Known as the ‘Oscars of the fragrance industry,’ nominees and stars gathered in New York at the FiFi Awards hosted by The Fragrance Foundation to honour those that have contributed to creativity in the scent-producing industry. Halle Berry was awarded Fragrance Celebrity of the Year for ‘Reveal’ and Fergie received the award for New Fragrance Celebrity of the Year for ‘Outspoken.’
Comparing food to fragrance on the red carpet, Iron Chef Cat Cora said, “It’s all about enticing the senses. It’s got to be a fine balance between something that’s got a nice fragrance and goes with my lifestyle.” Cora, who later presented the Fragrance of the Year award to Halle, acknowledged the talented nominees in her category, especially the women.
“I’m doing a category that’s got Halle Berry, Shakira, Eva Longoria and for men’s Antonio Banderas,” said Cora. “I think the three women all have something really sexy to offer and that is why they’re nominated against each other.” Halle is no stranger to this sensuous industry with currently three signature scents under her belt. She acknowledges the power of perfume in program notes saying, “I truly believe that fragrance makes women feel beautiful and confident.”
The Academy Award winning actress wore a black one-shoulder Halston dress with half cut-out midriff. The night was full of many beautiful and confident women and all had different tips and hints on how to best enjoy the luxuries of fragrance. Kelli Bensimon, who presented last night, recommended spraying the mane. “I always spray my hair because we all have different DNA so the same scent will smell different on each person.”
Tiffani Thiessen, who admitted Giorgio Armani’s Sensi used to be her pre-baby go-to scent, said that when spraying keep in mind that “the back of your neck is great and the middle of your back, but those are for the special people.”
Fergie, who was surprised by husband Josh Duhamel before receiving her award, wore a custom made yellow BCBG gown.
The singer, who said it took two years to complete the Eau de Parfum, is credited with creating Avon’s most successful fragrance and graciously accepted her award saying, “it feels unbelievable for me to have the biggest launch in Avon’s history. It feels amazing to be honored by the industry.”
