Gaultier: Fragile Revisited

Jean Paul Gaultier’s haute couture has always been innovative and daring. Now, Fragile eau du toilette, Gaultier’s newest fragrance, carries on this tradition. Fragile is meant to celebrate the various characteristics of a woman, in all her contrasts. Fragile explores the juxtaposition of feminine softness and power, using the intoxicating scent of the tuberose and one-of-kind, eye-catching packaging design.

Originally introduced in 1999 as an eau du parfum, Fragile is described by the company as an elixir of elegance dedicated to mistresses of the night. The fragrance is meant to capture the very symbol of the inherent mystery of the Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture woman. The tuberose, with its intoxicating scent, picked at night, at the height of its power, is the focus of this eau du parfum.

Reinventing a Fragrance

In its newest version to be launched in October, Fragile makes an appearance as a lighter eau de toilette.

“The new Jean Paul Gaultier Fragile eau de toilette is all about reinventing the tuberose, and seeing it with new eyes,” said Maggie Ciafardini, executive vice president and general manager, Beauté Prestige International. “With the Fragile eau de toilette, the tuberose once targeted to a select few, can be enjoyed and appreciated as an everyday experience by everyone, thanks to Jean Paul Gaultier.”

The fragrance will be available in a 3.3-oz. bottle for $78 and a 1.6-oz. bottle for $58. This new offering is said to reveal another side of the modern-day woman: radiance. This fragrance represents tuberose picked at dawn, when the scent is lighter.

The new Fragile fragrance has been described as having a full, fruity top note; a sensual and tender middle note and a captivating base note. The eau de toilette has a subtle, lingering scent, according to the company, and is presented as a natural spray so it can be applied easily and generously, leaving an invisible yet fragrant veil on the skin, according to company executives.

A Hidden Treasure

“The packaging is a surprise and a twist on the original box from the existing Fragile eau de parfum,” Ms. Ciafardini stated.

The plain, brown industrial-looking paper boxopens to reveal the glitter and glamour of the Fragile eau de toilette bottle. One quick zip exposes its contents and reveals a unique, sparkling package. The stopper, a ball of gold and light, contains the Fragile muse, a lone figure described by the company as a temptress wearing black in a shower of gold glitter. The slender black figure contrasts sharply against the light and gold glitter background.The stopper has a magnetized bottom that attracts the stopper to the bottle and snaps it into place.

Also included in the line is a perfumed body cream ($60) in a unique plastic package. It is designed to look like a sugar bowl; with one twist it opens to reveal a gold basin that holds the cream. The cream is enriched with royal jelly serum and golden honey concentrate. It moisturizes and softens the skin, leaving it feeling silky-smooth. Its mother-of-pearl particles leave the body radiant with light, like fine gold glitter. The perfumed powder puff ($32) is a limited edition item, meant to evoke feelings of yesteryear.The powder is subtle and light as a feather and its fibers contain golden mother-of-pearl particles and ultra-fine non-drying powders. Fragile’s eau de toilette will be available at department stores nationwide startingin October.