Marilyn Monroe
The Scent of a Celebrity, Marilyn Monroe and Coco, Michael Jackson and Arfaq
Beauty - The Scent of a.........Celebrity
Sunday Mirror, Liz Hoggard
In 2001 Jennifer Lopez hit the headlines when she demanded her assistants spray ultra-exclusive perfume Route du The everywhere she went - no doubt cancelling out the scent of us lesser mortals. This year she's going one better and launching her own fragrance which, she says, embodies her 'spirit, character, energy' and is 'a true reflection of the modern, independent yet passionate woman'. And the Latin diva is not alone. This autumn, Cindy Crawford is also launching her own scent and is taking her role as perfume ambassador so seriously that she's rumoured to have registered it in her real name, Cynthia. 'I want women throughout the world to experience this unique, feminine accessory,' she babbles, as if we really can't live without it.
We'll also be seeing new scents from designers Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney. Phew, do they think we smell bad or something?
The relationship between celebrities and perfume is actually nothing new - it dates back to 1921, when Chanel No5 was the first to carry the name of a fashion designer. A then-unknown Coco Chanel asked a young Russian perfumer to create a scent for modern women, declaring, 'A woman should not smell of roses.' Today Chanel No5 is acknowledged as the smell of the 20th century - Marilyn Monroe wore nothing else in bed, while for Julie Burchill it smells like 'rich mothers in furs'.
Sickly sweet
Today the trend is for ultra-feminine fragrances. 'Everyone's producing these wretched, sickly pink perfumes,' complains top perfumer Arthur Burnham. And he has a point. Who really thinks the ultra-sweet whiff Miracle is right for its endorser Uma Thurman - a woman so chic Quentin Tarantino described her as 'a long, cool drink of water'. 'Ah well, she might have had nothing to do with it,' muses Burnham. 'I don't mean to sound cynical, but all many celebs want to do is sign a contract and get a cheque. I only do fragrances where the person gets involved deeply,' adds Burnham, who recently created Paul Smith's top-selling fragrances for men and women, as well as a bubble gum-inspired scent for Patrick Cox. So are there any star scents Burnham admires? 'Isabella Rossellini had a lot to do with creating Manifesto. It's beautiful, chosen with a lot of care, and I'm told she drove L'Oreal to distraction with her specifications. And Juliette Binoche was very involved with Poeme.' But then the French always do things differently. When Binoche became the face of Poeme in 1995, the launch was held at Le Moulin Rouge in Paris and she leapt on stage to recite poetry.
Perfume can make or break a star. In the early 90s Revlon transformed Claudia Schiffer from a frumpy German mouse into a Bardot babe for its Guess campaign. In 1993 Calvin Klein took Kate Moss into the super league when he cast the Croydon waif as the face (and naked body) of Obsession. And last year Sophie Dahl caused a furore, when she appeared naked on billboards as the voluptuous image of Opium. Her milky white body, legs splayed, one hand rumoured to be pleasuring herself was promptly banned. Dahl professed herself to be mortified, but her career went stratospheric.
Message in a bottle
Female celebrities even inspire unusual bottle shapes. Salvador Dali's fantasy floral, Dali, is housed in a giant pair of glass lips (said to be based on the lady bits of wife Gala). Moschino's whimsical flask shape for Cheap and Chic is inspired by Popeye's Girlfriend, Olive Oyl. And most famously of all, Jean Paul Gaultier's signature scent - a curvy glass bottle with a metal corset - is wearing a stage outfit he designed for Madonna.
So there's no doubt that celeb tie-ups sell scents. And we're sure there will be as much interest from women in JLo's perfectly- balanced perfume as there is from men in her perfectly-proportioned rear.
Fame and fragrance
Lots of women wear male scents - including Sarah Michelle Gellar (Bulgari Blu Pour Homme), Elle Macpherson (Vetis Vert), Marianne Faithfull (Habit Rouge). Meanwhile, those emblems of masculinity Sean Connery and Rod Stewart wear Guerlain's Jicky, originally launched for women in 1889.
