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American business mogul Paris Hilton touched down in the kingdom last week dressed to impress and ready to mingle with her adoring fans whilst unveiling her new scent as part of her world tour.
The 37-year-old TV personality and celebutante was delighted to present her 24th perfume Platinum Rush in co-operation with Al Hawaj Group.
The blonde bombshell was scheduled to meet with members of the media at a glamorous press conference at The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay at 1pm before making an appearance at Al Hawaj’s pavilion in Jewellery Arabia at 4.30pm followed by a launch at the Group’s store in City Centre Bahrain at 5.30pm to pose for pictures with her fragrance followers.
News of her arrival to Bahrain spread like wild fire with people being star-struck and preparing days in advance for the mega event…an occasion that has not harnessed this much anticipation since reality TV star Kim Kardashian visited the kingdom to launch her milkshake.
The excitement even trickled onto members of the media who all arrived early to the conference, and armed with questions, to get a glimpse of the golden goddess in all her glory as she showcased her the third scent in her Rush collection following her Gold and Rosé aromas.
As journalists awaited her arrival, they admired her stage that sparkled and shined like her perfume bottle packaging which is in the form of a strapless shimmery gown evoking her signature feminine silhouette …and apparently Paris does have a dress just like that. Beautifully printed pictures of Paris from her modelling days were showcased on stage while a bowl of mangos and fruits were placed nearby a powder white chaise lounge where she will be seated to answer questions.
Within minutes though, word came that the celebrity DJ would not be landing until 1.15pm as she switched flights in Dubai where she was also launching her perfume. The reporters shrugged off the delay as many expected it from a star and attended an early lunch instead. They were assured that the conference would continue within a couple of hours from her arrival, after she had freshened up, styled her hair and put on her makeup.
The lunch was of course undeniably delicious and within an hour everyone was back in their seats ready to fire out some questions at the hotel heiress.
As Paris had her make-up done by talented Bahraini artist Masooma Jaleel and her pretty mane was tamed by Bahraini Waheeda, journalists continued waiting on. Her debut at Jewellery Arabia began to creep up and many scoffed that she wouldn’t make it as she has yet to sit for her question and answer session.
That event passed, the sun had set and her next appearance for 5.30pm at the mall was in question. Hats off to the Al Hawaj management who kept people entertained and smiling throughout the delay.
Around 5.20pm, Paris appeared glistening in a golden and platinum dress like the million bucks that she is. And while some journalists may have felt her delay as ‘diva-esque’, all that negativity went straight out the window as soon as she spoke. She was friendly, elegant and endearing.
Photographers swiftly began snapping pictures of Paris as journalists put up their camera phones to capture their own footage to share on social media accounts. After the manic moment settled, Paris, who has been in the fragrance business for more than 15 years and describes herself as a perfume professional guru, said: “I have smelled every single note and scent and always did so much research when I was coming up with a new fragrance.”
She had launched her first fragrance in 2004, named after herself, of course, and its success increased business for her production firm Parlux Fragrances by more than 40 per cent.
“When I was a little girl, I always had a dream to have one perfume and now to be releasing my 24th is a dream come true,” Paris added. “I was involved 100 per cent of the way with coming up with the name with my team, designing the bottle, picking up the scent and the packaging and what the entire photo-shoot would be like.
“A lot of work goes into it and I always like making new scents. This new perfume is like nothing I have ever smelled before. It’s so exotic and beautiful and makes you feel so confident every time you wear it and that’s just what I really like to do with all my perfumes.
“I thought platinum because I love silver, glitter and sparkles and things that are dazzling and beautiful and it really fit with the smell of the fragrance.”
The perfume was created in collaboration with Firmenich perfumer Frank Voelkl and it is said to offer a floral-fruity scent emanating the fragrances of Asian pear, ripened red apple and fresh mango – which explained the mixed fruit bowl placed beside her – along with wet green florals mixed with the odours of muguet and magnolia. The product also offers a fragrance of cashmere musk’s, sheer patchouli, liquid amber and vanilla bourbon.
The sweet, fruity scent will not be the last for Paris as she has a few more fragrances lined up for the future.
“We have a few more in the making right now,” she added. “I already have the names picked out, the bottles are designed and the scents are picked out too. We are waiting to release them which will be very soon. It’s exciting.”
Before setting off to City Centre Bahrain with Al Hawaj management and an entourage, she posed for pictures and ‘selfies’ with guests.
Although she missed her original evening deadline, it worked out best for her fans as it gave them more time to pile into the mall.
Hundreds of fanatics flocked to the outlet with many barricaded behind red tape. Security was on high alert and only allowed a certain amount of people through at a time to ensure Paris’s safety. Although that didn’t stop many from rushing the stage and swarming the great granddaughter of Conrad Hilton who is the founder of Hilton Hotels.
Fans were asked to back up by management and once lines were orderly formed the picture taking and autograph signing continued.
Zaara Khan, 31, who works with NYX Cosmetics at the mall and lives in Hoora, waited around two hours for a selfie. She said: “It was incredible meeting her. I love her perfumes and her bags. She complimented my make-up and asked about my eye shadow. When she did that, she melted my heart and made my day.”
She also put smiles on the faces of friends Alya ElMahdy, 15, a student at the International French School of Bahrain, Nadeem Ben Khadra, 17, a St Christopher’s School student and Nada Aboukoura, 17, who studies at Ibn Khuldoon National School.
Nadeem, who lives in Saar, said: “She kissed me on both cheeks and I was like woah! I didn’t expect it. I had been waiting since 4pm and it was totally worth it.”
Alya, who lives in Amwaj Islands and is an aspiring actress and singer, said: “I admire everything about her. I love her legacy and that she uses her fame for good. When we met her, the three of us were star struck! I freaked out and had like a panic attack. Paris is really sweet and is exactly how I thought she would be!” Nada, from Jid Hafs, agreed, adding: “I had never met a famous person before and the whole experience was really hectic but Paris was super sweet.”
Perhaps the sweetest thing though was when five-year-old Al Rawabi Private School student Lauren Shahine presented Paris a pink rose to show her love for the actress and singer. Her mum Lara, 28, who took her and her two-year-old sister Leah from their Seef home, said: “Lauren has been excited ever since she found out and insisted on buying her a rose to give her. I love Paris but Lauren is a true fan. She thinks she is beautiful, smart and loves her style.”
Before leaving the premises to stop over at Jewellery Arabia, Paris was given a gift from the company of a horse figurine. She quickly expressed her admiration of the equine world and her love of Al Hawaj.
She had also shared earlier that day she loves mangos and you can smell those notes in her perfume which can be snapped up from the group’s outlets and distributors across the kingdom for BD26 for 100ml or BD13.9 for 30ml.
Experience the launch by clicking the following link:
