By Gennifer Delman, Staff Writer

There is no debating that fashion designer Vera Wang is a rare talent. Known for being Vogue’s youngest fashion editor ever, Wang has made a splash in the industry with sleek, sexy and sophisticated looks. Like most designers, she has ventured into the land of cosmetics, creating an array of fragrances.  Her “Princess” collection attracts the youthful crowd with upbeat and flirty scents. While the original title product impresses, the latest addition “Glam Princess” fails to deliver.

The first installment of the Princess series (simply called “Princess”) is a fruity floral smell that is perfect for any social situation. Be it a city internship or class in Dempster, this is a great go-to for a girly scent that doesn’t go overboard. Its sister, “Glam,”  is a poor attempt at reinvention. Following the fruit and floral format, “Glam” blends guava, pear, vanilla orchid and orange blossom to make a mediocre aroma at best. While it’s sealed in a heart-shaped bottle with an attractive fuchsia font and scribbled stars, the perfume merely looks the part of glamorous.

Suggestion? Go dark. “Rock Princess” is an edgier take on the original with hints of jasmine, coconut and raspberry. Its essence is much more sophisticated, so feel free to sprits this on as you head to evening formals, weddings and cocktail parties.
Much like with film and literature, the first in a series is typically the best. Advice to The Chronicle readers–don’t judge fragrances by their bottle.

Vera Wang’s Rock Princess Fragrance ( Creative Commons)