, where the sun meets the sea.
Un Jardin à Cythère, Eau de Toilette
P4,700, Rustan’s
Fragrance of the Year — Popular: Nest New York Lychee Rose Eau De Parfum
This is a scent born from the memory of a magical Tuscan wedding awash in pink garden roses and champagne. Nest New York founder Laura Slatkin commissioned the expertise of French perfumery post-graduate school ISIPCA alumni and perfumers Mathilde Bijaoui (of the famed BDK Gris Charnel), and Patricia Choux to bottle the essence of the joyous occasion in a blend of rose, lychee, raspberry and rose champagne in this creation. Another winning move: Nest New York donating a dollar to NEXT to AUTISM for every fragrance purchased on their website.
Best worn: A day out with the girls or every day to the office.
Lychee Rose Eau de Parfum
$92, Nest New York
Fragrance Hall of Fame: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette
This is undeniably one of renowned perfumer Alberto Morillas’s fragrance masterpieces of the 2000s. Marc Jacobs Daisy is a fresh floral that many have attempted to imitate. The feminine floral heart notes of gardenia, violet, and jasmine are surrounded by grapefruit, fruity strawberry top notes for freshness and youthfulness, and a creamy musk drydown. It has a true staying power that not every fresh floral can do, truly earning its spot in the Hall of Fame.
Best worn: To weddings and garden parties, or simply whenever you’re feeling femme.
Daisy Eau de Toilette
P7,498, Rustan’s
Perfume Extraordinaire of the Year: Guerlain Tobacco Honey Eau De Parfum
From the acclaimed haute perfumery collection Guerlain L’Art et La Matiere, Tobacco Honey is a delicious amber tobacco accord softened by tonka bean, vanilla with aromatic spices of clove and anise, and a surprise hint of sesame. Perfumer Delphine Jelk, who has co-signed a majority of the brand’s successful Aqua Allegoria line with perfumer Thierry Wasser, likes to compare the creation of the perfume as a patchwork of tobacco leaves masterpiece, similar to a 1960s art movement in Italy known as Arte Povera land art, which made use of raw materials. For those who are inspired by rich and multifaceted scents, this is one to love.
Best worn: When you want to feel expensive.
Tobacco Honey – Eau de Parfum
$395, Guerlain
Consumer’s Choice — Women’s Prestige: Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum
The sexy night candy fragrance from the house of Carolina Herrera gets a makeover for its 2023 release. Good Girl Blush is like the younger, girlier sister that leans more sweet and floral than its original version. It is a collaboration by notable Givaudan perfume geniuses Quentin Bisch (Delina Parfums de Marly), Christophe Raynaud (Penhaligon’s The Coveted Duchess Rose), and Shymala Maisondieu (Estee Lauder Tender Light). The focal point is the feminine bouquet of peony, rose, and ylang-ylang notes found at the heart, smoothened by a creamy vanilla and coumarin base. It’s been said to have a strong staying power of 12 hours, but it’s not a reason to keep from spritzing on as often as desired.
Best worn: On weekend dinner dates with your best girls.
Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum
$165, Ulta Beauty
Consumer’s Choice — Women’s Popular: Billie Eilish Eilish No. 3 Eau De Parfum
Finding a truly great celebrity perfume can sometimes be a shot in the dark. Yet when you do, it can be a delightful surprise. Captured in a ruby red version of its signature modern and minimalist aesthetic of a bottle, resonating with the Grammy award winner’s artistic style, Billie Elish No. 3 is a sexy unisex fragrance that starts with a spicy pink peppercorn opening that is brightened and slightly sweetened by grapefruit and jasmine. Unlike most amber woody fragrances, the woodier notes of fir, saffron, and cedar sit at the heart, before winding down into a musky amber oakwood drydown, emulating a vibe that is similar to Baccarat Rouge 540.
Best worn: In sweater weather or anywhere cozy.
Eilish No. 3 Eau de Parfum
$72, Billie Eilish Fragrances
Consumer’s Choice — Men’s & Universal: Valentino Born In Roma Uomo Eau De Parfum Intense
Valentino Born In Roma is having a good year as its men’s fragrance Uomo bags the award for this category. Who would imagine that just three simple notes of vanilla, lavender, and vetiver could make such an olfactory explosion for the senses? Well, perfumers Antoine Maisondieu (of YSL Myslf) and Guillaume Flavigny (of Tom Ford Rose Prick) surely knew! The latest flanker of the Born In Roma Uomo line is a crowd pleaser that’s highly versatile, making it a perfect candidate for those who favor having a signature scent that suits any occasion.
Best worn: To the office, day-to-night, to weddings, and meetings—the choice is yours!
Uomo Born In Roma Intense Eau de Parfum
$110, Sephora
Indie Fragrance of the Year: Arquiste parfumeur L’Or De Louis Eau De Parfum
A new unisex perfume from the niche fragrance brand Arquiste, L’Or de Louis is inspired by key historical moments in the life of Louis XIV, known as the ‘sweetest smelling monarch’ and his fascination for fleur d’orange or orange blossoms he imported from the neighboring European countries of Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Housed in an impressive architecture of cathedral-like galleries built by his Royal Architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in the Grand Orangery at the Palace of Versailles, the soapy citrus potion of orange blossom, bergamot, and honey notes has a smoky drydown that is reminiscent of the bonfires lit to warm the thousands of orange trees in the gallery whenever the king would visit. It’s a beautiful scent by Mexican perfumer and Perfume Creation Vice President for Givaudan Rodrigo Flores-Roux that is an award-worthy buy.
Best worn: On a nice summer day by the beach.
L’Or de Louis
$245, Arquiste
Packaging of the Year — Luxury: Mind Games French Defense Extrait De Parfum
French Defense Extrait is a liquor-fruity amber fragrance from Mind Games, an American niche perfume house founded in 2022. The perfume is just one of the 10 limited edition unisex fragrances that depict the brand’s Soulmate Collection concept of strength and unity, mirroring the role of pawns in a game of chess. The collection’s discovery set is housed in reusable hybrid metal cases and emblazoned with a luxurious chess-inspired coffret design. Mind Games is a relatively new entrant in the niche perfumery market, committed to leading by example in sustainable practices of procuring raw materials, investing in green technologies, and innovative packaging which is part and parcel of producing high-quality fragrances efficiently.
Best worn: On days when you need to make a statement at your most important business meetings.
French Defense
$375, Mind Games
Packaging of the Year — Prestige / Popular: Anna Sui Sundae Pretty Pink Eau De Toilette
One can always count on Anna Sui to make whimsical and oh-so-girly packaging for every perfume she makes, and this year’s winner for the packaging in the prestige division, Sundae Pretty Pink is no exception! The bottle is designed like an ice cream sundae dotted with colorful candy sprinkles, cradled in an ice cream tub of baby hues of pink and blue. Contrary to its packaging color, Pretty Pink is a citrus basil fragrance with a soft drydown of amber musk. Just as its creator, master perfumer Jerome Epinette had said, “This fragrance formula practically wrote itself from the bottom of a bowl of melting mixed sorbets.”
Best worn: Practically anywhere when you’re feeling bright and girly.
