Isabel and Ruben Toledo can't keep their hands off each other and we know exactly why. The designer couple, whose been married for 30 years, are madly in love with each other's smell.
Even though Ruben is quick to point out that they "both have different noses," he told The Huffington Post that their shared admiration for "delicate and delicious" notes are what attract them to the same scents. So, it was only natural that they extend this love affair into creating their own fragrances. Hot House Beauties is the first designer fragrance collaboration by the Toledos, and it debuted at Lane Bryant where Isabel also has a signature fashion collection.
Drawing inspiration from the "exotic and memory-driven" parts of their native country Cuba, Isabel and Ruben designed two fragrances. Kuba Rose possesses a romantic blend of sheer rose, red currant, sandalwood and patchouli. And Crystal Honey is a fresh burst of pink grapefruit, green apple, magnolia and warm musk.
Isabel told HuffPost that Kuba Rose was really about getting her husband's reaction. "That's why I keep calling it 'Lover's Scent' because he totally got turned on," she said. But she certainly had her core following in mind when deciding to make the foray into fragrance.
"I've been in the business for so long dressing women and I though what an opportunity to dress their senses, their soul," said Isabel. "That's one of the reasons why I love perfume. It's dressing your mood... it's part of the sophistication of a woman."
Ruben believes that fragrance is more accessible than fashion. He explained, "Fashion can be bit off-putting but there’s something about fragrance that's like come here and try me. It speaks another language."
And the illustrator also believes it works wonders for your psyche. "You can just be wearing a T-shirt and jeans and be dressed in a fragrance, and you'll feel like you're wearing a tiara and diamonds. It's a nice uplifter," he said.
Hot House beauties by Isabel and Ruben Toledo (Rollerball: $16.50, Eau de Parfum: $52.50) is available for purchase at Lane Bryant stores and LaneBryant.com.
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