At Beauty Packaging, we report on a lot of exciting fragrance packages throughout the year, but writing the annual Fragrance Update is one of my favorite assignments. The collective design creativity and manufacturing proficiency involved never disappoint. From the rationale behind the scents to the striking bottles and cartons, each step is intensely thought out and executed, and in this month’s feature, I am also happy to reportthat fragrance sales are on the rise—with packaging playing a key role in the equation.

Many of this fall’s launches focus on celebrities, but brands have gone so much further than simply wrapping up their stars’ status. One highly anticipated launch is Taylor Swift’s premier fragrance Wonderstruck. In an exclusive interview with Paul McLaughlin, vice president of creative at Elizabeth Arden, he reveals his approach to packaging and the lengths he went to in collaborating with Swift on this one-of-a-kind design.

For an insider’s view of how fragrance packaging plays out at the department store counter, Karen Grant, vice president, NPD Beauty—and a member of Beauty Packaging’s Board of Advisors—rounds out the article with her insight on what trends are sparking the greatest interest—and the highest sales.

Another insight into fragrance packaging design in this issue comes from Jon Dinapoli, senior creative director at Coty Prestige—and another member of Beauty Packaging’s Board of Advisors. In this issue’s Center Stage, Dinapoli discusses how he keeps the packaging fresh for the long list of celebrity and designer brands he handles.

While packaging for fragrance tends to look more glamorous, the same innovative tenets are also applied to packaging for other channels. Take sampling, for instance—an area that has seen tremendous growth as an avenue to consumer purchases. As a result, an array of attractive and functional packaging concepts has emerged. Beauty Packaging’s new associate editor, Lisa Samalonis—who we welcome to our team!—questioned many of the category’s key players and uncovered a variety of trends and trendy packaging for samples and small size retail products.

We hope you enjoy this issue,

Jamie Matusow