“we don’t have to conform”
Katy Perry’s latest scent mirrors her own evolution
Katy Perry releases her latest scent, and it’s as unique as she is.
Katy Perry has come a long way since she professed her love for cherry Chapstick. She’s been through more hair colours than you’ve had hot dinners and amassed close to 70 million followers on Instagram. But don’t get it twisted – she knows that stuff isn’t real. “We have to be careful to strike a balance with living in the internet world, because it isn’t true intimacy – it’s fraudulent. I just want people to still be able to hold conversations with each other,” she says.
To do her bit to inspire those conversations, the singer has released number seven in the catalogue of perfumes bearing her moniker: Indi. “It’s named for being an individual, feeling free and proud to be your authentic self,” she explains. “I’m excited by seeing people around the world willing to embrace their individuality instead of conforming to a norm.” That means the eau is unconventional – the kind of thing people will ask what you’re wearing. All sexy musks and woods, it’s the type of blend that will work as well on you as it will on him. “Wearing it makes you feel brave and empowered. It smells different on every person’s skin, so it can really bring out your uniqueness,” she adds.
To further encapsulate the spirit of individuality, Perry tapped five influencers to appear with her in the commercials. “I use Instagram to find photographers, makeup artists – the people I want to work with next,” she says. “I was doing a bunch of stalking and I found their stories. I picked five women from different walks of life because they’re an inspiration to a diverse audience. I wanted to highlight their voices. I’ve had so many opportunities to use mine. I wanted to share the spotlight with others who have their own message.”
From a transgender model to artists and activists, Perry’s choices are varied, but they do have one thing in common: strength, in opinions, in convictions and of character. Perhaps it’s an echo of where she’s at right now as an artist – with a new sound and in the midst of planning another mammoth global tour. “I hope my audience can see themselves in one of them, and that would help them realise we’re all in this together,” says Perry. “There is real beauty in differences.” Even if you’re not a Katycat, you’ve got to agree with that.
“IT’S NAMED FOR FEELING FREE AND PROUD TO BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF”