When it comes to fragrance other than the scent, it’s the packaging that always gets me. Even before I started working in the beauty industry there was always something about the way fragrance was packaged that mesmerized me. It gave life to my vanity or dresser and I loved it. When it comes to fragrance packaging, Marc Jacobs fragrances have really dominated over the past seven years. It all began with Marc Jacobs Daisy. There is just something so whimsical about the bottle and yet the color palette also had a sense of innocence. The scent wasn’t exactly my favorite, but nonetheless it was good. Since then, there have been so many twists to this bottle – Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Parfum (a black and gold version of the original), Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau so Fresh (the colorful twist on the bottle and cap), Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream and Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Forever. However, it is the original bottle that remains iconic and it has garnished multiple beauty awards. When it comes to innovative fragrance packaging design the original bottle sits somewhere at the top of that list.
Next came Marc Jacobs Lola. I remember going to the Marc Jacobs fashion show the season before it launched and the hats that were worn by the models became the inspiration for the cap. Still keeping in line with being over the top, this was the first time the packaging snuck in a little sexiness. I love Lola. I still have a bottle of it and I use it sparingly because I want to keep it on my dresser forever.
Soon after, Marc Jacobs Dot was launched. I called it the love bug. There was that over the top theme again with a little playfulness. I have a thing for ladybugs so of course, I had to get it. With all three of these fragrances sitting on my dresser it was like my little corner of fun.
Each one of these bottles represents a different girl/woman. Each one captured the style essence of the Marc Jacobs fashion brand and brought that essence into the realm of beauty. Having had the opportunity to be working at the company that launched these three fragrances and seeing the evolution of this fragrance brand was truly an honor.
Since my departure, I have always kept tabs on what the next mega launch bottle would look like. When I saw this- Marc Jacobs Decadence, I was rendered speechless. This latest fragrance is a packaging dream. I don’t know how it wouldn’t win at the Fifi’s for best packaging (the equivalent to Best Actor/Actress at the Oscars). I have to admit, I’m a little jealous of some of my former coworkers that I couldn’t have been there to witness the entire creative process. I mean just look at it. Let’s begin with the name – Decadence. Webster’s dictionary defines decadence this way:
NOUN
- moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury:
Yes – that is a replica of a handbag. This is the bottle that will catch everyone’s eye once they walk past it in any beauty aisle. Still, with the over the top theme there is a sophistication to it that is different than the other Marc Jacobs fragrances. There is a shift from fun and whimsical to dark and seductive. There’s a hint of naughtiness and yet it’s not trashy. It’s luxe – maybe too luxe for some, making the name Decadence appropriate. Take a closer look at the bottle design. From the heavy gold chain to the faux python cap, to the deep green bottle and that tassel – everything just works. My sister called it “boudoir in a bottle.” The fragrance is alluring almost to the point of being intoxicating and I quickly added it to my list of favorite scents. With Italian Plum, Iris Flower, Saffron, Bulgarian Rose, Jasmine Sambac, Orris, Vetiver, Papyrus Woods, and Liquid Amber notes, spray a little during the day and a little more at night. When I smell this fragrance I imagine the woman that would be wearing this today would be at Sotheby’s or Cipriani’s, but the fragrance is so timeless that if she lived during the roaring 20s she could have easily been at the Savoy or the Cotton Club – hell, she could also be having breakfast at Tiffany’s. Again, there I go with the visuals. What I’m getting at is that this fragrance is timeless. When I saw the advertising spot for this, I might have slow-clapped – okay, I did slow clap. It’s a little risqué and sensual – everything a woman’s fragrance should be.
Have you tried Marc Jacobs Decadence? What is your favorite Marc Jacobs fragrance? Sound off in the comment section below.
Until next time, always remember to SEE. TOUCH. TASTE.
*Disclosure: All photos and videos with the exception of Marc Jacobs Decadence photo were taken from various internet sources.