Perfume for The Oscars

By Alexandra Donaldson

This year’s Oscars offer no shortage of olfactory inspiration. Although actresses likely won’t be asked what fragrance they’re wearing on the red carpet—too bad!—we can’t help but think that this year’s crop of nominees have distinct styles that pair well with certain scents. On that note, her our perfume pairings for the 87th Academy Awards:

DARK HEART
Rosamund Pike’s turn as Amy Dunne in Gone Girl garnered her a Best Actress nomination. Secrets, lies and intrigue all play a part in her role as a chilling femme fatale, so it’s fitting that our perfume pick is Agent Provocateur’s Fatale. With top notes of pink pepper, mango nectar and blackcurrant, and base notes of musk, chocolate and vanilla orchid, this scent offers a feminine exterior with a complex, dark heart. Agent Provocateur Fatale EDP, $70 (50 ml), www.thebay.com

RUGGED EXTERIOR
In Wild, Reese Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed, a woman who decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail solo in the wake of her mother’s death and after years of destructive behaviour. With only herself and the land, we think that Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne would suit her journey. It’s the perfect woody and rugged complement to Witherspoon’s down-to-earth performance. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, $120 (100 ml), www.jomalone.com

SHARP AND SMOKY
Meryl Streep’s turn as a witch in Into The Woods earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Streep’s revenge-seeking character is dark and intense, much like Tom Ford’s Ombre de Hyacinth. Sharp florals like jasmine and violet leaf lend some edge to the fragrance but cloaked in a smoky pink peppercorn finish, there’s something bewitching—even wicked—about this scent. Tom Ford Ombre de Hyacinth, $210 (50 ml), www.tomford.com

SWEET AS CANDY
Wes Anderson’s off-kilter movie worlds never fail to disappoint and The Grand Budapest Hotel, nominated for Best Picture at this year’s 87th showing of the Academy Awards, is no exception. It’s a dark murder mystery combined with Anderson’s trademark quirky and vibrant style that is the perfect setting for a kitschy and sweet scent. Enter Nina Ricci’s latest fragrance, Les Delicies de Nina. Inspired by candies and notes of strawberry, citrus, white caramel and gardenia, this fragrance is as sweet as the confectionaries served up at Mendl’s, the hotel’s legendary patisserie. Nina Ricci Les Delicies de Nina EDT, $86 (50 ml), www.ninaricci.com