As TOWIE once again hits our screens, teeny tiny half-thongs and orange tans aplenty, it's definitely missing a certain character. Sam Faiers (or Samantha as she now prefers to be known,) has broken away for pastures new and is quite intent on setting up a business empire of her very own. Not content with a clothing line, a book deal and a stint on Celebrity Big Brother, Miss Faiers is now launching her debut scent. ‘La Bella’ is described as a 'sweet and sophisticated fragrance with an addictive mix of delicious vanilla as a top note, elegant iris flower and benzoin at the heart, with a bed of glamorous musk laced with a luscious caramel in the base notes.' You can definitely catch the vanilla and caramel notes, making it no doubt incredibly popular with her young fanbase. It reminds me somewhat of Kate Moss' vintage inspired fragrance of some years ago: generic enough to appeal to the masses with just a little something extra lingering in the base.
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It's surprisingly elegant for someone who was previously known for hair extensions, fake tan, towering heels and an Essex twang; although it's a little too vanilla for my personal tastes, it's more pleasant than I was anticipating. Sam has apparently been involved in every element of creating her debut fragrance, working with some of the world's best perfumiers and bottle designers. She says: “I didn't want to simply put my name to something, like a lot of celebrities do; that’s not the direction I want to go. The development team has been amazing, letting me lead the way, and we’ve created my ultimate fragrance. I've been wearing the samples and have had so many compliments. This is such an exciting venture for me and I can't wait to share the fragrance with my fans!”
Sam was kind enough to answer some of my questions about her relationship with fragrance, her debut scent and what's in store for her in 2014 and beyond. This is what she had to say...
What's the first fragrance you ever owned?
The first fragrance I owned was Ceriuti, I bought it was about 10 years old - I probably wouldn’t wear it now as my tastes have changed.
Do you have a special relationship with scent?
Yes, I love to smell good and smell fresh; it makes me feel good and more confident.
What inspired you to develop a fragrance?
Growing up I have always loved anything health and beauty. When the opportunity came up I was thrilled and was involved every step of the way in creating the fragrance.
What do you feel the relationship is between fashion and scent?
I think if you look good you feel good. If you smell good you also feel good. I think it’s a combination of the two working together for that overall fantastic feel good buzz.
Why is your new scent different to other celebrity fragrances?
I think because I have been involved every step in the way and have created something really special that I hope you will all like that is my difference.
How involved were you in the development progress?
Very. I did lots of meetings with the fragrance company Per Scent, trying samples and adjusting to get the perfect match.
What inspired the vintage bottle and accompanying shoot?
I like things that are classic and that look vintage so I really wanted that to form part of what I was doing with La Bella. Usually celebrity fragrances are bright colors and really sweet smelling so I wanted to do things a bit differently. To me that’s really important.
Who do you think your new scent appeals to?
I think it appeals to both men and women. I have been wearing it non stop for the last few weeks and have had nothing but positive comments, I hope you all like it.
What are your plans for 2014?
La Bella is a priority to me, I joined Elite Models this year so working with them is something I am really excited to do, as well as a few other product lines and endorsements which will be announced soon.
Will there be any more fragrances on the cards?
We have a plan for more fragrances next year, this year I am focusing on La Bella and introducing that to the market, later this year my boxset comes out which is going to be really special.
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The 'La Bella' fragrance is currently exclusive to The Fragrance Shop (rolling out later this year to other stores) and is priced £24.50 for a 100ml bottle.![]()
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It's surprisingly elegant for someone who was previously known for hair extensions, fake tan, towering heels and an Essex twang; although it's a little too vanilla for my personal tastes, it's more pleasant than I was anticipating. Sam has apparently been involved in every element of creating her debut fragrance, working with some of the world's best perfumiers and bottle designers. She says: “I didn't want to simply put my name to something, like a lot of celebrities do; that’s not the direction I want to go. The development team has been amazing, letting me lead the way, and we’ve created my ultimate fragrance. I've been wearing the samples and have had so many compliments. This is such an exciting venture for me and I can't wait to share the fragrance with my fans!”
Sam was kind enough to answer some of my questions about her relationship with fragrance, her debut scent and what's in store for her in 2014 and beyond. This is what she had to say...
What's the first fragrance you ever owned?
The first fragrance I owned was Ceriuti, I bought it was about 10 years old - I probably wouldn’t wear it now as my tastes have changed.
Do you have a special relationship with scent?
Yes, I love to smell good and smell fresh; it makes me feel good and more confident.
What inspired you to develop a fragrance?
Growing up I have always loved anything health and beauty. When the opportunity came up I was thrilled and was involved every step of the way in creating the fragrance.
What do you feel the relationship is between fashion and scent?
I think if you look good you feel good. If you smell good you also feel good. I think it’s a combination of the two working together for that overall fantastic feel good buzz.
Why is your new scent different to other celebrity fragrances?
I think because I have been involved every step in the way and have created something really special that I hope you will all like that is my difference.
How involved were you in the development progress?
Very. I did lots of meetings with the fragrance company Per Scent, trying samples and adjusting to get the perfect match.
What inspired the vintage bottle and accompanying shoot?
I like things that are classic and that look vintage so I really wanted that to form part of what I was doing with La Bella. Usually celebrity fragrances are bright colors and really sweet smelling so I wanted to do things a bit differently. To me that’s really important.
Who do you think your new scent appeals to?
I think it appeals to both men and women. I have been wearing it non stop for the last few weeks and have had nothing but positive comments, I hope you all like it.
What are your plans for 2014?
La Bella is a priority to me, I joined Elite Models this year so working with them is something I am really excited to do, as well as a few other product lines and endorsements which will be announced soon.
Will there be any more fragrances on the cards?
We have a plan for more fragrances next year, this year I am focusing on La Bella and introducing that to the market, later this year my boxset comes out which is going to be really special.
The 'La Bella' fragrance is currently exclusive to The Fragrance Shop (rolling out later this year to other stores) and is priced £24.50 for a 100ml bottle.