During Fall 2009 Fashion Week, I reluctantly missed the Badgley Mischka Couture (Elizabeth Arden) fragrance launch (although I did cover the Runway Show). I really wanted to be there, especially since I love the designers. Their beautiful clothes are not in my budget, but now there’s something that is: Badgley Mischka Couture fragrance, Eau de Parfum Spray $65.00 1.7 fl. oz.; $90.00 Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 fl.
Mark Badgley and James Mischka decided to launch their own line about 20 years ago. They’ve had ups and downs, but their brand name is synonymous with elegant, sophisticated, classic designs that are red-carpet ready. They’ve dressed some of the world’s most celebrated women, including actresses such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Longoria-Parker, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez, Anne Hathaway, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
When you have a glamorous image and create high-end gowns and even some day wear, any scent with your name on it has to be one that reflects the brand. The designers worked with perfumer Caroline Sabas of Givaudan Fragrances to create a new fragrance that even the most sophisticated woman can relate to, along with any woman hoping for a bit of a “couture fragrance experience.”
The designers are known for classic shapes and feminine, elegant, luxurious looks. When I received a sample of the new, Badgley Mischka Couture fragrance, I immediately related it to their elegant, Badgley Mischka brand. Everything, from the outer packaging to the bottle to the seductive woodsy scent, is elegant, understated, more “Audrey” than “out there.” The outer carton is a shiny, dark brown cube with a gold “nameplate” and simple gold metallic lettering, and no other design to mar it’s statement. Inside, the bottle glistens, stuns, really, with the solid gold bottle and elongated, faceted, clear plastic cap (with an engraved, gold nameplate at top). The sides of the bottle are “slit” like a designer gown to show a hint of leg. In this case, the clear glass silvers showcase the golden fragrance within.
The fragrance is a floriental — my personal favorite. It’s strong, and it’s a scent that will make people take notice, but it’s not heavy–it just has a “presence.” You can immediate sense the fruits and florals (key top notes of Purple Plum and Blackberry, with a touch of fresh Pear Nectar) with a heart of Jasmine, Gardenia and Violet , but at drydown, it’s the woods and musks your nostrils want to cling. There is less perception of fruits and floral notes as they expertly blend with gorgeous, luxe, sensual musks and creamy woods. The bottom notes make the scent seductive and feminine, but not girly.
Badgley Mischka Couture is light enough to wear for daytime, but the incredible gold and “crystal” bottle, and the sexy vibe make it a very perfect special occasion and evening scent, and certainly one to display front and center on a dressing table. This scent is a true (and reasonably affordable) treat and treasure. The scent looks so indulgent in the bottle and smells that way on your body. It’s the type of scent that your body chemistry will help make into a genuine designer original you claim for your own. If you love it (and who wouldn’t?), three’s also a Parfum Elixir $48.00 0.5 fl. oz; Body Moisturizer $42.00 6.8 fl. oz;. and an indulgent Body Cream $70.00 6.7oz. If you want a spritz of confidence, wrap yourself (or Mom–mother’s day is coming) in the luxury of this glorious, designer scent, and be amazing!
Find Badgley Mischka Couture at the stores including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, or visit www.badgleymischka.com