The American fragrance industry’s most anticipated event of the year returned in grand style as The Fragrance Foundation hosted the 2025 Fragrance Foundation Awards at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater in New York City. A sold-out crowd of 1,000 industry leaders, perfumers, founders, celebrities, and artists gathered to honor innovation, creativity, and excellence across 19 award categories.
The evening’s pinnacle moments included two distinguished honors: the Hall of Fame Award, presented to Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation, and the Lifetime Achievement Perfumer Award, bestowed upon Daniela Andrier, Master Perfumer at Givaudan.
“This is the fragrance industry’s biggest night,” said Linda G. Levy, President of The Fragrance Foundation. “It’s the one time we all come together—from the bold names to the independents—to celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of our field. Honoring legends like Ralph Lauren and Daniela Andrier elevates fragrance to its rightful place as an art form.”
As a tribute to her honor, Andrier crafted an exclusive scent for the evening titled Lincoln in June, which filled the theater lobby with floral notes, setting the stage for a night of emotional tributes and joyous celebration.
“True depth comes from humility—understanding tradition and culture in our craft,” said Andrier in her acceptance. “I’m passionate about storytelling through fragrance, and this recognition is profoundly meaningful.”
David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer at Ralph Lauren Corporation, accepted the Hall of Fame Award on behalf of his father, marking a memorable milestone in the brand’s fragrance legacy. “Ralph Lauren has inspired generations through timeless design and now, scent. This award reflects decades of dedication to artistry,” said Lauren.
The evening featured presenters including Laverne Cox, Vera Wang, Dapper Dan, Jackie Aina, and Tyson Beckford, among others. A standout moment included an AI-driven visual installation by cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg, artistically capturing raw fragrance ingredients from florals to citrus.
2025 Fragrance Foundation Award Winners
Fragrance of the Year – Women’s Luxury
Kilian Paris Sunkissed Goddess – Estée Lauder Companies; Givaudan; perfumer Calice Becker
Fragrance of the Year – Women’s Prestige
KAYALI Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42 – KAYALI; dsm-firmenich; perfumer Gabriela Chelariu
Fragrance of the Year – Men’s Luxury
Tom Ford Bois Pacifique – Estée Lauder Companies; Givaudan; perfumers Rodrigo Flores-Roux & Adriana Medina
Fragrance of the Year – Men’s Prestige
Ralph Lauren Polo 67 – L’Oréal; dsm-firmenich; perfumer Marie Salamagne
Fragrance Hall of Fame
Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette – Puig; Givaudan; perfumers Michel Girard, Olivier Pescheux, Christophe Raynaud
Fragrance of the Year – Universal Prestige
Maison Margiela Replica Afternoon Delight – L’Oréal; IFF; perfumer Carlos Benaïm
Fragrance of the Year – Universal Luxury
Byredo Desert Dawn – Puig; Robertet; perfumer Jérôme Epinette
Fragrance of the Year – Ultra-Luxury (Women’s, Men’s, Universal)
Tom Ford Black Lacquer – Estée Lauder Companies; Givaudan; perfumer Guillaume Flavigny
Fragrance of the Year – Popular (Women’s, Men’s, Universal)
AFTER SUN – Vacation®; Givaudan; perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux
Media Campaign of the Year
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle L’Élixir – L’Oréal
Candle & Home Collection of the Year
Sunlit Yuzu & Neroli Wellness Collection – Nest New York; Givaudan; perfumers Christine Hassan & Linda Song
Consumer Choice – Prestige
Burberry Her Intense – Coty; Takasago; perfumer Aurelien Guichard
Consumer Choice – Popular
Platinum – Bath & Body Works; IFF; perfumers Natasha Côté, Patty Hidalgo, Laurent Le Guernec
Perfume Extraordinaire of the Year
Balmain Beauty Ébène – Estée Lauder Companies; Symrise; perfumer Maurice Roucel
Previously Announced Category Winners (April 8, 2025)
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Fragrance Editorial of the Year – Justin Fenner, Robb Report, The Man with the Golden Nose
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Innovative Fragrance: Product of the Year – D.S. & Durga Murder Mystery Set; dsm-firmenich
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Packaging of the Year: Prestige/Popular – Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild; Coty
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Packaging of the Year: Ultra-Luxury/Luxury – Diptyque Fleur De Peau Holiday Edition in collaboration with Lucy Sparrow
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Indie Fragrance of the Year – Délices des Bois; Veronique Gabai; dsm-firmenich; perfumer Amandine Clerc-Marie
Founded in 1949, The Fragrance Foundation is the premier industry organization devoted to elevating the art, passion, and power of fragrance. Representing over 140 brands, the foundation promotes inclusivity, innovation, and education through events and initiatives that unite the fragrance community.
For more, visit fragrance.org
