WHEN Jo Malone London partnered with Tom Hardy earlier this year to promote the brand's Cypress & Grapevine cologne, I didn't think they'd be able to top the collaboration.
But, they just did, and the fragrance brand's new muse comes from the unlikeliest place: the fictional world (via Peru).
If you haven't already guessed, the luxury perfume house's latest partner in crime is no other than Paddington Bear.
And the scent? Orange Marmalade, in celebration of Paddington's favourite sandwich filling.
You'd be forgiven for questioning why that would make a good perfume, however the zesty hit of orange is the perfect fresh summer scent if you want something that doesn't resemble the sometimes sickly, sun cream smell, - plus the dry down after it's been on skin for a couple of hours is spicy and warming - perfect for when the sun sets.
At John Lewis, the collab is proving a roaring success, with searches for "Paddington Bear" on the website increasing by 128% since this time last year.
Plus, sales of the Paddington Bear Collector Bear (as seen in Jo Malone London's Orange Marmalade campaigns) have increased by 250% since the collaboration launched.
The perfume itself is also flying off the shelves, becoming the second most searched for beauty product on the John Lewis website since it launched.
And, it's had a knock-on effect across the whole range, boosting sales of the brand's fragrances by 42% across the board.
If you want in on the fresh-orange action, here's some other juicy fragrances ripe for the picking.
Zara Fleur D' Oranger EDP, £25.99 for 100ml
Created by non-other than perfumer Jo Malone herself (who is no longer affiliated with Jo Malone London, so didn’t work on the Paddington perfume), this interpretation of orange revolves around orange blossom, offering a comforting, muted scent in comparison to bright, sparkling, more in-your-face pure orange scents.
Fugazzi Fragrances Orange Crush EDP, £70 for 50ml
Combined with musks and wood, the orange opening gives way to an opulent scent that’s reminiscent of the viral (and mega expensive) Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum.
Orange Crush is a showstopper, yet subtle enough to wear every day. A true perfume for all occasions.
The Body Shop Satsuma Body Mist, £12 for 100ml
As it's a body mist, the orange hit of this spritz is much more subtle than most, but given the price tag, you can afford to apply it liberally to make up for what it lacks in strength.
It’s fresh and tangy, like the smell that comes from a freshly peeled fruit.
If you want to try an affordable orange scent, you can’t go wrong with this!
WE all love a good perfume, but they can also be pricey. So why not try a dupe from the high street instead? Here's some of the best:
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Marks & Spencer:
Apothecary Warmth, £9.50 - dupe for Le Labo's Santal 33 - BUY NOW
Sea Salt and Neroli, £13 - dupe for Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino - BUY NOW
Midnight Blossom, £10 - dupe for Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium - BUY NOW
Soft Iris, £10 - dupe for Chanel Coco Mademoiselle - BUY NOW
Zara:
Energetically New York, £25.99 - dupe for Le Labo's Santal 33
Nude Bouquet, £12.99 - dupe for Dior's Miss Dior
Applejuice, £12.99 - dupe for DKNY's Be Delicious
Sublime Epoque, £22.99 - dupe for Armani My Way
Aldi:
Empress, £5.99 - dupe for Paco Rabanne Olympéa
Feminine, £6.99 - dupe for Coco Mademoiselle
Masculine, £6.99 - dupe for Jean Paul Gaultier's Le Male
Hotel Collection No39 Poppy and Barley, £6.99 - dupe for Jo Malone's Poppy and Barley
Phlur Tangerine Boy EDP, £99 for 100ml
If you’ve ever used the orange juice press at the supermarket, this smells exactly like the oranges do as they’re crushed in the machine.
It’s mouth-wateringly delicious and one spritz will instantly liven up a lazy summer afternoon.
The wear time might not be the best, but the brand does a handy travel size version, which is perfect for top-ups throughout the day when you need a little pick-me-up.
Clinique Happy for Men Cologne Spray, £68 for 100ml
Although technically a fragrance for men, this is actually pretty unisex and a really close match to the Jo Malone London Orange Marmalade perfume.
It’s slightly more complicated than most of the others on this list, with a trio of citrus notes (orange, lime and lemon) combined with aquatic notes that give it a salty tang, anchored by musk and cedarwood to give it more depth and longevity - and because of that, it’ll last all day.