Luke Wilson and Gwyneth Paltrow sealed their romance on the set of The Royal Tenenbaums by wearing his and hers Michael Kors.
Hands up anyone who bought Krystle in the 80s, inspired by Linda Evans' character in Dynasty.
Kate Winslet and Sharleen Spiteri, fans of Tom Ford's Le Smoking suits for YSL, also wear his fragrance Nu.
Recent retro relaunches include Charlie Red (for fans of Rick Astley and 80s leg warmers) and Anais Anais with trendy toile de jouy packaging by Clements Ribeiro.
In 1998 Arfaq created the world's most expensive perfume. V1 cost pounds 47,750 and came in an 18-carat gold and diamond box with jewelled key. Roja Dove's haute parfumiere at Harrods held a private event to launch the V1 perfume created by Arfaq and Arthur Burnham. "His creations come from pure genius", Roja Dove commented.
In November 2006 at the World Music Awards, Arfaq presented
Michael Jackson with the V1 perfume. Michael Jackson wore V1 when he received the Diamond Award for which celebrated his most popular album "Thriller" selling over 104 million copies worldwide.
Unfortunately we would not be able to buy it, as it is all sold out, because just as only 173 of the latter were ever made. Each of the 173 bottles costed $84,000
True to her elvish persona in The Lord of the Rings, Cate Blanchett loves Clinique's Aromantics Elixir.
Gloria Hunniford and Suzanne Vega once worked as Avon ladies, while Glenda Jackson started her career on the Boots make-up counter.
Last year celebs including Britney Spears and Sigourney Weaver went crazy for Child, said to capture the essence of youth (or bubblegum). Available from LA's cult Apothia boutique, it apparently drives men wild.
The World's Most Expensive Perfume was Designed and Created by Arthur Burnham and Arfaq.
About the Author
UK
Marilyn Monroe
 |
 Retro Style bronze tone Marilyn Monroe necklace pendant 15 $5.45 Time Remaining: 23d 4h 28m Buy It Now for only: $5.45 Buy It Now |
 Betsey Johnson Marilyn Monroe Sweater Size S $55.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 58m |
 New Celeb Winter Fall MARILYN MONROE Kimono T SHIRT one Sz fit XL 2X $14.99 Time Remaining: 1h 49m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 Buy It Now |
 BRAND NEW WOMENS MARILYN MONROE FULL SIZE HINGE WALLET $14.95 Time Remaining: 6d 17h 15m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN COLLAGE NEW MONROE 16x20 POSTER PRINT PRINT IMAGE PHOTO B20 $4.98 Time Remaining: 31m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now |
 Licensed Marilyn Monroe Headphones Adult Shirt S 2XL $16.07 Time Remaining: 9d 17h 41m Buy It Now for only: $16.07 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN DRESS NEW MONROE 16x20 POSTER PRINT PRINT IMAGE PHOTO B20 $3.98 Time Remaining: 31m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now |
 LETS MAKE LOVE MOVIE POSTER Marilyn Monroe VINTAGE 2 PRINT IMAGE PHOTO B20 $3.98 Time Remaining: 33m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now |
 WELL BEHAVED WOMEN Marilyn Monroe Wall Quote Decal NEW $12.99 Time Remaining: 29d 17h 4m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now |
 Franklin Mint Marilyn Monroe Vinyl Doll Awards Night Brand New $70.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 54m |
 MARILYN MONROE ABSOLUTLEY BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE 8X10 PHOTO MGM STUDIOS PFP5 $21.99 Time Remaining: 29d 10h 43m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN MIRROR NEW MONROE 16x20 POSTER RARE PRINT IMAGE PHOTO A20 $4.98 Time Remaining: 34m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN MONROE ANDY WARHOL NEW 24X36 POSTER RARE PRINT PRINT IMAGE PHOTO A20 $4.98 Time Remaining: 34m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now |
 Marilyn Monroe Sexy iPhone 4 4s Snap On Case Clear Plastic Vintage betty page $9.99 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 43m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 FRANKLIN MINT Marilyn Monroe Vinyl Portrait Doll Pink Satin Gown Brand New $56.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 51m |
