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It was, by a long stretch, the best-smelling room in New York City.
Earlier this week, Lincoln Centerâs David S. Koch Theater was transformed into a well-perfumed arena thanks to the annual Fragrance Foundation Awards. The ceremony, now in its 76th year, honors excellence in the rapidly growing field of fine fragrances and recognizes the yearâs most critically acclaimed (and culturally beloved) scents.
For the occasion, Daniela Andrierâthe perfumer who helped Prada create its fragrance category, and who took home this yearâs lifetime achievement awardâcomposed a scent called Lincoln in June, which greeted attendees as they walked into the theaterâs voluminous travertine lobby.
âGivaudan not only allowed me to become a perfumer, but also made me encounter the love of my life, [Givaudan CEO] Gilles [Andrier],â she said on stage when she accepted the trophy. âI create my formulas with the joy of our love and the joy of our magical children. Iâm proud to stand before them here tonight.â
The other major honoree, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, received two recognitions: an award for Polo 67, the grapefruit, juniper, and patchouli-scented eau de toilette created in collaboration with perfumer Marie Salamagne; and induction into the Fragrance Foundationâs Hall of Fame.
âMy father had never been to a polo match,â said David Lauren, who accepted the award on Ralphâs behalf, referencing the name of the fragrance and the beloved clothing brand. âThatâs the truth, and he didnât go for a long time. But he understood intuitively what it meant. He understood that he was conjuring up dreams even as a young guy at 26 years old. In the Bronx, we understood it meant a better life.â
For an industry that tries to arouse emotions with every spritz, it was an appropriately stunning tribute.
Below, the scents that earned top honors at this yearâs awards.
Fragrance of the Year: Womenâs Luxury
Estée Lauder Companies
Givaudan
Perfumer: Calice Becker
Fragrance of the Year, Womenâs Prestige
Kayali
dsm-firmenich
Perfumer: Gabriela Chelariu
Fragrance of the Year, Menâs Luxury
Estée Lauder Companies
Givaudan
Perfumers: Rodrigo Flores-Roux, Adriana Medina
Fragrance of the Year, Menâs Prestige
LâOrĂ©al
DSM-Firmenich
Perfumer: Marie Salamagne
Fragrance Hall of Fame
Puig
Givaudan
Perfumers: Michel Girard, Olivier Pescheux, Christophe Raynaud
Fragrance of the Year, Universal Prestige
LâOrĂ©al
IFF
Perfumer: Carlos BenaĂŻm
Fragrance of the Year, Universal Luxury
Puig
Robertet
Perfumer JĂ©rĂŽme Epinette
Fragrance of the Year, Ultra-Luxury, Womenâs, Menâs, Universal
Estée Lauder Companies
Givaudan
Perfumer: Guillaume Flavigny
Fragrance of the Year, Popular, Womenâs, Menâs, Universal
Vacation
Givaudan
Perfumer: Rodrigo Flores-Roux
Candle and Home Collection of the Year
Nest New York
Givaudan
Perfumers: Christine Hassan, Linda Song
Consumer Choice, Prestige, Womenâs, Menâs & Universal
Coty
Takasago
Perfumer: Aurelien Guichard
Consumer Choice, Popular, Womenâs, Menâs & Universal
Bath & Body Works
IFF
Perfumers: Natasha CÎté, Patty Hidalgo, Laurent Le Guernec
Perfume Extraordinaire of the Year
Estée Lauder Companies
Symrise
Perfumer: Maurice Roucel
Innovative Fragrance Product of the Year
D.S.& Durga
dsm-firmenich
David & Kavi Moltz
Packaging of the Year, Prestige or Popular
Coty
Marc Jacobs
Packaging of the Year, Ultra-Luxury or Luxury
Diptyque in collaboration with Lucy Sparrow