I started my morning feeling very confused after reading Osmoz. First, I need to backtrack a bit. Miss Dior Chérie was originally created by perfumer Christine Nagel for Christian Dior in 2005 and it was a novel gourmand chypre with an interesting combination of popcorn notes and strawberries. The official description included green mandarin, green tangerine, strawberry leaves, pink jasmine, violet, caramel popcorn, strawberry sorbet, patchouli, and crystalline musk.
In 2011, Miss Dior Chérie was reworked by François Demachy, Dior’s in-house perfumer, and the new version is crisper and fruitier, less buttery and toasty. The official description lists cherry, pineapple, strawberry, mandarin, popcorn, jasmine, rose, violet, caramel, patchouli, amber, and musk.
Now, Miss Dior Chérie is renamed Miss Dior, while the “real” Miss Dior (the one dating to 1947) is to be called Miss Dior Originale. Simple, no? I guess our Miss Dior will remain forever young.
Silly, silly fragrance houses. The purpose of this is what? Cherie has been in the market long enough to have its own identity. It's not as if it were out there stumbling on six-inch platforms under the stylish Miss Dior.
I haven't smelled the reworking. I do have a bottle of the original, which brought me the "bugspray" comment from someone who used organic bug repellents and found a similarity. I have not worn it since.
Posted by: Suzanna | January 19, 2012 at 08:09
I suppose that they want to capitalize on the brand recognition of Miss Dior for the new generation. Still, I do not get it either--Miss Dior Cherie has such a splashy marketing campaign, especially recently, when it was associated with Natalie Portman.
The reworked Miss Dior Cherie is less sugary and rich, but the original was more interesting thanks to its toasty-caramelized effects.
Posted by: Victoria | January 19, 2012 at 10:03
My 15 year old has and loves her bottle of Miss Dior Cherie- original I suppose, but frankly I hardly notice the difference in formula as I don't like either one. But they had a real hit with getting brand loyalty from a fresh and younger buyer- the same buyer who likely wears Coco Mademoiselle.
The only possible outcome of this name change will be confusion. Imagining my 15 year old shopping with her friends and looking to spritz some Cherie and to maybe tell her friends about it, then seeing all the tester bottles with the corresponding names, getting discouraged, walking away. While I appreciate the mossy beauty of the original Miss Dior, one who loved Miss Dior Cherie will likely recoil if they pick up the wrong bottle.
What a mind boggling move.
Posted by: Jane | January 19, 2012 at 11:12
I understand if Miss Dior Cherie were a new perfume, but it has been around since 2005. The name changes are confusing, and so are the reasons behind them.
Posted by: Victoria | January 19, 2012 at 13:11
Just a question for the "experts"...Will "Miss Dior Originale" really BE the original? I loved that fragrance SO much and have an old empty bottle that I dig out and just 'sniff' once in awhile. Think I'll go find it now :)
Posted by: MaryAnn Hardy | January 19, 2012 at 13:32
I have no idea why they are renaming the fragrance. I am not a big fan of Miss Dior Cherie, but my teenage daughter is. I find the 2005 version interesting and not such a bad choice for girls who like this type of fragrance. I cannot say the same of the new one, because something is missing and as a result, the new version has less depth to it. Dissappointing. I got my daughter a bottle of Motale Roses Elixir for Christmas and she loves it. The price is comparable to the one of MD Cherie.
Posted by: behemot | January 19, 2012 at 13:37
I doubt that it is exactly like the original, because so many materials are no longer available to perfumers. I haven't smelled the version that is launching as "Originale," however. Miss Dior available now smells very thin and attenuated, compared to its original version. Demachy mentioned in one of his interviews that he was working on putting it in a better shape, so... hope springs eternal.
Posted by: Victoria | January 19, 2012 at 15:06
Your daughter must have an impressive perfume collection! Like mother, like daughter. :)
I do not like Miss Dior Cherie for myself (too sweet!), but I am with you, it is a nice, well-crafted perfume for those who enjoy fruity, gourmand notes.
Posted by: Victoria | January 19, 2012 at 15:07
This topic couldn't be more timely for me. I am actively shopping for an age appropriate scent for my delightful niece in Atlanta who turns 14 in February. I was literally researching best scents for teens last night and came upon Miss Dior Cherie and Light Blue by D&G as recommended possibilities - also maybe MJ Daisy or one of the Freshes or Annick Goutals. Any advice, V? This will be her first bottle of perfume. Thanks!!!
Posted by: skilletlicker | January 19, 2012 at 15:48
Exciting! I love looking for perfume gifts, even though sometimes it is hard.
MJ Daisy (and Daisy Eau So Fresh) are good choices--crisp, not overly sweet. Daisy is a kissing cousin of Light Blue anyway (and who can resist that cute bottle!) In terms of nuance I like Annick Goutal Eau de Camille. My young cousins love Petite Cherie too for its sweet peach and pear notes.
Posted by: Victoria | January 19, 2012 at 16:06
Montale Roses Elixir is a bit similar to the "old" version of MD Cherie, only better. As of my daughter, she is not like me, she rather tries to have her "signature fragrance" (like my husband). Hope this will change; she is still young:)
Posted by: behemot | January 19, 2012 at 16:58
There is some comfort in finding just one thing that speaks to you. But yes, you are right, it might change as she feels more comfortable to experiment.
Posted by: Victoria | January 20, 2012 at 09:39