Perfumers Around the Globe Get into the Olympic Spirit

The 2012 Summer Olympics are rapidly approaching, and the whole world has its eyes on London. This has rekindled an interest in British-based brands, such as Burberry, which has released new renditions of its classic Brit fragrances for both men and women. Not to be outdone, big names like Dolce & Gabbana and Armani have also announced the launch of their own Olympic-inspired fragrances. 

Burberry Brit Summer for Women

This perfume is refreshed version of the original Burberry Brit for Women, which was released in 2003. The fragrance is meant to capture the aroma of a British Summer, and was released this year just in time for the Olympics. 


Its top notes include lime, pear, and green tea, while the heart of the perfume opens to the scent of almonds and peony. The base is composed of musk, mahogany, and amber. 


Burberry Beauty has also launched Burberry Brit Summer for Men. Both can be purchased from Burberry's website and at leading department stores ($62-$67). 


The One Sport by Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana also jumped on the Olympic bandwagon when this fragrance was released as the third installment of their "The One" collection. 


The One Sport was first released in London this past February, before making its debut in Italy, and then finally in the U.S. This schedule allowed the fragrance to go global before the start of the Olympic Games. 


Inspired by sportsmen and outdoorsmen, the fragrance is made up of notes such as water, cardamom, sequoia, and patchouli. It lasts throughout the entire day, persevering through workouts and activity. The One Sport is available through Sephora ($44-$73). 


Armani Code Sport Athlete


Armani couldn't resist the temptations of the Olympic season either, and released this limited edition fragrance earlier in the year. 


Following the lead of its predecessor, Armani Code Sport, this perfume is dedicated to athletes and inspired by hours spent on the field and long days at the gym. 


The light, refreshing fragrance combines three types of mints, Mediterranean citruses, pink pepper, and ginger into an masculine concoction. It's a fitting summer scent for athletes around the globe!


Armani Code Sport Athlete is available at Macy's ($59). 

Madonna and Lady Gaga Compete for Best Scent

This year marks the release of fragrances from two of pop culture's most outstanding icons: Madonna and Lady Gaga. Their competing perfumes are sure to add even more fuel to the already fiery feud that has been unfolding between the two singers. In A Bottle can't wait to see how the perfumes stack up on the market, and although we may have favoritism for Madonna, we must admit Lady Gaga has some noteworthy tricks up her sleeve. 

Truth or Dare by Madonna

Gaga was surely wearing her poker face when this perfume was released in April. Madonna worked closely with perfumer Stephen Nilsen to create this sweet blend of tuberose and gardenia, with additional notes of jasmine, white lily, amber, musk, and vanilla. 


The world famous Material Girl was greatly inspired by the memory of her mother's perfume, and wanted to add a touch of contrast to the clean, flowery scent. 

Truth or Dare has revealed itself to be long-lasting and unique, just like its creator. 


Truth or Dare eau de parfum can be purchased from Macy's in quantities of 1.7 oz ($55) or 2.5 oz ($68). Madonna has also released accompanying body lotion and shower gel. 




Fame by Lady Gaga



Lady Gaga's little monsters are eagerly awaiting the release of her fragrance in September. Photos have been released of the bottle, which is very unique in itself. 

Fame is the very first black eau de parfum, and it sprays on clear thanks to a patent pending fluid technology. Instead of using the typical hierarchy of notes, Lady Gaga has utilized a rare olfactory technology that allows all of the notes to work in synchronized harmony. Its scent — which features elements of honey, saffron, tiger orchids, and jasmine — is meant to reflect darkness, lightness, and sensuality all at the same time. 


Starting on July 26, Fame is available for preorder from Macy's. Gaga has also announced that alongside the regular eau de parfum version, which she has dubbed 'Le Masterpiece,' she will release an additional, more affordable version of the perfume. 

''Coming to My Senses' Chronicles Adventures in Scent

Photo of Alyssa Harad by Erin Mayes.

Fragrance lovers will adore the new book Coming to my Senses: A Story of Perfume, Pleasure and an Unlikely Bride, by Alyssa Harad. The memoir, which hits bookstores this Thursday, chronicles the author's journey into the seductive world of scent. 
Harad, who blogs for Now Smell This, Perfume Smellin’ Things, and writes about fragrant finds for various publications, said she never set out to write a book about herself. 
“My intention was to create a book out of all my favorite bloggers and their great blog posts because I was just an obsessed fan girl,” Harad told In A Bottle. 
Instead, editors became interested in her evolution from shopping-averse academic to scent expert, and urged Harad to tell her own story. 

“I think for me the book is as much about women and pleasure and how to be a girl as it is about perfume,” she said. 
To celebrate the launch of her book, Harad is hosting two special events designed to awaken the senses by blending fragrance and flavor.
The first, set for 7 p.m. July 12 at Book People in Austin, will treat guests to honey truffles and Jasmine Bellinis. 
The second, 7 p.m. July 19 at BookCourt in Brooklyn, will feature Maria McElroy of aroma M perfumes, and perfume cocktails by Julianne Zaleta of Brooklyn Brainery. 
Harad will read from her book and sign copies as well.
“I love that kind of translation work. Perfume was my back door into beauty departments and that high glamour, but I also think it’s fun to take it out of the beauty counter and back into the kitchen,” Harad said. 


Coming to my Senses (Viking, July 5, 2012, hardcover, $29.95) is available at bookstores nationwide.