FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Janet Westling, 904-285-5800
May 18, 2011

FRAGRANCES OF FLORIDA UNVEILS NEW FRAGRANCE

AT FIRST LADY’S LUNCHEON IN WASHINGTON D.C.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL—The heady aroma of orange blossoms, jasmine and sea breezes has long captured the hearts of Florida visitors and inspired their return. On Wednesday, May 18, First Lady Michelle Obama and 2,000 guests at the annual First Lady’s Luncheon at the Washington Hilton Hotel took the scent of Florida home with them in a bottle.
Fragrances of Florida creator Janet Westling of Ponte Vedra Beach was asked to design a new perfume exclusively for the annual spring event that has honored First Ladies since 1912. Pat Mica, wife of Florida congressman John Mica, chaired the 2011 luncheon, “Preserving Our Arts And Culture,” honoring Michelle Obama. The luncheon is coordinated by the Congressional Club, a non-partisan group that promotes friendship among spouses of House, Senate, Cabinet members and Supreme Court Justices. Today the purpose of the First Lady’s Luncheon is more relevant than ever.

 “How forward thinking that the Congressional spouses at the turn of the century thought this would be a bridge to better relations,” Westling said. “This timeless tradition has exceeded their expectations, and it was an amazing experience to participate in this event in such a special way. Designing a fragrance for the First Lady was indeed an honor.”

Gloria Estefan was the featured entertainer. The Florida theme was carried out with beautiful Lily Putlizer tablecloths , and flower arrangements adorned with shells. La Florida perfume joined a prestigious line-up of gifts for luncheon guests that included a Lilly Pulitzer tote bag. Five years ago Ralph Lauren donated a perfume to the luncheon

 La Florida is the third scent in the Fragrances of Florida collection that also includes Ponte Vedra the Fragrance and Pomelo, a citrus scent designed for St. Augustine. La Florida evokes the essence of the Sunshine State. When Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon landed on its shores, he was so impressed with the abundance of flowers, he named his discovery La Florida, which is the Spanish term for flowers.

Fragrances of Florida perfumes - are available on line at www.fragrancesofflorida.com, and at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, the Sawgrass Marriott, the Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach, and the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island

For more information, e-mail  janet@fragrancesofflorida.com. Or visit our  website www.fragrancesofflorida.com.