 Marilyn Monroe 16 Doll Tonner Convention 2012 Animal Magnetism SIGNED BY TONNER $250.00 Time Remaining: 28d 9h 16m Buy It Now for only: $250.00 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN MONROE DIAMOND COLLECTION Vol1 Vol2 11 SEALED VHS Movies RARE $49.99 Time Remaining: 13h 28m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN MONROE THEME CIGARETTE LIGHTERS WITH ADJUSTABLE FLAME SET OF 4 NEW $5.95 Time Remaining: 26d 15h 38m Buy It Now for only: $5.95 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN MIRROR NEW MONROE 8x10 PHOTO POSTER PRINT IMAGE PHOTO A20 $4.98 Time Remaining: 34m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now |
 BCBG Paris Silk 2 NWOT Creme Marilyn Monroe Halter Summer Pleated Dress Gown $28.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 26m |
 Marilyn Monroe 2012 Wall Calendar $3.74 Time Remaining: 27d 17h 41m Buy It Now for only: $3.74 Buy It Now |
 Photograph of Marilyn Monroe by Douglas Kirkland signed $100.00 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 12m |
 MARILYN MONROE T shirt Tattoo Skull Grafitti Art Tee Adult SMLXL2XL3XL New $14.50 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 8m Buy It Now for only: $14.50 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN MONROE MIRROR LIPSTICK MAKE UP POSTER NEW 24X36 PRINT IMAGE PHOTO A20 $6.48 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 39m |
 vintage WHITE greek goddess marilyn monroe style DRESS size 4 $150.00 Time Remaining: 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $175.00 Buy It Now |
 IMPERFECTION IS BEAUTY MARILYN MONROE QUOTE VINYL WALL DECAL STICKER $29.99 Time Remaining: 28d 15h 2m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 Franklin Mint Marilyn Monroe Wardrobe Trunk $11.50 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 4m |
 Spinning Ashtray Marilyn Monroe 1 $3.95 Time Remaining: 22d 17h 14m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN MONROE ORIGINAL PHOTO GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES JANE RUSSELL 1953 $16.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 1h 16m |
 2001 Marilyn Monroe Timeless Treasures $31.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 3m |
 MARILYN MONROE IN LINGERIE WATER GLOBE 45 MM FIGURINE WG I5 $25.99 Time Remaining: 29d 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $25.99 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN MONROE VINTAGE ONE TROY OZ 999 FINE SIVER COIN 2 $49.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 11h 55m |
 MARILYN MONROE T shirt Tattoo Bandit Tee Guns Bandana Womens Juniors SMLXL $19.95 Time Remaining: 3h 58m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 MARILYN MONROE WEEGEE Negative The most Famous shot in History $1,000.00 Time Remaining: 12h 32m |
 Marilyn Monroe Sexy Booty Butt Cheeks Shorts Legs Seven Year Itch 8X10 Photo $9.99 Time Remaining: 28d 21h 22m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Vivid Marilyn Monroe Pink Lip Kiss Telephone Phone Home Desk Phone $8.88 Time Remaining: 1h 28m |
 Ron English Mickey Mouse Marilyn Monroe Signed Print LowBrow $51.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 57m |
 Rare Marilyn Monroe Department Store Modeling Mirror Image 8X10 Photo $9.99 Time Remaining: 28d 12h 19m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 12 1 6 CUSTOM MARILYN MONROE FIGURE HEAD $9.95 Time Remaining: 1h 45m |
 Marilyn Monroe Old Pin up Print Shakin her Sexy Butt $4.98 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 25m Buy It Now for only: $4.98 Buy It Now |
 Marilyn Monroe November 9 1959 Life magazine $9.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 20m |
 Marilyn Monroe Original pastel drawing by Ukrainian artist Natali Basarab $17.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2h 5m |
