The Fragrance Foundation (TFF) held a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, September 10.

Since we're all social-distancing, no actual awards changed hands -- but the celeb and fashion designer presenters and winners' acceptance speeches, from different locations, made the online event just as entertaining as being there in-person. 

Most clips were pre-recorded and edited in -- but watching the playback of the video still has the feel of a live event.

Linda Levy, president, TFF, spoke to guests, briefly, about the challenges of Covid -- and the state of the fragrance industry. Maye Musk, author of the new book, A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success, hosted the event. 

Jerry Vittoria Kicks Off the Celebration                                   

"A world of unprecedented innovation is upon us." --Jerry Vittoria

Jerry Vittoria, chairman, TFF, president of Fine Fragrance Worldwide, Firmenich, opened TFF's first-ever virtual event by welcoming guests.

“It has certainly been one of the most challenging years…And in the U.S., we’ve been further challenged by the social upheaval that has impacted us in the most profound way," said Vittoria. "I’m proud to say that each of our member companies is reacting with ambitious programs to help shape the future of our fragrance community — to be more diverse and accountable.”

Vittoria spoke about the impact of Covid and said, “Our world of fragrance has been pummeled by the global pandemic. It will likely take the better part of next year to see business return to what it was before.” He was very optimistic, and added, “A world of unprecedented innovation is upon us.”

He advised fragrance companies and brands to be transparent, use renewable ingredients, encourage a positive dialogue with consumers, and focus on storytelling to convey more to consumers about fragrance creation.

“Now more than ever, our fragrances must have a positive impact on the quality of consumer’s lives while protecting our planet’s resources,” Vittoria advised. And a note to marketers: “Claims should enhance the positive nature of fragrance, and be validated by science.”

Linda Levy Says Fragrance is More Important Than Ever

"Fragrance has a more positive impact now on society than ever before."
---Linda Levy

Vittoria introduced Linda Levy, who wore a crimson-red dress by Jason Wu. “Fragrance has an even more positive impact now on society than ever before," she said. "I truly believe what we are experiencing now is a lifestyle change, for us personally and for our industry."

Fragrance is more important now that we're at home more, said Levy. "Fragrance is enhancing our homes, allowing us to enjoy more time on sanitization and self-care as well as create at-home spas. The fragrances worn day-to-day are constantly connecting us to memories. So while we live a more restricted lifestyle, we can be transported to destinations or enjoy the memories of the people or times we look forward to in the future,” she explained.

The Fragrance Foundation Plans To Be More Inclusive & Diverse

TFF has a plan to help make the fragrance industry more inclusive and diverse. It will reach out to members of the fragrance community from all backgrounds, including the LGBTQIA+ community.  

“The TFF will enroll new members at a minimal annual membership…" Levy said. "For these new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion members — as well as new Indie members -- we will welcome and support them in the fragrance community like never before." Adding that times are challenging for the industry, Levy said, “…together we will emerge from 2020 more resilient and better than before.”

TFF’s members sponsor the awards — Firmenich, Givaudan, Hearst Magazines, Interparfums Luxury Brands, Sephora, Shiseido, and Takasago are at the platinum level; Coty, Diptique, Estee Lauder Companies, IFF, L’Oreal Luxe, Luxe Brands, LVMH, Mane, Nest New York, Nordstrom, Puig, Robertet, Ulta, and Victoria’s Secret Beauty are at the gold level.

Note: Here's the list of Winners & Finalists

Winners are listed below -- and here's who accepted each award. 

The Play-by-Play: All the Presenters & Winners  

Maye Musk kept the presentation moving along -- and many of the presenters dressed for a gala. The first award was the Fragrance Editorial of the Year category.

• Fragrance Editorial of the Year, Print: APRIL LONG, beauty director, Town & Country for Why Frankincense is Suddenly So Smoking Hot.


• Fragrance Editorial of the Year, Digital: IDA MEISTER, journalist, CaFleureBon, for Guerlain Mitsouko Centennial 1919-2019: The Scented Skin

Cher Announces Best Media Campaign Winners

Next up was the Media Campaign of the Year. Cher, in a chic leather blazer, announced Coty and Puig as winners, before accepting her own award later on. (Spoiler Alert: see the last award.)

• Frederic Arbel, senior vice president of U.S. Marketing Luxury, Coty, accepted the award for GUCCI GUILTY.


• Javier Zotes, vice president of marketing, Puig, U.S. accepted the award for PACO RABANNE 1 Million. 

Watch the winning campaign videos: Gucci Guilty and Paco Rabanne 1 Million Win 

Carolina Herrera's Wes Gordon Presents Packaging of the Year

Wes Gordon, creative director, Carolina Herrera New York, presented the next category, explaining:

“Just like you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge a fragrance by its bottle. Or can you?  Packaging conveys volumes about both the fragrance of the juice within, and the personality of the wearer.”

Gordon noted, "Little touches make all the difference — from a satisfying click of a cap to the tactile texture or curve of the glass.”

