Fragrance and fame have always shared the spotlight. From Marilyn Monroe’s whispered secrets to Ariana Grande’s playful sweetness, celebrity connections often turn ordinary perfumes into cultural icons. Here’s a look at how some of the world’s most recognizable stars helped shape fragrance history.
Marilyn Monroe & Chanel No. 5 — The Quote That Made History
When Marilyn Monroe famously told Life Magazine she wore “just a few drops of Chanel No. 5” to bed, she didn’t just make headlines — she created an eternal bond between sensuality and scent. That quote transformed Chanel No. 5 from a luxury perfume into a pop culture legend. Even decades later, Vogue and Chanel’s own archives continue to celebrate Monroe’s connection to the fragrance — a timeless reminder that scent can define an era.
Ariana Grande & Cloud — Sweet, Dreamy, and Surprisingly Sophisticated
Pop powerhouse Ariana Grande captured hearts (and vanities) with Cloud, a fragrance that blends juicy pear, lavender, and whipped cream into a warm gourmand haze. Beauty editors at Allure praised its unexpected sophistication — a scent that feels like a daydream, not a sugar rush. On Fragrantica, fans call it cozy, comforting, and subtly seductive — proof that pop culture scents can rival designer creations.
Grace Kelly & Creed Fleurissimo — A Royal Wedding in a Bottle
When Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, she wore Creed Fleurissimo — a bouquet of white florals created especially for her royal wedding. The fragrance, with its blend of tuberose, violet, and Bulgarian rose, was meant to complement her bridal bouquet and ethereal elegance. Today, Fleurissimo remains a go-to choice for brides who want to channel timeless sophistication.
Princess Diana & Diorissimo — A Floral Symbol of Grace
Another royal favorite, Diorissimo by Dior, was beloved by Princess Diana for its pure lily-of-the-valley heart. As Vogue notes, Diana’s scent of choice reflected her gentle yet confident presence — a fragrance as graceful and iconic as the Princess herself.
James Bond & Floris No. 89 — A Gentleman’s Signature
In Ian Fleming’s novels, James Bond wore Floris No. 89 — a refined blend of citrus, lavender, and woody notes from the legendary British house. The scent, still produced today, captures Bond’s polished sophistication and enduring style, bridging fiction and reality in one suave bottle.
The Legacy Lives On
From Monroe’s sultry whispers to Ariana’s playful clouds, celebrity fragrances capture moments in time — transforming personal preference into pop culture history. Whether worn, commissioned, or inspired, these scents remind us that perfume is storytelling — and every bottle holds a legacy.
At Scent in the City, we celebrate that intersection of star power and scent. Explore fragrances that channel Hollywood glamour, royal grace, or chart-topping confidence — and find your own signature worthy of the spotlight.