 Marilyn Monroe Reading Book In Bikini Hot Candid 8X10 Photo $9.99 Time Remaining: 28d 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Marilyn Monroe Diamonds By Tonner Doll Co $180.27 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 23h 57m |
 Marilyn Monroe Winking Booty Butt Shorts Hot Legs Seven Year Itch 8X10 Photo $9.99 Time Remaining: 28d 21h 20m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 RARE ORIGINAL Marilyn Monroe Movie Poster Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 145 x 22 $300.00 Time Remaining: 1h 11m |
 LIMITED EDITION MARILYN MONROE BUST COOKIE JAR 987 OF 2400 $51.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 15h 33m |
 MARILYN MONROE I Believe Everything Better Quote Vinyl Wall Window Decal Sticker $18.79 Time Remaining: 9d 10h 28m Buy It Now for only: $18.79 Buy It Now |
 Vintage 1957 Police Gazette Hollywood Scandal Magazine Marilyn Monroe Farmer $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 6m |
 Marilyn Monroe Beach Bath Towel Collections 30x60 $12.50 Time Remaining: 19d 22h 57m Buy It Now for only: $12.50 Buy It Now |
 Marilyn Monroe Full Figure Bra 38DD $6.99 Time Remaining: 1h 22m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Vandor Recycled Tote, Marilyn Monroe Sale Price: $5.99  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis durable plastic shopper tote from Vandor is partially made from recycled materials. It is light weight with woven handles. It features some of your favorite licensed characters and is a great alternative to shopping bags.  |
 Vandor 12 Inch Glass Wall Clock, Marilyn Monroe List Price: Sale Price: $19.34 You save: $1.65 (8%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMarilyn Monroe 12 inch Glass Wall Clock |
 Marilyn Monroe Forever Beautiful Wallet Sale Price: $19.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product |
 Marilyn Monroe Poster Print, 24x37 List Price: Sale Price: $2.30 You save: $4.70 (67%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDecorate your home or office with high quality posters. Marilyn Monroe is that perfect piece that matches your style, interests, and budget. |
 Marilyn Monroe-Red, Movie Poster Print, 24 by 36-Inch List Price: Sale Price: $2.66 You save: $6.34 (70%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMarilyn Monroe - Red, Movie Poster Print, 24 by 36 |
 Marilyn Monroe - The Final Days List Price: Sale Price: $12.99 You save: $1.99 (13%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionIn The Final Days, producer-director Patty Ivins chronicles Marilyn Monroe's final, aborted feature film, Something's Got to Give, which was ultimately shut down after the star was dismissed from the production... |
 Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters List Price: Sale Price: $17.88 You save: $12.12 (40%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMarilyn Monroe’s image is so universal that we can’t help but believe that we know all there is to know of her. Every word and gesture made headlines and garnered controversy. Her serious gifts as an actor were sometimes eclipsed by her notoriety—and the way the camera fell helplessly in love with her... |
 James Dean & Marilyn Monroe (Rose) Movie Poster Print - 24x36 List Price: Sale Price: $1.99 You save: $14.00 (88%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDecorate your home or office with high quality posters. Marilyn Monroe and James Dean is that perfect piece that matches your style, interests, and budget. |
 Marilyn Monroe Blond Movie Star Marilyn Red Roses Juniors White T-shirt, XL Sale Price: $25.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionOfficially Licensed |
 Vandor Marilyn Monroe Coasters, Set of 4 Sale Price: $10.64 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMarilyn Monroe wood coaster set includes 4 laminated wood coasters with non-slip cork backs featuring individual designs. |
