Accessorize Fragrance

Today I went to the launch of the first Accessorize fragrance, fully expecting it to be dire. And, if I’m brutally honest, I only went because I like the PR who was hosting it. However, a surprise lay in store. The fragrance (called Accesorize – I could weep for the missed naming opportunity there) is really, really pretty. Created by Azzi Glasser (responsible also for Agent Provocateur scents), it’s very fresh and very feminine. Unlike the glut of ultra-complex fragrances we’ve been seeing of late, it’s a clean, uncomplicated aroma that I instantly liked. And, it smells far more expensive than it actually is. Azzi uses visual references to build a sense of the fragrance, and as part of her inspiration, she researched Kitagawa Utamaro, a Japanese artist, becoming fascinated at his ability to paint directly on skin. The fragrance embodies Azzi’s interpretation of water, cherry blossom and smooth skin. As a general rule, fanciful perfume prose is lost entirely on me, but in this instance, I do get the water/skin/flower olfactory connection – but only just. It’s out in September/October time for £17.50.