Giorgio Armani Thinks American Women's Perfume is Too Strong
Filed under: Fragrance, Beauty, Makeup
Legendary Designer Giorgio Armani. Photo by Getty Images
"American women like a certain kind of fragrance, stronger and very personal," you told WWD. "I sometimes say it's a little bit like an elevator fragrance. When a woman gets onto an elevator, you can smell this fragrance. It's a bit too much."
You see, Mr. Armani, as an American woman living abroad, your perception touched a delicate nerve. Each day, I fight the good fight against brash American stereotypes, usually regarding our perceived loudness and lack of sophistication. But clearly, there is still much work to be done to change these misconceptions.
In fact, many of the fragrances my colleagues and I have lifted to the pages of national magazines and the Web have been impeccably airy and light. And much to your (and my) relief, Mr. Armani, they're the kind of scents you need to get pretty close to in order to take in.
Lean in and check out a few of my faves. (They don't linger after the elevator doors close.)
Estée Lauder Pure White Linen. It smells how it sounds: Clean, crisp and completely appropriate for both barbecues and boardrooms alike. $67.50
Bobbi Brown Almost Bare. No surprise, Bobbi Brown's sheer floral is much like the rest of her line – timeless, unobtrusive and wearable. $60
Clinique Happy. Milky, citrus-y, flowery and sheer, this is the olfactory equivalent of your favorite clean white tee. $39.50
Kiehl's Musk Eau de Toilette Spray. Fashion and beauty insiders always namedrop this cult scent when talking about their bare-bones, effortless beauty must-haves. It smells amazing, but in an understated, too-cool-for-school kinda way. $38.50
Stay tuned for my review of Mr. Armani's upcoming scent, Idole d'Armani, out this September. A spicy floral with all sorts of refreshing notes -- Sicilian clementine, juicy pear, ginger and Egyptian jasmine -- Idole d'Armani is poised to be the kind of floaty, ephemeral fragrance the style maker loves so much.
Leave a comment with your favorite understated fragrance.
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Classic Spring Scents
Vera Wang Bouquet Eau de Parfum
Perfect For: A spring bride.
Price: $90 for 3.4oz
Where to Buy: www.sephora.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Clinique Happy Personalized Photo Bottle
Perfect For: Add your photo to create the perfect gift for Mom.
Price: $53 for 3.4 oz
Where to Buy:
www.clinique.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Bond no.9 Andy Warhol Union Square
Perfect For: Fans of painter Andy Warhol, or any art-lover.
Price: $135 for 1.7oz
Where to Buy: www.bondno9.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Stila Mandarin Mist Eau de Parfum
Perfect For: A citrus lover.
Price: $36 for 1 oz
Where to Buy:
www.sephora.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Figure-Iris Eau de Toilette
Perfect For: Everyday -- from work to weekends.
Price: $57 for 2.5oz
Where to Buy:
www.sephora.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Cynthia Rowley Flower and Petal
Perfect For: Anyone who spends their spring days gardening.
Price: $23 for 1.7oz of Flower and $13 for 1.0 of petal
Where to Buy: www.avon.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Yves Saint Laurent Eau de Toilette
Perfect For: Anyone who prefers a classic over the latest fad.
Price: $62 for 1.6oz
Where to Buy: www.sephora.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum
Perfect For: A first date.
Price: $85 for 3.4oz
Where to Buy: www.nordstrom.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Burberry The Beat Intense Elixir Spray
Perfect For: A music lover!
Price: $130 for 1.3 oz
Where to Buy:
www.sephora.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Limited Edition Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Summer
Perfect For: Starry spring nights.
Price: $60 for 3.4 oz
Where to Buy:
www.sephora.com
Rachel Been, AOL
Givenchy 5-27-2009 @ 12:41AM
You see, Mr. Armani, as an American woman living abroad, your perception touched a delicate nerve. Each day, I fight the good fight against brash American stereotypes, usually regarding our perceived loudness and lack of sophistication. But clearly, there is still much work to be done to change these misconceptions.
http://www.perfume-love.com
Reply
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Barbara 5-27-2009 @ 6:38PM
Sorry, but I have to agree with Armani. I wear only Jovan White Musk (only about $14) and get compliments all the time. very light, not like Angel and Obsession which most of my daughters wear. too heavy, especially in the summertime
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me 5-27-2009 @ 6:34PM
and armani black code isn't strong...cough cough...
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volsvixen 5-27-2009 @ 9:22PM
Perfume should be banned in general! If I can smell a person from a foot away, it's overdone. Period.
vic 5-27-2009 @ 6:42PM
He is right. It also applies to men. People come into a room and their scent has a 10 ft. aura. It is supposed to be a subtle effect when you get close, not a walking air freshener.
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mary 5-27-2009 @ 6:47PM
I agree some people use far too much perfume. Women and men both. I don't care to smell their perfume and if they're trying to mask body odor, then take a bath.
