Growing up, one of my style icons was Carolina Herrera. I had very little in common with the blonde Venezuelan-American fashion designer but admired her strong sense of personal style. Her instantly recognizable look usually consisted of a crisp white shirt paired with a colored skirt or pants and killer accessories. To me, she was the very definition of elegance.
As creative director of the Herrera House of Fragrances, CH’s reputation in scents is no less elegant, with hits like the original 212, a transparent floral that was as crisp as one of Herrera’s white shirts. Fragrances that followed included 212 Carolina Herrera for men and women and 212 Sexy (also for him and her).
Inspired by the energy of New York City parties and aimed at a younger market, the house’s 212 VIP line has spawned similar successes like 212 VIP Men, a scent inspired by a vodka cocktail with frozen mint, lime caviar and spices.
If men can have their party drink, so should women, right?
Hence 212 VIP Rosé, which is meant to be the fresh, young, female counterpart to 212 VIP Men.
Local distributor Prestige Brands Philippines Inc. recently launched the scent at Niner Ichi Nana in Bonifacio Global City. With booths that instructed guests on how to apply party-ready makeup, how to shake up a 212 VIP Rosé-inspired cocktail and even how to mix music like a DJ, the event was an ode to NYC parties and the VIPs that attend them.
“Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Rosé is all about the concept of the best party ever,” said Prestige senior brand manager Pilar Dolina. “VIPs stand for not just Very Important People but also Very Interesting People. It’s all about the authenticity and realness of each individual.”
The fragrance’s famous face — Gisele Bündchen — who is shown partying in the commercials with male model Marlon Teixeira, feels the same way: “Wherever you are is really about the people who are with you,” the supermodel said in the behind-the-scenes video. “I think that’s what really makes the party. To me, VIP is really that: very interesting, really inspiring people.”
Prestige brand manager Anna Dominique Marasigan said that Bündchen was chosen because she epitomizes 212 VIP Rosé: “She’s energetic, fun, the life of the party. She’s not just the face; she also envisions and embodies the fragrance, which is targeted towards women not afraid to follow the rules but are also able to get out of the box, have fun, party, enjoy.”
Created by Emilie Coppermann, the perfumer who also composed Carolina Herrera’s 212 VIP Men and CH Men, the fragrance mixes three main accords: Champagne Rosé, with its fruity bubbles; peach blossom, a velvety floral combined with a juicy fruit note; and Queen wood, a subtle wood that provides the fragrance its sensual base.
The resulting pink cocktail is an ideal ladies’ party perfume — a sweet, fizzy fruity-floral that would put anyone in a festive mood, and should appeal to both VIPs and those aspiring to be VIPs alike.
This is a different side to the freshly pressed and polished Carolina Herrera I’m used to. While the tailored white shirt is more suited to business, 212 VIP Rosé is definitely “party” all the way.
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Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Rosé is available in 5ml, 30ml, 50ml and 80ml bottles at leading department stores.