Elizabeth and James: Nirvana

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen launched a fashion brand named Elizabeth and James after their remaining siblings. Since their clothing launch went so well they decided to do what would naturally come next; launch a perfume, or two. Nirvana White and Nirvana Black was released in December and are sold exclusively in Sephora stores and online, at Sephora.com.

The fragrance campaign offers a more visual representation. Shot by Ryan McGinley, who has a penchant for capturing the carefree nature of naked youth. I am not entirely surprised that the ad campaign features a naked female model, sleeping and sprawled across a swaddle of rosy pink, glossy sheets, with a dog lying across the back of her legs, but that’s just me.

Nirvana Black saw 50 different incarnations before the twins were happy with the scent – ‘and that’s 50 versions not including the various tweaks we made to individual notes,’ said Ashley. Nirvana Black is a woody fragrance, dark and somewhat masculine, intended for both genders. The fragrance is built around accords of violet, sandalwood and vanilla. This perfume would be perfect in colder temperatures due to its heavier scent.

Nirvana White is a musky – floral fragrance composed of peony, lily of the valley and musk. The scent is very reminiscent of an armful of lily petals spiked with a warm, heady musk.

As you can see, the bottle design strives for simplicity and a modern but not too modern look. It reminds me a bit like a 1950′s cigarette case. I keep going back and forth between the two scents. One plays to my more feminine side, while the other plays into my city-girl vibe. I honestly can’t say which I like better. I might just have to get both.

Purchase Nirvana White and Nirvana Black at Sephora.