Fragrance Trends
Spring/ Summer 2014
Uncertainty & Hope
Since September 11, 2001, the American mindset shifted from one of confidence and security to one of fear and uncertainty. For more than a decade, you could not even turn on the TV without being inundated with some sort of message of fear; Fear of terrorism, fear of global warming, fear of our country’s economic status, fear of our civil rights being taken away, fear of unemployment, fear of the foods we eat…fear of just about everything. But, how long can people continue to live fear-infested lives?
There comes a point where people who have lived in fear begin to question why their outlook is so grim. There have been plenty of moments in our country’s history where things looked grim, but we have always survived and moved forward.
Recovery begins with a positive attitude, and it is this attitude that will truly give us hope. Incidentally, studies have shown that there is only one thing more powerful than fear; and that is hope. One of the easiest ways to focus on “brighter times” is to look back in time. The 20’s, 50’s, and the 80’s were all known as “happy times”. As Americans try to find their “ray of hope”, trends will be affected by their need to be “free from fear”. There are typically two ways that the mind deals with fear: “fight or flight”.
We think the trends of 2014 will incorporate these conflicting mindsets. Rebellious elements versus “happy-go-lucky” elements will influence color, fashion, home décor, and fragrance trends. Both of these conflicting trends have one thing in common: They are looking to the past to find the answers to our future.
Pantone Colors
Spring/Summer 2014
Pantone colors for spring/summer 2014 include cool pastels and vibrant bold colors which put a modern twist on traditional colors of the past.
The color experts at Pantone say that the following things inspired them to create the colors for 2014: bright florals, international travel, and confident women.
Fear It and Do It Anyways
There are things in life that people do which could seriously end in death, but they do them anyways. Skydiving, mountain climbing, walking a tight rope, surfing, and race car driving are all examples of “taking a risk” in exchange for having fun.
One could say that there is a thrill that accompanies doing anything radical; even if the possibility of death is the result.
For example, in the TV show, “Breaking Bad”, Walter White was a law-abiding, chemistry teacher who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Prior to this diagnosis, Walter had lived a life of doing and saying the right things to please other people.
Long-story-short, Walter does a 180 and uses his chemistry knowledge to begin cooking and selling crystal meth.
Although viewers of this show were aware of the criminality of his actions, they found themselves rooting for the “bad guy” because he stopped living a life of fear, and took complete control of his own life.
Bold, brightly-colored florals will be found in fashion, home décor, and in fragrances; especially the “exotic or poisonous florals”. Although these flowers are beautiful and enticing, if the live flowers were to be eaten, they would be poisonous and may even cause death.
In fragrance, these “deadly floral” notes will be infused with fruity characters and peppery notes to create the feeling: “Fear it and do it anyways”.
Deadly floral notes include: Poppy, Crocus, Dahlia, Calla Lily, Queen of the Night Tulip, Lily of the Valley, Bella Donna, and Oleander. Natures Garden’s new Che Bella Donna is a sassy, fruity floral fragrance, with up-scale fragrance notes; demanding the attention it deserves.
Men’s fragrances will follow the same course, but include more woodsy notes in their base. A new male scent by Natures Garden called Deadly Weapon clearly demonstrates this trend; enticing, sexy, yet rebellious.
*By the way, no deadly flowers are actually used to make fragrances. The fragrance notes are the perfumist’s rendition of what these flowers smell like in nature.*
In addition to bold floral prints, designers have incorporated bold “text” statements on their clothing. If you have something to say, why not put those words on your clothes, and say it loud and clear for everyone to hear! You will see “text” messages on shirts, pants, dresses, handbags, and even shoes. How is that for getting your message across?
For this trend’s flash back in time element, we focus on the 20’s flapper. With disdain for conventional thinking, insubordination with authority, and pleasure-seeking lifestyles, flappers wore clothing that got them noticed. The fashion world has picked up on these attitudes in clothing, and you will see fringe and more fringe. Whether you are wearing casual wear or evening wear, fringe will be added. You’ll even see denim with raw-edge fringe. Thank you flappers for the inspiration!
