Blending perfectly

While most of us are on the hunt for a single signature scent, fashion houses have gone one step further by developing entire collections based on an iconic original. Brands such as Christian Dior and Narciso Rodriguez have dedicated fragrance followings, and this season sees them add fresh blends to captivate customers, old and new.

Designed to embody "desire, seduction and strength", Dolce & Gabbana's latest addition to its The One collection is based on a blend of Madonna lily, Indian tuberose, jasmine and sweet plum nectar. Desire also features top notes of mandarin, lychee, and lily of the valley.

Continuing its tradition of introducing a new Aqua Allegoria each year, Guerlain presents a sweet, sunny blend with Nerolia Bianca. Perfumer Thierry Wasser's citrusy floral shows the zesty essence of the bitter orange tree on top of peppermint, neroli and subtle white musk.

Also getting an update is Christian Dior's iconic Miss Dior collection, first created in 1947. Perfumer Francois Demachy has refined and upgraded the ingredients, while retaining the haute-couture style of the five fragrances - ranging from the youthful bergamot and gardenia-infused Eau Fraiche to the rose- and blood orange-scented Eau de Toilette.

The newest addition to the Les Exclusifs de Chanel collection celebrates the year Mademoiselle Chanel presented her first designer jewellery collection in Paris. Chanel Les Exclusifs 1932 features "enveloping" jasmine blended with iris, vetiver and musks.

Also harnessing the "haunting" scent of jasmine is Yves Saint Laurent's Manifesto. The bold new offering adds essences of lily of the valley, blackcurrant, sandalwood and tonka bean for a feminine yet sensual fragrance.