Heavy on the Cologne

What's with the sudden influx of collegiate fragrances? I read earlier today that Notre Dame is releasing two in the fall, following Virginia Tech's announcement last week. I know UNC has had their own line of perfumes and colognes for a few years and I'm sure there are plenty more out there.

Notre Dame will release "Gold" for men and "Lady Irish" for women in the fall.

The Smell of Champions

Though I get theres no intended seriousness in these investments, you can't help but realize that everyone is trying to get into the fragrance industry. Big names like P Diddy, Derek Jeter, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and Taylor Swift have all tried to brand their signature smells, but its all white noise at this point. They lack the special something that makes them unique. They lack the Hepburn factor.

Its well known that Audrey Hepburn was a huge star in the 50's and early 60's. In 1957, Hubert de Givenchy created a perfume for the actress, who then forbade Givenchy from marketing it because she wanted it all to herself (hence the name L'Interdit, forbidden). The perfume was eventually distributed, along with the reputation of being Aubrey's personal perfume. It was created just for her so people knew that she wore it. When they put it on, they felt a connection with the star known for her beauty, class and elegance. They felt special because they knew she loved it.

Audrey Hepburn's L'Interdit (1963)

Britney Spear's Fantasy Twist (2012)

Today, no fragrance has that Hepburn factor that once was. The market is so diluted that its impossible to feel any sort of connection. The industry has lost its class.