‘Dirty ashtray wrapped in floral notes': The unusual perfumes worth trying
A friend of mine, who is a serious fragrance addict, once – rather foolishly – revealed her signature scent to me: Portrait of a Lady, from Editions de Parfums By Frédéric Malle ($436 for the 50ml EDP). I then shared her secret with the world in my book, Secrets of a Beauty Queen.
I am now a devotee of this intoxicating oriental rose with a blend of benzoin, cinnamon, patchouli, musk and frankincense; I have nicknamed it my 'fragrance heroin'.
Having betrayed my friend's trust, she proudly (and rather smugly) revealed that she had a new signature scent, and that she was never going to give it up. I poked and prodded her for details, and she talked tantalisingly of it smelling like a newborn baby's head combined with breast milk. Not to be deterred, I Googled the heck out of it. My instinct tells me it's Demeter New Baby ($35), all lemony and cream.
Tom Ford is always a fountain of inspiration when it comes to out-there fragrances. There is his F---ing Fabulous ($1600 for 250ml), which he himself describes as being 'undeniably the most straightforward name for such a beautiful scent. Why make it complicated?' It is explicit, sexy, earthy and bold with notes of oriental leather, bitter almond oil, tonka bean, orris root and clary sage oil. Another Tom Ford winner is Vanilla Sex ($395 for 30ml).
The crazy kids at Libre d'Orange are always coming up with surprising scents including the renowned Sécrétions Magnifiques ($150 for 50ml), which smells like several bodily fluids including blood, sweat and saliva. Its creators refer to it as 'subversive' and 'disturbing' saying, 'It's love or hate at first sight. Like blood, sweat, sperm, saliva, [it] is as real as an olfactory coitus.' This rather daring and experimental scent is softened with coconut and sandalwood notes.
Also from this scent stable, we love Jasmin et Cigarette ($260 for 100ml). The name says it all: dirty ashtray wrapped in floral notes.
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Another on our list of unique fragrances is Moth and Rabbit Perfumes' La Haine ($165 for 50ml). It is an intoxicating unisex scent with notes of birch tar, cedar, leather and musk.
And, finally, an oldie but serious goodie is Fracas de Robert Piguet ($299 for 100ml), which should be worn with extreme caution, as it can attract serious attention. It is an incredibly lush white floral with tuberose, jasmine and gardenia as its seductive top notes, with a base of sandalwood and musk. I once had to do a death-roll from a car to escape an unwanted advance while wearing it.
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15 hours ago
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Rebel Wilson hits back at second lawsuit filed by The Deb producers, shares song amid ongoing legal battle
Rebel Wilson has launched a strong rebuttal to the second lawsuit filed against her by the producers of her directorial debut The Deb, as well as releasing a song from the film called 'F*** My Life.' The Australian star, 45, faces claims that she made false and defamatory statements about the producers, including allegations of 'inappropriate conduct' toward the film's lead Charlotte MacInnes—who has denied those accusations. Wilson took to Instagram on Friday to call the lawsuit, filed by Vince Holden, Gregor Cameron, and Amanda Ghost in New South Wales Supreme Court, an example of 'spiteful toxic behaviour.' She wrote, 'Apparently I'm being sued in Australia? It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called The Deb for five years from a three-page idea into a gorgeous feature film—I wish nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen.' She added, 'To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film!' Wilson blamed the UK financiers—Ghost, Cameron, and Holden—for what she called continuous bullying and harassment, accusing them of attempting to block the film's release both in the US and Australia after failing to prevent its Toronto premiere. 'It's been a year since the film has been completed and ready to go in cinemas,' she said. 'Instead, in my opinion, they have continued this spiteful toxic behaviour.' Wilson stressed it was 'imperative the movie is released' and expressed sadness over the hard work of 'so many Australians' being wasted. She noted that as financiers, the producers have contractual power to distribute or sell the film—but 'they haven't done so.' Wilson then revealed she would release the film's first song, 'F*** My Life,' for fans 'because if these f***wits aren't going to release the movie I may as well.' She also stood by previous accusations against the producers, which form the basis of both the US and Australian defamation lawsuits against her. Wilson concluded, 'I've moved on, now directing my second movie and loving it. But regarding The Deb, all I can literally say is 'F*** My Life' with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me knows I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work!' Reports about the second Australian lawsuit surfaced on Thursday, with the producers accusing Wilson of making false statements about them, including claims of embezzling funds and inappropriate conduct toward Ms MacInnes. The producers additionally allege Wilson threatened the film's Australian distributor, Kismet, by seeking an injunction to block the release. Wilson has been outspoken about the dispute and re-shared footage of Ms MacInnes performing at Cannes, commenting on the actress's alleged continued professional ties to one of the producers. Ms MacInnes categorically denied the misconduct allegations and called Wilson's claims 'completely false and absurd,' asserting that nothing she told Wilson should have conveyed any report of wrongdoing. The legal battle remains ongoing, with Wilson fighting allegations that threaten to stall the release of her much-anticipated film.
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15 hours ago
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Rebel Wilson blasts producers, posts clip of unreleased film
Rebel Wilson has launched a strong rebuttal to the second lawsuit filed against her by the producers of her directorial debut The Deb, as well as releasing a song from the film called 'F*** My Life.' The Australian star, 45, faces claims that she made false and defamatory statements about the producers, including allegations of 'inappropriate conduct' toward the film's lead Charlotte MacInnes—who has denied those accusations. Wilson took to Instagram on Friday to call the lawsuit, filed by Vince Holden, Gregor Cameron, and Amanda Ghost in New South Wales Supreme Court, an example of 'spiteful toxic behaviour.' She wrote, 'Apparently I'm being sued in Australia? It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called The Deb for five years from a three-page idea into a gorgeous feature film—I wish nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen.' She added, 'To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film!' Wilson blamed the UK financiers—Ghost, Cameron, and Holden—for what she called continuous bullying and harassment, accusing them of attempting to block the film's release both in the US and Australia after failing to prevent its Toronto premiere. 'It's been a year since the film has been completed and ready to go in cinemas,' she said. 'Instead, in my opinion, they have continued this spiteful toxic behaviour.' Wilson stressed it was 'imperative the movie is released' and expressed sadness over the hard work of 'so many Australians' being wasted. She noted that as financiers, the producers have contractual power to distribute or sell the film—but 'they haven't done so.' Rebel Instagram 2 Credit: Rebel Instagram 2 Rebel Instagram 4 Credit: Rebel Instagram 4 Wilson then revealed she would release the film's first song, 'F*** My Life,' for fans 'because if these f***wits aren't going to release the movie I may as well.' If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. She also stood by previous accusations against the producers, which form the basis of both the US and Australian defamation lawsuits against her. Wilson concluded, 'I've moved on, now directing my second movie and loving it. But regarding The Deb, all I can literally say is 'F*** My Life' with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me knows I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work!' Reports about the second Australian lawsuit surfaced on Thursday, with the producers accusing Wilson of making false statements about them, including claims of embezzling funds and inappropriate conduct toward Ms MacInnes. The producers additionally allege Wilson threatened the film's Australian distributor, Kismet, by seeking an injunction to block the release. Wilson has been outspoken about the dispute and re-shared footage of Ms MacInnes performing at Cannes, commenting on the actress's alleged continued professional ties to one of the producers. Ms MacInnes categorically denied the misconduct allegations and called Wilson's claims 'completely false and absurd,' asserting that nothing she told Wilson should have conveyed any report of wrongdoing. The legal battle remains ongoing, with Wilson fighting allegations that threaten to stall the release of her much-anticipated film.
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21 hours ago
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‘F**k my life': Rebel Wilson's extraordinary spray over new lawsuit
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News. Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson has launched an extraordinary spray over the production company suing her for defamation, admitting the first song of her unreleased film, titled 'F**k My Life', sums up her situation. After news broke that the production company was suing her in Australia over comments on Instagram, Ms Wilson has returned to social media to repeat many of the claims that are outlined in the lawsuit. 'So apparently, I'm being sued in Australia?' she said to her 11 million followers on Instagram. 'It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called The Deb for five years from a three page idea into a gorgeous feature film, I want nothing more than to have this film released, and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. 'To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film!'. Describing the lawsuit as 'baseless' she said that 'many Australians worked so hard on this film, and it's imperative the movie is released!' 'It's been a year since the film has been completed and ready to go in cinemas. Instead, in my opinion, they've continued this spiteful, toxic behaviour. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 18: Rebel Wilson attends the premiere of "Bride Hard" at Directors Guild Of America on June 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo byfor 21Seeds Infused Tequila) 'The first song of the film is called F**k My Life. I'm going to release it now, because if these f**kwits aren't going to release the movie, I may as well.' Ms Wilson then posted a video from the unreleased film, which legal sources suggested could be a breach of copyright. 'Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS, I put my blood, sweat and tears into this,' she said. 'Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry.' Ms Wilson is facing a lawsuit lodged in the NSW Supreme Court by the production company behind her directorial debut The Deb, alleging serious breaches of contract and director's duties, misleading and deceptive conduct, and injurious falsehood. Ms Wilson was