What is the inspiration behind Modern Muse Chic?
Modern Muse Chic was inspired by the bold, daring, more dramatic and creative side of a modern muse. It captures a bold vision of modern femininity, expressing a modern muse’s daring and dynamic spirit. A unique contrast of vivid florals and ebony woods reveals the never ordinary, always feminine essence of her character.
How would you describe Modern Muse Chic?
KARYN KHOURY Senior Vice President, Corporate Fragrance Development Worldwide, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Modern Muse Chic is a vivid woody floral scent. It blends a unique contrast of sophisticated florals and succulent fruitiness juxtaposed against deep sultry woods to capture the duality of her charismatic personality. The innovative “dual impression” structure allows women to connect with the fragrance through two contrasting aspects:
Vivid florals accord: This facet of the fragrance exudes her bold femininity. Jasmine sambac is the centrepiece – it blends with vibrant florals of tuberose and stargazer lily, accented with succulent juicy plum and davana, for an impression of vivid floralcy with attitude.
Ebony woods accord: Her creativity and stylish individuality are expressed through a captivating combination of cashmere woods, agarwood and labdanum. An intense patchouli blend is at the core of the ebony woods accord, creating a deep magnetism. The woods are enhanced with sueded musks and Madagascar vanilla for an addictive and irresistible sensuality.
How is Modern Muse Chic different from the original Modern Muse?
Modern Muse Chic is a vivid, more intense expression of the Modern Muse emotion. The lush floralcy is maintained with jasmine sambac as the centrepiece; however, the fresh lilies of Modern Muse are replaced by bold, more intense stargazer lilies; while a deeper Tuberose element enhances the signature. These vibrant florals are combined with plum and davana for a saturated, vivid floralcy. In the background, the addition of cashmere woods, agarwood, labdanum and more patchouli creates a darker magnetism.
Who are your muses?
I have been fortunate to have a number of inspirational muses in my life, including Mrs Estee Lauder who taught me to connect with my inner vision and to trust my instinct. But I would have to say that my two most important muses have been my mother, who taught me too many life lessons to list here and to whom I will always be grateful, and Mrs Evelyn Lauder, who was a teacher, a mentor and a friend for the many years we worked together.
What has been one of your favourite fragrances that you have worked on so far?
There are so many fragrances I’ve enjoyed working on that I couldn’t just name one. My “fragrance of choice” really does vary depending on emotion I want to feel. I’m known for loving certain kinds of green notes. I think they’re a modern way to give naturalness to fragrances. Of course, I love floral notes, especially peony and jasmine. I’m also fascinated with spice notes and love finding different ways to use them so they add new dimensions to traditional perfumery ingredients.
What is the best way to make fragrance last on you?
Layering fragrance is an approach in which multiple same-scented product forms are used so that you get a richer, longer lasting impression without having overwhelming strength. On a weekend, for example, you might wear only the scented body lotion for a lighter, more casual impression. But when you go to work, perhaps you would wear the body lotion and the fragrance for a fuller, more sophisticated impression.
And if you really wanted to pamper yourself, you could cleanse with the same-scent shower gel or soap, moisturise with the companion body lotion and cream and finish with a luxurious spray of the eau de parfum. In fact, by layering these different forms you are able to vary the impression and the depth of the scent, get great awareness and lastingness and not over-use the eau de parfum for strength. I think women today enjoy experimenting with how they wear and experience a fragrance.
