Galliano to launch scents

Designer John Galliano and Franco-Italian manufacturer and distribution company Selective Beauty have signed an 11-year worldwide license agreement for the creation, manufacturing and distribution of fragrance products under the John Galliano brand name.

The first Galliano fragrance, for women, is expected to make its debut in fall 2008. The fragrance will be of a very high-quality. The distribution will be very selective, beyond the average of the selective market. Products will be only available in flagship boutiques and high-end specialty stores, at least for the first period. They are expecting yet to be chosen retailers to give this outstanding brand an outstanding visibility. The fragrance will launch worldwide and it is likely that France will be a very important country for the launch, where John Galliano lives.

John Galliano has been a designer for the house of Christian Dior, responsible for both haute couture and prêt-à-porter collections for the past 10 years. He was also involved in the creation of the Dior Addict line, taking over the image of the fragrance house and transforming Dior into a youthful, sexy brand with his provocative, sensuous ads. In the meantime, its own-brand of women's prêt-à-porter and accessories has extended its business to menswear and lingerie. In 2003, Galliano opened a flagship store in Paris and launched a limited edition of scented candles with Dyptique.

The John Galliano brand is owned by Christian Dior, Galliano himself and other shareholders.

The new brand will fall into Selective Beauty's newly-created luxury division headed by Jim Ragsdale, the very same division that has welcomed the global partnership for the Agent Provocateur brand as well as Sonia Rykiel. Selective Beauty's vice president for creation Brigitte Wormser, a former executive of Parfums Christian Dior, will be involved in the project and work in collaboration with Galliano's studio.