Beauty Designer Dossier: Christopher Bailey
Celebrating a decade at the creative helm of Burberry, the designer unveils the perfume counterpoint to the iconic trench.
October 21, 2011 12:00 PMSmells Like Burberry
For Christopher Bailey, creating a fragrance goes beyond fashioning something that just smells good. "No matter what you're designing, you always have to have the same three elements," he explains. "It needs to touch you on an emotional level you know, sing to you; it has to look beautiful; and it has to be functional." He would know: In addition to directing the design of 60 clothing and accessories collections (Burberry Prorsum, Sport, and Brit, to name a few), Bailey oversees the brand's architecture (the stores, the spectacular-yet-understated London HQ) and progressive digital concepts. Here, Bailey gives us a glimpse of what inspires him for his new scent and beyond.
The Perfume
"With Burberry Body [Eau de Parfum Intense, $115], I wanted to develop a signature scent that epitomizes the brand. It's like the trenchcoat. It represents the core of everything we do, the Britishness when the historic and classic clash with the rebellious and artistic."
Trench, Bailey favorite from '06.
Smells Like...
"It's sexy, smoky, sultry through notes like sandalwood, musk, and amber. It's also delicate and feminine think English rose and iris."
Luminous Fluid Base in Fresh Glow, $48.
The Bottle
The Body
"Roise Huntington-Whiteley epitomizes Body in many respects. She's a sexy, strong, confident woman, but when you get to know her, there's this really soft, girly, fun side that's disarming. She's so comfortable with who she is."
Listening to Now...
"Misty Miller, Life in Film; I just did something on Burberry Acoustic with Keane in Beijing. The Feeling will be the soundtrack to the Body campaign. All the music I use is British."
Burberry's London headquarters.
Luxury Is...
"Inclusivity. I hate the word exclusive. I don't find it defines modern or luxury or special. I would much rather people feel comfortable and invited."
Smells Like Burberry
"I'm lucky that I can play with all the worlds that excite me."
On set with Bailey and Huntington-Whiteley.

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