Peppered Poppies
Mysterious, yet elegant top notes of pomegranate and orange lead way to the spicy heart of cherry blossoms dusted in a sinfully exotic blend of cinnamon, cardamom and cocoa for an unexpected twist.
Top: Cherry, Pomegranate, Orange
Mid: Cherry Blossom, Cinnamon, Cardamom
Base: Cocoa, Vanilla, Mint
The essence of opulence and femininity are personified through sparkling citrus notes mingling with romantic floral notes of heady tuberose, lily and sassy carnation. This unforgettable blend culminates with lingering notes of resinous galbanum.
Top: Lemon, Orange, Tuberose
Mid: Tea Rose, Carnation, Lily
Base: Galbanum, Sandalwood
A rugged and masculine scent with the perfect balance of intense spices including black pepper, cardamom and clove with a touch of sweet mandarin set the scene for the introduction of rich leather, smooth frankincense and edgy woods.
Top: Mandarin, Black Pepper, Cardamom
Mid: Clove, Vetiver, Leather
Base: Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Musk
The first flower to bloom in Spring is surely a temptress. Bright citrus notes of Bergamot, and Sweet Orange Oil lead this deceptively delicate fragrance with mid notes of Iris, White Rose and Mediterranean Fig. A soft powdery finish of Woods, Musk and Vetiver finish this intriguing floral blend.
Top: Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Lime
Mid: Iris, Rose, Mission Fig
Base: Sandalwood, Musk, Vetiver
Lily of the Valley
Beautiful and alluring, this fragrance oil by Natures Garden is a very fresh and green muguet de bois. You will swear you are standing in a flower bed filled with lily of the valley.
Just as important as it is to grab life by the horns with “fear-it-and-do-it-anyways”; it is also crucial to relax and find serenity for your own peace of mind.
As a society, our panties have “been in a bunch” for far too long. Worry and anxiety tend to bog down our minds; preventing us the ability to think clearly and truly relax. This undo stress has a direct effect on the bodies, physically impacting our immune systems, as well as our outlook on life.
Relaxation is the key to rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul. The truth of the matter is everything that lives, must also expire. With that notion, life should be lived to the fullest each and every day. Fear and doubt should never be the pillars to which you gauge your life or your happiness.
The world of fashion and fragrance have picked up on this trend. Oversized coats and flowing, wide-legged pants are set to be popular in 2014.
In addition, for every bold color that Pantone has projected to be trendy in 2014 (Dazzling Blue, Cayenne, Freesia, Radiant Orchid, and Celosia Orange), they have also forecasted numerous pastel colors (Placid blue, Paloma, Violet Tulip, Hemlock, and Sand). This trend promotes relaxation and a sense of freedom.
Fragrance notes that induce relaxation and mental clarity will be trendy in 2014. You will see lavender taking center stage for the “relax” trend; followed by notes of chamomile, jasmine, bergamot, and rose. Research has shown that the smell of roses may help reduce anxiety. Maybe that is why they say, “Stop and smell the roses.”
Lavender Martini
Gin Martini meets floral lavender. We’ve successfully captured the effervescent carbonation in this unique fragrance. Natures Garden’s lavender martini fragrance begins with top notes of tangy lemon zests, orange, and carbonation; followed by middle notes of spicy bergamot, mint, and lavender; sitting on a base note of rosewood.
Cannabis Rose
This fragrance oil by Natures Garden is quite possibly the most unique blend of uncommon fragrance notes ever found in a fragrance blend. Unique, and absolutely fascinating! The blend of Bulgarian rose, pomegranate flower, bergamot, cannabis accord, sheer jasmine, dark chocolate, white musk, patchouli, and oolong tea.
As society beckons for happier times, it is almost as if they realize that they must look to themselves to make things better. The baby boomers enjoyed the happy times of the 50’s. They went on to raise generation X, who got to enjoy the fun times of the 80’s. Both of these generations had something major in common: self responsibility.
