The red carpet atmosphere at The Devil Wears Prada 2 world premiere carried more than just anticipation – it was saturated with carefully chosen fragrances that revealed as much about each celebrity’s personal style as their designer gowns. When Refinery29’s senior fashion writer Victoria Montalti approached stars with an unexpected question about their scent choices, the responses unveiled a fascinating cross-section of luxury perfumery.
From established French houses to emerging niche brands, the evening’s olfactory landscape painted a portrait of how public figures approach personal fragrance in 2024.
The Niche Fragrance Collectors
Johnny Weir’s admission that he “collects niche fragrances” positioned him at the forefront of a growing movement among celebrities who seek exclusivity beyond mainstream luxury. His choice of Ex Nihilo Emerald Royals Eau de Parfum demonstrates the appeal of French fragrance houses that prioritize artisanal craftsmanship over mass market recognition. The scent combines frankincense, nutmeg, and vanilla-like tonka – a composition that reflects the complexity sought by serious fragrance enthusiasts.
Weir’s influence extends beyond his own choices. Tara Lipinski revealed that “Johnny picks mine out,” showcasing how fragrance knowledge becomes a form of cultural currency within celebrity circles. Her selection, Sora Dora’s Jany Extrait de Parfum, translates the comfort of apple pie through baked apple, cinnamon, and buttery caramel notes – a departure from typical red carpet glamour toward something more personally meaningful.
International Discoveries and Personal Connections
Laufey’s fragrance story illustrates how travel experiences shape scent preferences among contemporary artists. Her choice of St. Paul’s Apothecary Deep Forest Eau de Parfum, discovered during a trip to Denmark, represents the growing trend of celebrities seeking authentic local discoveries rather than globally distributed luxury brands. The fragrance’s Nordic character, built around zesty orange, creamy cedarwood, and heady patchouli, connects her to a specific place and memory.
This geographic connection to fragrance reflects a broader shift in how public figures approach personal branding. Rather than defaulting to recognizable luxury names, many now prioritize stories and experiences that feel genuine to their individual narratives.
Simone Ashley’s approach offered yet another perspective on celebrity fragrance selection. Her choice of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum came through friendship – “one of my besties gave me” the bottle.
The gift aspect removes commercial calculation from the equation, creating an emotional anchor to the scent that extends beyond its technical merits of creamy jasmine, airy saffron, and green moss accord. This personal connection transforms a luxury purchase into something more intimate and meaningful, suggesting that even celebrities value authentic relationships over status symbols when it comes to their most personal choices.
The Price of Exclusivity
The financial investment required for these fragrance choices reflects the broader luxury market’s evolution toward extreme high-end positioning. Ex Nihilo’s Emerald Royals commands premium pricing that places it firmly in collector territory, while Sora Dora’s Jany Extrait de Parfum represents the artisanal perfumery segment where small batch production justifies significant expense.
These price points create natural barriers that maintain exclusivity even within celebrity circles. The willingness to invest in such specialized fragrances signals a level of commitment to scent that extends far beyond casual interest.
The evening’s fragrance selections reveal how celebrity scent choices have evolved beyond simple brand endorsement or obvious luxury signaling. Instead, each choice reflected personal relationships, travel experiences, or genuine expertise in fragrance composition. Weir’s collector mentality, Ashley’s gift from a friend, Lipinski’s delegation to a trusted expert, and Laufey’s travel discovery all demonstrate different pathways to finding signature scents.
Yet questions remain about authenticity versus performance in these red carpet moments. When cameras are rolling and every detail becomes content, can we trust that these fragrance choices represent genuine daily preferences, or do they become another layer of carefully constructed public persona?
