Debbie Wild

Beauty Insider The lifestyle director for Jo Malone discusses the brand’s sultry Cologne Intense collection BEAUTY INSIDER (BI): What was the inspiration for the new collection? DEBBIE WILD (DW): We loved the Middle Eastern tradition of layering rich and rare ingredients. We wanted to take the precious materials that are so intrinsic to perfumery, like rose, tuberose and oud, and celebrate them while giving them a sense of modernity. This was done by layering them with unusual ingredients.

BI: Are these fragrances made for day or night? DW: Scent, to me, is one of the most private and intimate elements in our everyday lives. You can choose to have just one signature, worn all the time, or you can have many scents to fit different occasions and moods. I find that I often associate Cologne Intense with warm fabrics and textures so the collection lends itself well to cooler weather or the evening. But the beauty of fragrance is that it is so personal. You should take in the scent and use it when it feels natural; don’t think about it too much. I always say the perfect fit is an almost instant decision. BI: What are your tips for combining interesting notes? DW: The more unusual the combination, the better. By mixing unusual ingredients in Cologne Intense, we have created scents that have a deeper, darker edge than the individual notes would suggest. Personally, I love to mix Oud & Bergamot, from the Cologne Intense collection, with Peony & Blush Suede. It may seem like an unlikely pairing but the result is an opulent and striking scent— a mix of a luxurious floral with a vivid spice.