The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Cat Deluxe With Kisses arrived in 2009 as the third chapter in Naomi Campbell's Cat Deluxe collection, following the original pink Cat Deluxe and its nocturnal counterpart, Cat Deluxe At Night. The bottle design made no secret of its intentions. Red lips printed across the glass. A red, fluffy pendant dangling from the neck. It looked like a love letter left somewhere visible, the kind of gesture that asks to be noticed. The fragrance opens with a bright, playful energy that feels both glamorous and approachable. Pink pepper and cardamom provide an immediate spark at the top, while clementine and red currant bring a tart berry brightness that feels like fruit at peak ripeness. The opening is lively and confident, setting a tone that feels fun and flirtatious without being aggressive.
What makes this composition interesting is its structural arc. The opening features eight ingredients, ranging from pink pepper to red currant. Each note contributes to a layered brightness that feels intentional and crafted rather than accidental. Citrus and berries arrive simultaneously rather than sequentially, creating a confetti-like effect that keeps the top lively and energetic. The cardamom-pink pepper pairing adds a spice that cuts through the sweetness before it can settle, giving the opening a crispness that prevents it from becoming overly soft.
The evolution
The opening hits fast, pink pepper and cardamom create an immediate spark while clementine and the berry cluster arrive bright and tart, like fruit at the peak of ripeness. The florals build gradually, rose and jasmine layering without competing directly. Peony adds a soft plush underneath, creating depth in the heart of the composition. As the fragrance develops, vanilla and tonka come to the forefront in the base, sweet without being syrupy, warm without heaviness. The vetiver keeps it grounded, a dry thread that prevents the composition from going fully gourmand. A whisper of incense appears as the base settles, lending a hint of complexity that rewards close attention. Moderate sillage throughout. The wearer will notice the fragrance on themselves, and those in close proximity may catch a pleasant trace.
Cultural impact
Cat Deluxe With Kisses landed in 2009 as the third Cat Deluxe edition, following the daytime and evening variants. The red-lips bottle design and the kisses motif bring a playful energy to the collection. The fragrance itself opens with a bright, fruity sparkle from pink pepper and red currant, transitioning into a soft floral heart before settling into a warm base of vanilla and tonka. This composition offers an approachable sweetness that many find appealing, with moderate sillage and a wearability that makes it suitable for everyday enjoyment.
