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Supermodel Anja Rubik on The Launch of Her First Fragrance, Original

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After fronting fragrances for YSL, Elie Saab and Salvatore Ferragamo, Anja Rubik is debuting her own olfactory vision. There’s something very appealing about wearing a scent designed by the supermodel and editor-in-chief of 25—perhaps the idea that you too can channel some of that inimitable cool with a casual spritz. Whether or not this is actually true is beside the point; everything about Original ($110), from the dual-finish bottle to the featherweight blend, is guaranteed to at least make you feel chicer.

Rubik, who worked on the scent for two years with perfumer Patricia Choux, says it’s designed “to trigger a state of mind, to use the power of our sense of smell to connect with a message of empowerment.” A lot to ask of a fragrance? Maybe. But this much is clear: the packaging (inspired by Robert Mapplethorpe’s black-and-white photographs) and juice (a blend of lilies, amber, iris, green tea, wood notes and pink peppercorns), are more than merely pretty.

Below, Rubik shares her thoughts on beauty, empowerment and the creation of her first fragrance.

What's your first memory of scent?

Anja Rubik: "Since a young age, I always loved perfume and can remember the scent of my mother's. I think it was a fragrance by Clinique. My mother would also always say, 'spray perfume everywhere you want to be kissed.'"

What inspired you to create Original?

Anja Rubik: "It was something I have always wanted to do, but I wanted to wait for the right time. Scents are so powerful and have the power to change your mood, your spirit. This is a big part of the message I aim to convey with Original. I want the perfume to trigger courage and inspire woman to embrace their individuality, speak their minds, follow their own paths."

Love your desire to communicate empowerment through scent—what makes you feel powerful?

Anja Rubik: "Confidence and being happy in your own skin is the most powerful thing. Embracing uniqueness, expressing my individuality and being comfortable with my sensuality makes me feel powerful."

Do you have a daily beauty routine?

Anja Rubik: "I use Bioderma Créaline to wash my makeup off, then I apply rosewater and Joëlle Ciocco Pure Concentrated Serum with Botanical Oils. For creams, I like the La Prairie Emulsion Anti-Age SPF 30 Complex Cellular. I smooth my skin with La Prairie’s Skin Cellular Treatment Gold Illusion Line Filler before I put else anything on—and before bed, I wash my makeup off and apply La Prairie’s Skin Caviar."

What's the best lesson you've learned over the course of your career?

Anja Rubik: "If the door is closed, try the window."

Can we expect more beauty projects in your future?

Anja Rubik: "Stay tuned!"

Original by Anja Rubik is now available on net-a-porter.com, and will launch at Barneys New York in March for $110.

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