The scents of the Catwalk

Show scenting isn't new, it's been gaining popularity for a few seasons, but spring/summer 2012 looks set to be the most fragrant of all. Designers are realising that fragrance can lend meaning to a collection, making it more feminine, sultry, or grown-up. Victoria Beckham, for example, chose Jo Malone Grapefruit and the classic Lime, Basil & Mandarin candles to add a fresh scent to the sportier aesthetic she unveiled in New York yesterday. (You can see the collection in full here).

It's not just Jo Malone with a fashion connection. Penhaligon's has been scenting shows for a few seasons now, which makes sense since it has the fashion seal of approval from Kate Moss. Her favourite fragrance (apart from her own, of course) is Bluebell. The very English fragrance house has been scenting Meadham Kirchhoff's shows since spring/summer 2010. Amaranthine, Hammam Bouquet, Bluebell and Blenheim Bouquet have all had their moment in the fashion lime light and this season the design duo has selected Artemisia, a floral, fruity scent with a sensual dry down 'as a celebration of all things feminine'- think green apples and nectarines, jasmine and lily, with warm spices, amber and musk.

Knitwear designer Mark Fast is also getting in on the act and working with British perfumer Michael Boadi. Mark will be choosing a fragrance from his Illuminum line. Last spring/summer Illuminum Scarlet Oud was used before