A star studded party at Cipriani’s in Manhattan was the scene of the launch for two exciting new fragrances: USHER (“He”) for Men and USHER (“She”) for Women. Beyonce, Gayle King, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, Usher’s mom Jonetta Patton, and a very pregnant, glowing mom-to-be of Usher’s baby, Tameka Foster, and others were on hand to help him celebrate. So were throngs of fans and fashionistas, enjoying endless rounds of Bellinis (Cipriani’s signature cocktail) I believe that the woman wearing the pearl necklace in the middle of the photo is Jonetta.
The hip-hop star, whose formal name is Usher Raymond IV is, was subdued and obviously enthusiastic as he thanked Liz Claiborne and all of the people who helped make these new fragrances that carry his name, possible. The scents were formulated by Firmenich in collaboration with Usher and developed by perfumers Honorine Blanc and Richard Herpin. The star said that he wanted to be part of creating fragrances for men and women, because “when everything else comes off, fragrance still stays on.” He was involved in every aspect of creating the fragrance, including scrutinizing every possible “silver” made (most likely a reference to the silver caps and necks of the stunning, frosted glass bottles, inspired by a spinning ring that the singer wears).
The fragrances are as different as Mars and Venus, or men and women. Usher thinks he knows what will smell good on both sexes, and he has done his best to translate his vision into a bottle of scent.
The mens’fragrance is a knockout–strong, bold, masculine and sexy, presented in a frosted black bottle. It blends verbena, pineapple and melon; a heart of blue lavender, white pepper and violet leaf, and a drydown of vetiver, amber wood, black suede, sandalwood, sensual musk and guaiac wood. The women’s fragrance is more demure.
The ladylike scent for women, in it’s light golden bottle is clean smelling, slightly floral and light–a soft and sensual blend that I’m guessing is Usher’s notion of how a woman should smell. In any case, it’s perfect for daytime and (if you follow Usher’s suggestion) when all you are wearing is, um….Usher fragrance. If my sources are correct on the notes, the women’s fragrance features top notes of red currant, pink freesia and apple blossom on top, a heart of frangipani, apricot nectar, blooming jasmine and passion rose, and a drydown of amber wood, sensual musk, cashmere wood, vanilla orchid and incense.
According to Women’s Wear Daily, the women’s lineup will consist of eau de parfum in two sizes, 1.7 ounces for $52 and 3.4 ounces for $68. A 0.5-oz. parfum will retail for $120, and three ancillaries will be offered: a body lotion, $38 for 6.7 ounces; body cream, $45 for 6.7 ounces, and a shower gel, $35 for 6.7 ounces. The men’s collection will include eaux de toilette in two sizes, 1.7 ounces for $50 and 3.4 ounces for $65. A concentrated eau de toilette will retail for $95. Four ancillaries will be sold: after shave tonic, $45 for 3.4 ounces; after shave balm, $40 for 3.4 ounces; deodorant, $16 for 2.6 ounces, and shower gel, $25 for 6.7 ounces
*all text and photos by Alison Blackman Dunham — copyright © 2007 all rights reserved by The Advice Sisters® Feel free to link to this blog, but no portion of this content can be used without written permission. Contact: advicesisters@advicesisters.net. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark.