Fabulous doesn’t begin to describe the newly launched fragrance Amanda-a scented celebration of iconic personality Amanada Lepore, who is known throughout the world as the reigning doyenne of transsexuality.

The juice is signed by Christophe Laudemiel, the nose behind many wildly successful fragrances including Estee Lauder Youth Dew Amber Nude, Island Michael Kors (with Loc Dong), Elton John Black Candle, Clinique Happy Heart, and Ralph Lauren Polo Blue (with Carlos Benaim).

Called “the enfant terrible of contemporary perfumery,” Laudamiel was so inspired by Lepore’s larger-than-life persona that he created a fragrance especially for her as a birthday present many years ago. Lepore has worn the scent faithfully ever since, and it has become as much a part of her allure as her famous red lips.

Now available to the public in a limited-release edition of 5,000 bottles, Amanda has an assertive blond-woody structure bolstered by Orriniff, a new molecular structure that imparts a warm orris amber note in counterpoint to natural floral extracts Tuberose absolute, Orris butter, Violet, and Orange flowers. A sliver of Cristal champagne combines with elegant citrus inspired by an Italian Renaissance elixir to give the fragrance a golden shimmer. Notes of cucumber and strawberry and-our favorite-a red lipstick accord add quirkiness to the composition.

The Amanda coffret is sheer decadence. It’s lined in black satin and includes a bottle sporting more than 1,000 Swarovski crystals, a blush-colored satin atomizer, and a signed booklet featuring new photographs of Ms. Lepore by Nico Iliev.

At $950 (hey, what recession?) for the coffret, Amanda EDP comes in 4.25 fl.oz/125 ml and is available exclusively at artwareeditions.com.

During the craziness of Fashion Week, I attended a breakfast launch of the new fragrance “Pretty” by Elizabeth Arden. It turned out to be a very pretty morning indeed.

The Givaudan team responsible for creating the charming fragrance were justifiably proud of the amount of work involved in bringing new fragrant molecules to the market. Internationally renowned perfumer Claude Dir was at the breakfast to tell us how and why he considers Pretty a “perfect fragrance.”

(Claude Dir and me)

Dir was brought in by the Arden team to create this perfume, and he says, “I saw the world through very feminine ‘pink colored glasses’” for this project. He was especially excited about the new Givaudan molecule called “Petalia” that was the starting point for the journey. “It truly is the perfect feminine floral essence. It was never used before in fragrance development so I was intrigued and driven to create something spectacular for Arden.”

Why is Petalia so different? It’s easy to wear and imparts a unique singular impression.

The other fragrant, floral notes are:

Top Notes

Italian Mandarin Orpur: Apparently this has a luscious quality that is both sweet and sharp. Delish!

Orange Blossom: I dig anything that has orange notes. Citrus rules. Period.

Peach Nectar: Sweetness and succulence rules in this fruit, n’est ce pas?

Middle Notes

Petalia: the Arden team considers this the very essence of femininity. We can find no fault.

Star Jasmine: I grew up in India with jasmine bushes surrounding my house. LOVE.

Pink Iris & White Peony: I must say that any floral scent without the peony would leave much to desire.

Drydown

Fluffy Musk: Yes, apparently musk can be fluffy (think of smoky musk). Another scent that I love.

Jacaranda Wood & Creamy Amber: The warm amber notes inspire comfort, happiness…think of pretty mom baking pie in the kitchen.

I am also enchanted with the packaging, and the floral petals engraved on the bottle top. The beautiful rounded shape of this fragrance looks like a bud vase.

And here’s a tip: to make the fragrance last longer, apply the body lotion first, and then spritz the scent.

Eau de Parfum Spray:  1.7 fl oz ($49); 3.3 fl oz ($62)

Body Lotion: 6.8 fl oz ($30)

Body Powder with Puff: 3.4 oz ($37.50)

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