• The Winners 

• Women’s: EAU DE JUICE Pure Sugar by Luxe Brands & Cosmopolitan 


• Men’s: K by DOLCE & GABBANA by Shiseido


• Universal: GUCCI THE ALCHEMIST'S GARDEN, The Eyes of the Tiger by Coty; Perfumer: Alessandro Michele.

The winning bottles were inspired by a vintage apothecary, a juice box, and a crown.

Costa Brazil's Francisco Costa Presents Men's Awards 

Next, Musk introduced presenter Francisco Costa. Costa is the former creative director of Calvin Klein and a newcomer to the fragrance world as the founder of Costa Brazil.

Before announcing the winners, Costa answered the question, ‘What is fragrance’?

He said, “Fragrance is something that brings memories; it’s something that connects one to another -- and something that ignites sensuality…”

• Fragrance of the Year, Men’s Luxury Winner

• DIOR SAUVAGE by Parfums Christian Dior & LVMH
• Perfumer: Francios Demachy

Terry Darland, president, North America, Parfums Christian Dior, accepted the award. She thanked all the teams involved for "imagining and bringing the fragrance to life."

The Dior marketing team in Paris was led by Claude Martinez, who recently stepped down after 19 years as CEO of Parfums Christian Dior. Darland said, “Claude—I was happy to lead the Dior team over the last 16 years and will forever be proud of everything we accomplished here together.”

• Fragrance of the Year, Men’s Prestige Winner

• JOHN VARVATOS JVxNJ Silver Edition by Revlon
• Juice: Symrise; Perfumers: Carlos Vinals, Nathalie Benareau 

Ron Ralleston, general manager of the global fragrance portfolio at Revlon accepted the award. 

Jason Wu Presents Universal Winners

Jason Wu, fashion designer and lifestyle creative, announced the Universal Fragrance of the Year winners. First, he spoke about what fragrance means to him. “I continue to use scent as a major inspiration in fashion,” he said. “Fragrance is a universal joy - it can be transformative, enchanting, and glamorous.”

The new Universal category celebrates unisex and gender-neutral fragrances. “These standouts see no boundaries,” added Wu.

• Fragrance of the Year, Universal Luxury Winner

• BYREDO Sundazed by Byredo
• Juice: Robertet; Perfumer: Jerome Epinette.

Julien Gommichon, president of Diptyque and Byredo Americas, accepted the award.

Gommichon thanked his team, Robertet, and Epinette for “a fragrance that superbly blends nostalgia and escapism to channel the warmth of an endless summer.” He added, “From its inception, Byredo has been committed to creating unisex fragrances for all.”

• Fragrance of the Year, Universal Prestige Winner

• GUCCI MEMOIRE D’UNE ODEUR Eau de Parfum by Coty
• Juice: Firmenich;  Perfumer: Alberto Morillas

Jordan Saxemard, senior marketing director, Gucci Beauty accepted the award. “This avant-garde scent has the ability to transport us to a unique moment in time — allowing us to bring our precious memories back from the past so that they may live in our present,” he said. “The unique juice transcends both gender and time, establishing a brand new olfactory category, Mineral Aromatic.”

Nacho Figueras Presents Candle & Home Awards

Next, two stunning horses "helped" present the next two awards, in the Candle & Home category. 

Nacho Figueras, a polo player and founder of the Ignacio Figueras fragrance collection, announced the category while on his horse. Then, his wife, photographer Delfina Blaquier, got on her horse and helped announce the winners.

Note: The Ignacio Figueras fragrance collection was a finalist in several categories. Jon Dinapoli, the bottle's designer, speaks about it, and more, in this Q&A interview.

• Candle & Home Winners

• DIPTYQUE 34 Home Collection by Diptyque won Collection of the Year.
• Juice: Givaudan; Perfumer: Olivier Pescheux

• DIPTYQUE Lucky Charms Holiday Collection by Diptyque won Holiday
• Juice: Givaudan; Perfumer: Olivier Pescheux

Gommichon accepted both awards. “The 34 collection captures the olfactory atmosphere at the original Diptyque boutique at 34 Boulevard Saint Germain in Paris.”

German-based artist Olaf Hajek designed the Lucky Charms collection. It “wishes luck, protection, and harmony in three scented candles,” Gommichon explained.

Lionel Richie Presents Women's Luxury & Prestige Awards

Lionel Richie recently launched his fragrance, Hello by Lionel Richie -- and it was a finalist for Popular Fragrance of the Year. (And it is another one of Jon Dinapoli's designs.)

Talking passionately about fragrance, Richie said:

“Fragrance---it’s memories. It’s a vibe. It’s a time in your life — past, present, and of course where you’re going in the future. It’s how you feel about yourself. It’s who you are. It’s family, friends, and it’s love. It’s like a great song. You 'wanna' hear it over and over again. You want to feel it. Smell it. Over and over again.” 

Before announcing the winner, Richie added that the finalists all “deliver a touch of luxurious magic with every spritz.”

• Fragrance of the Year Women’s Luxury Winner

• YSL LIBRE Eau de Parfum by L’Oreal
• Juice: IFF; Perfumers: Anne Flipo, Carlos Benaim

Gino Luci, head of marketing, YSL, accepted the award. “Free. That’s one word that defines Mr. Yves Saint Laurent. Always on the edge, always experimenting and breaking boundaries." Luci said. 

