Thirty-five years after helping create Elizabeth Taylor's blockbuster White Diamonds, IFF global master perfumer Carlos Benaïm has returned to reinterpret the fragrance for a new generation. Joining him is IFF Senior Perfumer Natasha Côté-Mouzannar, who collaborated with Benaïm on White Diamonds Icon, a contemporary evolution of one of the fragrance industry's most successful celebrity scents.
Rather than recreating the original, which has been credited with helping establish the modern celebrity fragrance category, the perfumers focused on preserving its unmistakable radiance while updating its olfactive signature with brighter fruits, modern floral contrasts and sustainable naturals.
The fragrance opens with fraise des bois, pear blossom and Green Mandarin LMR (sourced from Sicily and Calabria), leading into a heart featuring Cristalfizz, orange flower LMR, orris and jonquille absolute LMR—a deliberate nod to the narcissus note that defined the original White Diamonds. The base blends oakmoss LMR, Ambrain LMR, ambergris and caramel, creating a warmer, more textured finish.
Benaïm said jonquille and orris create an uncommon pairing that honors Elizabeth Taylor's love of narcissus while bringing a modern elegance to the composition. Côté-Mouzannar added pink pepper alongside Cristalfizz to inject energy into the fragrance, describing jonquille as the youthful, radiant note that became the emotional centerpiece of the project.
"Elizabeth's glamour was in many ways a manifestation of her conviction, her passion, and her joy, which is why her legacy is so enduring: she was always true to herself," said Quinn Tivey, grandson of Elizabeth Taylor; co-trustee, Elizabeth Taylor Estate; officer, Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. "White Diamonds Icon reflects that as a fantastic and contemporary reimagining of her iconic perfume, White Diamonds, while maintaining an authenticity that will resonate for new and existing generations of fans. She was an extraordinary and loving matriarch within our family and that warmth also comes through in her legacy. And as someone who recognized the power of her own celebrity and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, Elizabeth herself directed that a portion of proceeds of any of her branded products support The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. It is a great honor to be able to support her legacy and continue her work today."
"In a category defined by constant newness, enduring fragrance brands are rare," said Amber Garrison, president, Elizabeth Arden & Fragrances at Revlon. "White Diamonds remains iconic because it represents something instantly recognizable: glamour, confidence, and Elizabeth Taylor's unmistakable cultural legacy. As stewards of her vision for fragrance, our role is not simply to preserve that legacy, but to thoughtfully evolve it for today's fragrance consumers. White Diamonds Icon reflects that evolution, always inspired by Elizabeth Taylor herself."
