Can't wait for FAB to come to Cheltenham? Celebrate Fashion Week with delicious designer fragrances

Can't wait for FAB to arrive in Cheltenham? Mark international Fashion Week season with a new fragrance. Lisa Haynes sniffs out the latest designer scents

Here in Gloucestershire, we're already gearing up for April's FAB fashion and beauty week. But if you can't wait til then, the month-long Fashion Week calendar has kicked off in style, stopping off at New York, London, Milan and Paris.

Even if your show tickets got lost in the post, you could still come up smelling of roses - or something equally gorgeous, by seeking out the designers' scents instead.

Lanvin even incorporated fragrance into the spring/summer 13 catwalk with models carrying ornate perfume bottle-shaped handbags.

Fashion and fragrance have gone hand-in-hand for almost a decade - a trend that started in 1921 when Coco Chanel commissioned a perfumer to create a scent that embodied the House of Chanel.

He produced several versions, including the now iconic No.5, named after the number of the sample Chanel liked best. Originally bestowed as a gift to regular clients, the perfume's popularity prompted her to begin selling it and No.5 still remains one of the best-known fragrances in the world.

"A signature scent is more about the image of the brand, rather than following fashions," explains Louise Turner, Roberto Cavalli perfumer.

"It should be classic, recognisable and pass the test of time."

Unlike the trend-led runway fashion, these fragrances won't date after just one season. And the designer perfume bottles are something to behold on the dressing table too.

Get carried away with the latest catwalk scents from the four corners of the fashion globe.

NEW YORK

Marc Jacobs

Sunny and upbeat, Marc Jacobs has dressed up his popular fragrances in a rainbow of spirited spring colours. The limited Sunshine Editions include Daisy Marc Jacobs EDT (£45), Daisy Marc Jacobs Eau So Fresh EDT (£48), and Oh, Lola Marc Jacobs Sunsheer EDP (£47). Available nationwide from February 27.

Calvin Klein

A label known for its minimalism, Calvin Klein displays a rebellious streak with the Shock limited edition. The CK One Shock Street fragrance features custom bright graffiti designs by artist, Miss 163. EDT, £23, available nationwide.

Vera Wang

Queen of bridal gowns, it will be love at first sight when you meet Vera Wang's latest Lovestruck scent. The extravagant bouquet bottle design of Lovestruck Floral Rush is inspired by a purple couture gown. EDP, from £35, available at department stores (0800 083 6313).

Donna Karan

Celebrating multi-faceted women, Donna Karan collaborated with both a perfumer and famous architect to design Donna Karan Woman's arty curvaceous bottle. EDP, from £62, available exclusively at www.harrods.com.

LONDON

Tom Ford

Famed for his elegant, feminine silhouettes, the designer likens his latest Violet Blonde fragrance to "a beautifully dressed woman whose refined presence charms, then fascinates, and ultimately seduces you". EDP, from £48, available at Tom Ford counters nationwide (0870 034 2566).

Paul Smith

On home soil, Paul Smith is inspired by the English Rose for a romantic spring edition. His catwalk designs may be tomboyish but Paul Smith Rose is pretty in pink with a polka dot bottle design. EDT, £34, exclusively available at Debenhams.

Burberry

Marking Burberry Body's first anniversary, the British uber-brand has introduced Rose Gold for some birthday bling. Like a piece of jewellery, Burberry Body Rose Gold is encased in a multi-faceted lacquered bottle. EDP, from £55, available nationwide.

Vivienne Westwood

Just like the grand dame of fashion's catwalks, Vivienne Westwood's fragrances are playful, mischievous yet seductive. The bottle of Cheeky Alice resembles the flask of a magic potion, adorned with a heart bracelet in trademark Westwood red. Her scent sister, Flirty Alice, joins the line-up in April. EDT, from £32, available nationwide (0800 083 6316).

MILAN

Marni

Arriving fashionably late to the designer perfume party, Marni's signature fragrance flaunts a trademark eye-catching pattern. Marni pairs hot and cool spicy notes for a two-toned duality that works like a bold print. EDP, from £68, exclusively available at www.harrods.com.

Gucci

The design house does eveningwear like no other and the latest alluring fragrance follows suit. Gucci Guilty Black pour Femme is an intense oriental floral with red hot sensuality. EDT, from £40, exclusively available at Selfridges.

Prada

Few environments are more stressful than backstage at Fashion Week, which might be why Prada unleashed the calming Infusion d'Iris, inspired by a search for balance and harmony. The fresh scent is designed to be worn as a 'tender veil' for an aura of sophistication. EDP, from £35.70, available at www.feelunique.com.

Roberto Cavalli

Sexy and provocative, Cavalli's famous animal print signature has been incorporated into the Just Cavalli fragrance design. A pink python skin collar is playfully wrapped around the bottle stopper for a wild touch. EDT, from £30, available nationwide.

PARIS

Chanel

Like a little black dress, Coco Noir is magnetic and uncompromising. The fragrance notes are described like the black velvet of a famous Venetian craftsman who dyed his cloth in successive layers to bring radiance out of the darkness - think sandalwood, vetiver, frankincense, patchouli, vanilla, tonka bean and musk. EDP, from £75, available at Chanel counters nationwide.

Valentino

The fashion house's designs are ethereal and feminine and Valentino's latest scent is just as elegant. Valentina Acqua Floreale is a rosy-hued floral fragrance housed in a crystal bottle that's decorated with a delicate white flower embellished with leaves. EDT, from £50, available at Debenhams from February 18.

Yves Saint Laurent

A fragrance bottle that's sensuously silhouette-shaped, Manifesto's bottle is belted with an amethyst-coloured jewel. The bold accent is the same purple colour Yves Saint Laurent associates with passion and seduction. EDP, from £47, available at YSL counters nationwide.

Balenciaga

Florabotanica may be a floral fragrance but you wouldn't know it from the minimalist bottle. The highly graphic black and white stripes echo a Balenciaga design signature but the scent is deceptively romantic with accords of rose and carnation, described as enchanting and provocative. EDP, from £40, available nationwide (0800 652 1615).