sued for defamation in the United States last year by producers Amanda Ghost, Gregory Cameron and Vince Holden who allege she falsely claimed they had embezzled funds from the movie and had behaved with 'absolute viciousness and retaliatory behaviour'. That matter is ongoing. The new lawsuit in NSW has been lodged by Mr Holden's production company A.I. Film and is being handled by an Australian-based legal team – Patrick George, Jeremy Marel and barrister Sue Chrysanthou, SC. It accuses Ms Wilson of blocking the film's release though legal threats and making false claims that the lead actor in the film, Charlotte MacInnes, was the target of 'inappropriate conduct'. In the new legal submissions, A.I.'s legal team insist that Ms MacInnes denies she was ever harassed, and states that Ms Wilson's claims are baseless. The blow up follows a video Rebel Wilson posted on Instagram in July 2024, where she made a number of misconduct claims about the movie producers to her 11 million followers. Rebel alongside actresses Natalie Abbott, Stevie Jean, and Charlotte MacInnes at a party for her unreleased film The Deb. Picture: Instagram/Rebel Wilson '[T]o have the business partners that are involved in that movie turn around and say that no, the movie can't premiere, is just beyond devastating,'' she said. 'And so I said, reported, I guess you would say, their bad behaviour when I found out not minor things, big things, you know, inappropriate behaviour towards the lead actress of the film, embezzling funds from the film's budget, which we really needed because we're a small movie, you know? So kind of really important things. Since I reported that behaviour, I have been met with absolute viciousness and retaliatory behaviour. 'And yet every step of the way, these people who I complained about then tried to make my life hell. 'And this behaviour is absolutely vile and disgusting. Now these people you know, Amanda Ghost in particular, has a history of doing this kind of thing, mainly to music artists but also to people in the film business. So, the thing is, these people are forced to sign NDAs or, you know, otherwise threatened or bullied to not speak out. 'I will speak the truth, and, you know, warn people about these people in the industry. Who are just not behaving ethically ... if the movie doesn't play in Toronto, it's because of these absolute f**kwits.' Ms Ghost is now suing Ms Wilson for defamation in the United States. In the NSW lawsuit, the production company's legal team argued these statements conveyed that one of the producers had made 'inappropriate sexual advances to an actress in the film'. 'In fact, none of the producers had made inappropriate sexual advances to an actress,'' the legal documents state. The lawsuit alleged Ms McInnes categorically denied Ms Wilson's claims telling media outlets 'there is no truth to the allegations made involving me.' 'I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released. It would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen,'' she said in a statement to The actress shared this moment from the set on Instagram. Picture: Instagram/Rebel Wilson She previously told media outlets: 'Making false accusations undermines real victims and I won't be the subject of a fabricated narrative.' After the actress was subsequently cast as Daisy in Florence Welch's musical Gatsby: An American Myth, Ms Wilson is alleged to have made the following statement on Instagram stories accusing her of 'changing her story.' 'When an actress on her first feature film is asked by a producer to stay in the same apartment as them, and then makes a complaint to me as the director saying said producer 'asked her to have a bath and shower with her and it made her feel uncomfortable' – what am I supposed to do of course I reported it,'' Ms Wilson said. 'There is no world where this is acceptable. The fact that this girl has been employed now by this 'producer' in the lead role of a production called GATSBY (ART Boston) and given a record label – should be all the proof you need as to why she has now changed her story.' During the Cannes Film Festival, Ms Wilson allegedly posted more Instagram stories, suggesting MacInnes had 'lied by denying the allegations of sexual misconduct by the film's UK producers'. 'Charlotte MacInnes in a culturally inappropriate Indian outfit on Len Blavatnik's luxury yacht in Cannes – ironically singing a song from a movie that will never get released because of her lies and support for the people blocking the film's release. So glad you got your record deal Charlotte at the expense of the 300 people who worked on The Deb and really wanna see it released.' A behind the scenes photo from the set of The Deb shared by the film's lead actress Charlotte MacInnes. Picture: Instagram/Charlotte MacInnes In the new lawsuit, it is alleged Ms Wilson 'threatened the Australian distributor of the film that she would obtain an injunction to prevent its release, when the contractual documents plainly prevented her from obtaining an injunction.' No stranger to defamation battles, Ms Wilson won a record payout from Bauer media but was later forced to repay the majority of her record defamation payout from a magazine publisher. Ms Wilson had received A$4.7m in damages and interest from Bauer Media over articles that she said portrayed her as a serial liar. But a court reduced the sum to A$600,000 following an appeal by the publisher. She was then ordered to pay back A$4.1m and A$60,000 in interest. A subsequent bid to have an appeal heard in the High Court of Australia was rejected, bringing her legal battle 'to a definitive end'. Originally published as 'F**k my life': Rebel Wilson's extraordinary spray over new lawsuit
