"Fragrance is a part of how consumers see themselves, how they live, how they feel about the world around them, and even the colors they like," said Cynthia Reichard, executive vice president, Arylessence. "Fragrance is the first sensory attribute experienced when consumers explore new products."
In the report, Arylessence experts use lifestyle and color trends compiled from leading global trend sources to determine where consumers look for inspiration, seek out new concepts for living, and find designers and marketers on the same wavelength. According to the company, three lifestyles—exotica, health and well-being, and luxury living—are driving fragrance inspirations for new products and brand-expansion concepts through 2008. The exotica lifestyle, which reflects global influences, offers unlimited possibilities in fragrance innovation, and includes the use of exotic botanicals for beauty, home decor and household products. Scents highlighting the health and well-being lifestyle reflect restful, restorative and uplifting environments and complement consumer desires for softer, calming colors. The luxury living lifestyle connotes soft, jewel-toned colors, shimmering fabrics, and rich, indulgent and spice-infused fragrances.