Katy Perry’s new Killer Queen fragrance skips the bubble gum pop for a more sophisticated style

Katy Perry Killer Queen
Katy Perry Photography by Larry Busacca/Getty Images and Killer Queen Image via WWD
Katy Perry Killer Queen
Left: Photography by Larry Busacca/Getty Images, Right: Image via WWD

From the floral headdress Katy Perry wore to The Great Gatsby NYC premiere to the embellished crown she paired with her Dolce and Gabbana frock at this year’s Met Gala, the Queen of pop clearly has a penchant for regal accessories. Perched atop a golden throne, Perry flaunted her latest royalty-approved ensemble, a Thom Browne ball gown and crown-clad nails, at the recent launch of her newest fragrance Killer Queen.

Due out in August, Killer Queen marks Perry’s third venture into the world of fragrances, and one that seems to be a complete departure from her cutesy aesthetic. Perry’s earlier fragrances, Purr and Meow, featured cat-shaped bottles and cartoon-inspired graphics. The latest perfume—which comes in a moody, scepter-esque vial—takes its name from the Queen song “Killer Queen,” of which Perry is a big fan: “Freddie Mercury painted the lyrics of this woman who I wanted to be. She seemed very powerful, and she captivated a room when she walked in,” she told WWD. “Killer Queen is powerful, edgy, sophisticated—and that’s exactly where I’m trying to be now with my music,” Perry adds.

The hit-maker has assured fans that her newest scent is definitely worth getting excited about. “I just hope to put out a real quality project that competes, and competes beyond the celebrity fragrances,” Perry says. There isn’t any point for me to put out something that doesn’t stand out—because that is so not like me,” she adds.

The fragrance, which took 35 attempts to get right, has top notes of wild berry, dark plum with hints of bergamot red velvet flower and natural jasmine. “It’s for someone sophisticated, who wants a little edge and can wear it all day, and still wants that sexiness,” Perry says.

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