I like to keep it subtle. The only person intended to inhale my perfume is the one nuzzling my neck, lol. I really don't even use perfume, only bath products. I'm a big fan of Bath and Body Works. Their products are strong enough that I only need to use body wash and lotion. The heat of your body does the rest.
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Tonie 5-27-2009 @ 6:59PM
I only wear very light scents and I use them sparingly. I am an all American girl. What I have learned from the traveling I have done is that many people in this world don't bathe daily but do use perfumes and colognes every day. While I find the too strong fragrances (or the too heavily applied ones) to be offensive, they are far less offensive than the odor of stale sweat mixed with the lighter fragrances.
Also I have never smelled an Armani perfume I liked, most of them are wickedly strong, so isn't the pot calling the kettle black?
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HapaHawaiian50 5-27-2009 @ 7:06PM
It's really sad that some of the people from other countries complain about the scent of the perfume that we American women wear. I have never had an issue and I don't see why these people should complain. Hey, if they dislike the scent, they certainly have the option of just exiting the room. We should not have to change our way for them. Just like they wouldn't want us to attempt to change their ways. We have the freedom to choose what we prefer to wear and that also includes the choice of perfume.
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Melissa Escobar 5-27-2009 @ 7:38PM
You are missing the point, he is not trying to be insulting. In my opinion what he says is more true than not, I have been to so many countries being military affiliated and I will tell you that when stationed in Germany; most of the population does not use deodorant, but will splash on perfume constantly.....so just imagine the stench.
Many Americans do wear loud perfume that arrives before the person physically shows up (Ha-Ha)
Melissa
Elizabeth 5-28-2009 @ 3:28AM
I have the same problem as Connie; I'm very sensitive to perfume, so much so that I nearly asphyxiated once and was hospitalized another time for exposure. Headaches, nausea, dizziness... it's a nightmare. People just don't realize how dangerous the chemicals are: "Hey, if they dislike the scent, they certainly have the option of just exiting the room. We should not have to change our way for them." I wish I could just walk away from everyone who wears strong perfume! Airplanes, subways, train stations, lines-- any crowded place can contain people wearing perfume, and there's little to no escape. "We have the freedom to choose what we prefer to wear and that also includes the choice of perfume." "Freedoms" are supposed to end when you impede the well being of others. Part of being a good citizen while enjoying the "freedoms" of our country entails being sensitive to others.
patricia 5-27-2009 @ 7:10PM
Dear Mr. Armani - I promise not to wear too much perfume as I am an obnoxious American who doesn't know when to go easy on cologne. But, is there any chance that you could stop eating GARLIC as Italians often WREAK of this obnoxious spice??????????? And boy it's far worse than any overpowering scent! Thank you Sir!
LOL
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Jessica 5-28-2009 @ 2:38AM
Partricia? You sound like a Pollock. Don't mock Italians. The best foods are made with garlic.
KTHANKS
patricia 5-28-2009 @ 11:05AM
Faggitboutit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet you smell real nice Jessica! LOL
bob 5-27-2009 @ 7:14PM
Where did the saying "smell like a French whore" come from Giorgio?
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Bob 5-27-2009 @ 7:33PM
If you smell like a french whore, I don't care how much an oz. you spent. Obviously the writer of this article thinks money = taste. Disgusting.
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Gam 5-27-2009 @ 7:49PM
I would recommend Tova Signature - the only one I've EVER worn that has gotten compliments from many people. (Check out QVC for that one,) I also think Clinique's Aromatix is lovely. I like a soft, subtle musk or patchouli, as well.
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shelbel 5-28-2009 @ 9:26AM
i LOVE TOVA perfume!!!!!!!! i had worn it since 1985 when Tova only sold it out of her boutique in Beverly Hills. i got compliments daily but now that QVC has it-- IT'S NOT THE SAME...IT DOESN'T LAST...and i stopped using it! :-( Tova please fix it!
mbp 5-27-2009 @ 7:53PM
Mr. Armani: You could not have been more on point with your comments/observations re: the use of colognes, perfumes and scents. I read these as constructive and meant to enlighten those who perhaps are unaware of their unintentional offense to those around them. As one who suffers from chronic migraines (a known trigger are the olfactory senses), one whiff of 'Angel' can cripple me for days. Thank you, thank you, thank you... By the way, the same rules apply to men.
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sam 5-28-2009 @ 12:47AM
I couldn't agree more! I also suffer from chronic migraines, and have had the misfortune of working with several colleagues who believe their right to wear copious amounts of perfume or cologne should outweigh my right to work without being in constant indescribable pain. There was an uproar in my office which culminated in some women (I am a woman) insisting that those of us who asked for people to tone down their scents while at work were actually infringing on their rights, and they would not comply with this small request. If people shower and use soap and antiperspirant daily, they should be fine. There is absolutely no need for heavy scents in confined spaces for hours at a time, where others are needlessly negatively affected! Please save it for intimate moments with those who have no objection!