Avon and Lacroix team up for fragrance duo • Basenotes

Avon has teamed up with Christian Lacroix and with Interparfums, its worldwide fragrance licensee, to produce two fragrances which will be distributed via Avon’s catalogue. The two fragrances, Christian Lacroix Rouge (for women) and Christian Lacroix Noir (for men), will launch globally in 2007, debuting in the UK in September. In the US, Christian Lacroix Rouge will launch in November 2007, followed by Christian Lacroix Noir in February 2008.Both fragrances were created by the perfumers at IFF. Rouge by Laurent Le Guernec and Carlos Benaim [IFF]; and Noir by Pascal Gaurin and Yves Cassar. Christian Lacroix Rouge is a floral chypre with top notes of wild red peony blended with zesty citrus accents. Rouge’s heart is rich with modern florals with a drydown consisting of warm notes such as cashmere woods, patchouli and musks. Christian Lacroix Noir is a fougere scent with fresh and spicy topnotes of ginger and saffron. Noir’s heart consists of cardamom and textured orris with a drydown composed of a woody blend of cedarwood and vetiver. The packaging is distinctive of Lacroix, reflecting a passion for embroidered motifs with the bold use of red and black. “Avon believes all women should have access to great style and fashion, and by bringing Mr. Lacroix’s creations to the Avon consumer, we are helping women feel more special, and more beautiful,” said Geralyn Breig, Senior Vice President and Brand President for Avon Products, Inc. “Avon is the global beauty company unmatched for its understanding and appreciation of its clients’ sensibilities and aspirations. Together, Avon and Christian Lacroix will enhance and realize their respective visions, expanding their objectives of offering inspiring and quality fashion to women everywhere.” “I consider that every woman is a red carpet star and nothing gives me more pleasure than celebrating their individuality: their inner spirit, their seductiveness, their lives and loves,” adds Mr. Lacroix. “By partnering with Avon, the company whose heritage is a virtual celebration of women, I can connect with women everywhere. I envision Rouge becoming the Avon woman’s signature, one that’s utterly feminine yet mysterious and bold.” Christian Lacroix’s Rouge and Noir will be featured in the company’s brochure, which is distributed through over 5 million Avon Representatives around the globe.