The baby boomers told their kids that they could become amazing if they worked hard and dreamed big. There was no such word as “can’t”. Generation X went on to become our nation’s first “Yuppies”. “Proud to be American” was something that was heartfelt and embraced. Songs like: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobbie McFerrin, and “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi echoed the mood of the 80’s which was “Be Happy and Live It Up”.
Trends for 2014 are showing elements of the 50’s and 80’s infused in fashion, home décor, color, and fragrance. Flowing skirts reminiscent of the 50’s, ornate embellishments, and vintage, vintage, vintage.
In fact, Shutterstock, a stock photo company, claims that vintage pictures are now a huge trend in downloaded pictures.
The 80’s have influenced fashion for 2014 as well with bright colors, bold stripes, crop tops, and sheer panels. Bomber jackets will be a staple wardrobe piece in 2014. Designers are also showing off one shoulder in their designs.
Fragrance trends are also being influenced by the mood of the nation. With the ambition of designing scents that “make you smile”, perfumists are using top notes that are juicy and bubbly. Launching fun, soda pop fragrances fits the bill. Using juicy top notes with hearty florals, perfumists will create unique scents to spotlight their creativity.
In addition, perfumists are using “feel good” notes that offer the feeling that success is attainable.
Fragrance ideas that meet that challenge are: the scent of money, cognac and Cubans, ocean water regatta, and diamond diva. To represent the bold colors of 2014, perfumistsare using brightly colored berry notes, of which, strawberry is taking the lead.
At the present time, generation X is raising their children. How will it turn out? They feel like the future of this nation is up to them. With that being said, 2014 will surely have a level of uncertainty, but at the same time, we begin to see a “glimmer of hope” as we look to the past to provide a brighter future.
We actually had our perfumist chemically analyze fresh money in order to create Natures Garden’s Money Fragrance Oil. You wouldn’t believe how long it took to get our hands on fresh, new money! You can actually smell the cotton of the money, as well as the fresh ink top notes. It smells wonderful in candles, and you would not believe how good it smells in bath products and cologne! This is a unisex fragrance all the way! Now you can say that you have MONEY to burn!
Cognac & Cubans
The smell of money, status and masculinity are wrapped into this blend of aromatic bergamot with fresh lemon zest spritzing a heart of velvety cognac essences and rich, spiced tobacco leaves.
Top: Bergamot, Lemon, Orange
Mid: Cognac, Nutmeg, Crushed Tobacco Leaves
Base: White Woods
Strawberry Soda Pop
A delicious, bubbly, sugary strawberry accord intermingled with fruity notes of raspberry and peaches sitting on base notes of vanilla and musk.
Top: Strawberries, Bubbly Notes
Mid: Raspberries, Peaches
Base: Musk, Vanilla
Tropical Soda Pop
An effervescent burst of juicy orange, sweet bing cherry and sparkling red raspberry blend with fruity floral notes of dried plum plus a pop of violet to create this mouthwatering soda fragrance.
Top: Orange, Cherry, Raspberry, Melon
Mid: Orange Blossom, Dried Plum, Violet
Base: Vanilla
Remember the blue raspberry snow-cones you enjoyed as a child? How about those fabulous blue raspberry slushies that can still be enjoyed at most movie theatres? This fragrance captures the aroma of ripened raspberries, sugary cotton candy, and the effervescence of crushed ice. This trip back to childhood truly smells good enough to eat…but better not.
Top: Raspberries
Mid: Peaches, Strawberries
Base: Cotton Candy
A “fizzie”, citrus aldehydic explosion of strong Brazilian orange peel, Californian orange, Japanese grapefruit, and Lemon zests sitting on a dry down of vanilla. Let this bubbly, fun fragrance add excitement to your product line.
Top: Brazilian orange, Lemon zests
Mid: Japanese grapefruit, Californian orange
Base: Vanilla
Grape Soda Pop
Indulge yourself with this effervescent aroma of Kyoho grapes intermingled with fresh peaches, pineapple, raspberries, and strawberries on a dry down of vanilla.
Top: Grapes, Bubbly Notes
Mid: Peach, Pineapple, Raspberries, Strawberries
Base: Vanilla
To view the full Spring/Summer Trends 2014 by Natures Garden, please click on this link.
