Danger: Sexy Scents Ahead

   I had drinks the other afternoon with my fashion writer friend Tim Blanks and his partner Jeff Lounds to talk about their newest venture, Escentric Molecules, a fragrance developed with celebrated nose Geza Schoen. It has achieved a cult following among the stylish British set  -- Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Elton John and David Furnish -- for its apparent pheremonic effects, and there is a waiting list for it at Harvey Nichols here.

Whereas most fragrances are a blend of dozens of notes, Escentric Molecules focuses on one --the velvety, woody Iso E Super, an aroma chemical normally used in small concentrations as a base. The brand's two unisex scents, launched last year, each have a 65% concentration of the stuff, which is also in such common products as laundry detergent and floor cleaner. Molecule 01 is for the purist, while Escentric 01 adds hints of pepper, lime and incense. Both are understated to the point of being barely detectable.

But apparently this non-sexy sounding chemical gives the wearer a certain allure. "It's not something you smell, it's something you sense," Tim suggested. They went on to dazzle me with tales of being hit on at gas stations, parties, even in taxi cabs by women and men alike. If I weren't a married woman traveling alone in a foreign country, I would be tempted to try it myself.

Escentric 01 and Molecule 01 are $139 at Studio at Fred Segal Santa Monica, Lucky Scent, Coco de Mer and Adele Collections in Laguna Beach.