It’s quite easy. You don’t have to be a nose or a perfume specialist to do that. I can think of three simple ways: 1) If you can identify a scent by name when you smell it on another person that’s clearly a scent that has earned its identity; 2) If a scent prevails over time and despite competition (about 100 new scents are born every year), that’s surely a scent that earns respect (aside from revenue); 3) If a scent is so popular that not just one, but two remakes or variations of it are made, well, that’s obviously a scent that has hit the big time.
Estee Lauder’s latest creation is part 3 in a successful series of scents. First, there was Pleasures, a real winner when it was created in 1995 when it won the Fifi Awards for Best New Women’s Fragrance. Then, Pleasures Intense in 2002. And now, Pleasures Exotic.
What’s the inside story behind this super fragrance? Karyn Khoury, senior vice president, Corporate Fragrance Development worldwide of Estee Lauder Companies, gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the making of Pleasures Exotic:
What was the inspiration behind the development of Pleasures Exotic?
KARYN KHOURY: Pleasures Exotic finds inspiration from the signatures notes in Pleasures – tender peony, dewy green leaves, rose petals, baie rose, Indian sandalwood – but we added a twist by incorporating the exotic beauty and vitality of a tropical locale. The aroma of island flowers, the tangy taste of an exotic fruity cocktail, the hint of humid, tropical florals and the sensual playfulness of life in the tropics.
How long did it take to create Pleasures Exotic?
We had so much fun conceptualizing and developing this fragrance. It took us six months to create Pleasures Exotic – one of the fastest developments of my career. It all came together very instinctively and quickly. We started with the core of a fabulous fragrance and then added tantalizing elements and effects inspired by our tropical memories.
How do you translate this idea of a tropical delight into the fragrance itself?
It really comes down to the selection of ingredients. The topnote is the ultimate tropical cocktail – an infusion of mango passion fruit cocktail, juicy freshness of pink grapefruit and orange with the succulence of dewy green leaves and lemongrass. The heart of the fragrance is a culmination of scents: island bamboo flowers, luminous hibiscus flower, fresh orange blossoms, watery lychee, tangy cassis, and the bougainvillea vine. To give it that sexy and serene twist, we selected precious Indian sandalwood, sun-kissed amber and soft violet woods.
What’s the difference between Pleasures, Pleasures Intense and Pleasures Exotic?
The three Pleasures fragrances differ not only in ingredient composition, but also in emotional tone. Pleasures is an uplifting, spirited scent that is a sheer flowering delight while Pleasures Intense is a lush, sensual velvety bouquet that is deeply inspiring. Pleasures Exotic is a vivacious, sexy twist on a tropical floral scent.
What defines exotic in the fragrance?
The luscious, exotic flora and fruits add seduction and succulence to the same signature notes found in Pleasures.
Where did you find the ingredients used in Pleasures Exotic?
Whenever we create a new fragrance, we gather materials from around the world, in order to add those unique textures and signatures of distinction that really characterize an Estee Lauder fragrance. For the creation of Pleasures Exotic – we incorporated exotic ingredients such as island bamboo flowers which blossom from bamboo grass flourishing in Southeast Asia and the bougainvillea vine which is native to the Brazilian tropics. An incredible ingredient found in all three pleasures fragrances is baie rose, the rare spice found on Reunion Island.
What comes to mind when you think of Pleasures Exotic?
The aroma of exotic fruits and lush flowers shimmering in the air.
How would you describe the woman who would wear Pleasures Exotic?
Sexy, playful, fun!