"And this fragrance Libre, which means free, celebrates the empowerment of today’s strong women,” he added. Luci thanked his teams and retail partners, “Thank you to Anne Flipo and Carlos Benaim for perfectly capturing the spirit of freedom within the juice.”

• Fragrance of the Year, Women’s Prestige Winner

• LANCOME IDOLE by L’Oreal
• Juice: Givaudan; Perfumers: Adriana Medina, Shyamala Maisondieu, Nadege Le Garlantezec

Verane de Marffy, sr. vice president of marketing, Lancome USA, accepted the award. She thanked the perfumers, the Lancome team, and Zendaya, the face of the brand — and architect and industrial designer Chafik Gasmi.

Gasmi designed the packaging--and the bottle is one of the thinnest in the world. “At just 15 millimeters thick, it is a fitting tribute to the industry’s technological advances and innovations,” Marffy said.

Rebecca Moses Presented the Next 3 Awards

Rebecca Moses, an artist and designer, presented the next three categories — and said, “Fragrance is my mood-enhancer, my happy pill, my non-exercised-induced endorphins. Yes it is my must-must-have.”

• And the winners are...

• Fragrance of the Year Hall of Fame Award 
• Editions de Parfum Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur by Estée Lauder Companies
• Juice: Symrise; Perfumer: Maurice Roucel          


• Perfume Extraordinaire of the Year Winner
• IFF’s Celine Barel for Zoologist Squid      


• Innovative Fragrance of the Year Award
• Costa Brazil Resina de Breu by Costa Brazil, made with natural resin from the Amazon rainforest.

Frederic Malle, Celine Barel, and Francisco Costa accepted their awards. Costa spoke about Costa Brazil's "Amazon Forever" campaign.

Phluid Project's Rob Smith & Mila Jam Present Breakout and Bath & Body Awards

Rob Smith, CEO and founder of The Phluid Project, presented the next categories with Mila Jam, pop recording artist, and LGBTQ activist. (Note: Phluid Project's fragrance was also a Finalist. See it in the Q&A interview with Jon Dinapoli, of Jon Michael Design, linked above.)

• Fragrance of the Year, Breakout Star Winner

• CAROLINA HERRERA Good Girl Eau de Parfum by Puig
• Juice: Givaudan; Perfumer: Louise Turner

Laurie Labesque, general manager, Puig USA accepted the award. 

• Bath & Body Line of the Year Winner

• BYREDO, Rose of No Man’s Land by Byredo
• Juice: Robertet; Perfumer: Jerome Epinette                                                                

Gommichon accepted the award. 

Note: Take a look at attendees and presenters in the slideshow: The Fragrance Foundation Awards Go Virtual, Here's All The Presenters, Winners & More

Chris Collins Presents Popular & Indie Awards

Chris Collins, founder of the niche brand, World of Chris Collins Fragrances, presented the Fragrance of the Year, Popular, and Indie Fragrance of the Year categories.

• Fragrance of the Year, Popular Winner

• KYLIE JENNER by KKW Fragrance, Nude Lips
• Juice: Givaudan; Perfumers: Nicole Mancini, Rodrigo Flores-Roux

Kim Kardashian West accepted the award for her fragrance, named after her sister Kylie Jenner. (See Kardashian West in the slideshow linked above.) 

• Indie Fragrance of the Year Winner

• THOM BROWNE 09.27.65 Vetyver Absolute by Thom Browne New York 
• Juice: Givaudan; Perfumer: Rodrigo Flores-Roux 

The Fragrance Foundation accepted the award on behalf of Thom Brown New York. 

Maye Musk Presents Consumer Choice Awards

Host Maye Musk took over as presenter to announce the three winners in the Consumer Choice category. 

• Consumer Choice of the Year Winners 

• Men’s: BOSS BOTTLED Infinite by Coty 
• Juice: Firmenich; Perfumer: Annick Mendardo


• Women’s Prestige: MARC JACOBS DAISY LOVE Eau So Sweet by Coty
• Juice: Firmenich; Perfumer: Alberto Morillas

Coty’s Frederic Arbel, senior vice president of U.S. Marketing Luxury, accepted the award, followed by Erwan Le Berrigaud, global vice president, Marc Jacobs Fragrances. 

Cher Accepts the Final Award

Musk announced the last award—surprising Cher with the news.

Levy had explained earlier that the presenters didn't know if they won until the announcements during the livestream. They were all asked to  pre-record an acceptance speech, in case they won. 

• Consumer Choice of the Year, Women's Popular Winner

• CHER EAU DE COUTURE by Edge Beauty's Scent Beauty division  
• Juice: Firmenich; Perfumer: Clement Gavarry

Musk announced Cher's fragrance as the winner, and the livestream on our screens cut to a pre-recorded clip. 

Cher closed the show saying she was thrilled that she had won -- noting that it was especially meaningful because consumers voted.

She exclaimed, "If you're seeing me now, then --- I won! I won! I love this perfume.”