Designer Reed Krakoff launches fragrance

'Doing fragrance was one of my first priorities in creating my own brand — I see it as a touchstone,' Krakoff told WWD.com. However he isn't using his fragrance to bring his name to the masses, instead he will be charging a cool $695 for the Limited Edition sensory creations.

There are four differently coloured bottles, 100 of each produced by hand in Murano, Italy. They come empty with a funnel, engraved stopper and two refills of the scent. The designer's aim was to create a “beautiful, quality, artisan-inspired product. It’s the ultimate grand statement for a modern, sophisticated woman,' he said. While the bottles are truly exquisite, a lot of work and detail has gone into the fragrance itself.

The Eau de Parfum “opens” with black pepper, bright aldehydes (made famous for its use in Chanel No.5 back in 1921) and neroli extract; then comes French hyacinth absolute, white peony and violet leaf extract, drying down to vetiver heart, precious vetiver absolute and orris concrete. 'We had to establish an olfactory trademark for the Reed Krakoff brand,' said Karyn Khoury, senior vice president of corporate fragrance development at the Estée Lauder Cos., who worked with Krakoff and International Flavors & Fragrances to create the fragrance. 'Very early on, we focused on vetiver in its most expensive form, which has the ability to be both masculine and feminine.'

The Limited Edition scents will be available to buy at Reed Krakfoff boutiques only at the end of this month.