Sweet Revenge by La Palma International c1992

Sweet Revenge by La Palma International: launched in 1992. The fragrance was specially created for author Sugar Rautbord by Givaudan-Roure in association with La Palma International who launched the perfume.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral oriental fragrance for women.

• Top notes: bergamot, mandarin
• Middle notes: jasmine, rose, orange blossom, coriander
• Base notes: vanilla, musk, sandalwood, oakmoss, amber, patchouli, vetiver

It begins with an exotic citrus top of refreshing bergamot and succulent mandarin, followed by orange blossom, sexy, spicy accords, layered over sweet amber, creamy sandalwood and rich, earthy oakmoss.


Mass Communication, 1996:

"When the novel Sweet Revenge, set in the cosmetics industry, was released, the author, Sugar Rautbord, worked with a perfume company to develop a perfume named "Sweet Revenge" to debut with the book. Rights to the perfume were given to a cosmetics manufacturer, which also provided the scent for a bookmark that included an 800 number people could call to order the perfume. The publisher ran an ad in two popular magazines tying the book and the perfume together, and the publicity surrounding the tie-in resulted in additional sales. Major magazines also ran stories about the tie-in. In-store book displays showed a giant bottle of the perfume along with book covers and pictures of the author. "

Chicago Tribune, 1992:

"If you believe the perfume manufacturers of the world, fragrance formulas inspire and are inspired by all manner of emotions, such as passion, obsession and joy. Now a Chicago socialite has found a way to put revenge into a bottle- in addition to between the covers of a book.

In honor of Sugar Rautbord`s second novel, ''Sweet Revenge,'' (Villard Books, $20), a fragrance company has created an exclusive scent called, of course, Sweet Revenge. In conjunction with the June launch of the book, bookstore customers will be able to order a complimentary sample of the fragrance through a toll-free telephone number.

There is a possibility the fragrance will be on sale to the general market."

Chicago Magazine, 1992:

"Today, the task at hand is smelling perfume. Givaudan-Roure, the prestigious French perfume house (creators of Obsession! L'Air du Temps!), has mixed up three different possibilities, or "fragrance directions." One of them will be chosen as Sweet Revenge. This perfume will be available [as] scented bookmarks in hardcover copies of Sweet Revenge and on a scratch-and-sniff panel in the paperback edition. It will be sold through an 800 number.

Sugar reads from the Givaudan-Roure descriptions. "'Sweet Revenge #1: This uniquely feminine creation begins with an exotic top note of refreshing bergamot, succulent mandarin, and indulgent orange blossom." There's more, including a heart note of coriander and a base of amber, sandalwood, and oak moss. "Mmm," she says. "It doesn't hurt anybody, but they know you mean business. That's nice."

Next, Sweet Revenge #2: "'A delightful bouquet derived from uncut, unharmed living flowers'—oh, is this politically correct or what?" Spray, sniff. A rose-and-jasmine scent wafts through the room, over the Italian writing desk, past the photo of an evening gown and a black motorcycle jacket shaking hands with Ronald Reagan (how was she to know that you shouldn't wear décolletage to the White House?!). "That's lovely," says Sugar. "That's very sophisticated, very expensive-smelling.

Last is a fragrance called Mûre et Musqué. "They created this one after they met me," says Sugar. Obviously, Givaudan-Roure's "noses" were impressed, for the notes on Mûre et Musqué include such words as "full-bodied," "sensual," "sparkling," and "deep-smoldering."

Spray, sniff again. It's a subtle, yet surprisingly complicated creation. Just when you think you've gotten its full impact, a lingering bottom note blossoms. "Gosh," says Sugar, "one whiff and you never knew what hit you."

Fate of the Fragrance:

Not publicly sold. I did have a sample of this fragrance, it was a classic floral oriental.