Sean "Diddy" Combs Unforgivable Top Selling Fragrance of 2006

For the first time in the last decade, a men’s fragrance took the top spot as the number one new launch for all fragrances for 2006.

According to leading consumer and retail information provider The NPD Group, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Unforgivable scent rocketed to the top, focusing attention on the men’s fragrance category.

According to industry sources, Unforgivable, generated about $80 million in retail sales last year.

“The success of Unforgivable speaks to a growing trend toward Men’s fragrance. Most people don’t realize the growing ascent of men’s fragrance in prestige. In 2006, a men’s scent was actually the top selling prestige fragrance for 9 out of 12 months,” said Karen Grant, senior beauty industry analyst, The NPD Group. “This appears to be a more recent trend, picking up momentum each year. For example, if you look back to 2003, there was only one month when a men’s fragrance was the number one seller. By 2005, a men’s fragrance was number one 5 months out of 12,” said Grant.

Top 5 New Fragrance Launches 2006

1. Unforgivable
2. Vera Wang Princess
3. Juicy Couture
4. Euphoria Men
5. Polo Double Black

*Ranked on first full month of sales plus December sale
Source: The NPD Group