Try Me: Tommy Girl from pounds 25

Last September during London Fashion Week fashion press and buyers watched a show by American sportswear designer Tommy Hilfiger. Half the clothes were for men, the other half for women and girls.

The female models, including Kate Moss, Kiara and Kirsty Hume danced down the catwalk, flirted with the boys and gyrated sexily with other models, one even mimed to a rap song. Their display was, in retrospect, an accurate reflection of the "Tommy Girl" philosophy: Hilfiger describes her as "independent, secure and fun as well as being sexy, honest and real. She knows no limits." And to complete his lifestyle package, Hilfiger has created a perfume called Tommy Girl, which was launched here last week.

It is another of those fairly androgynous scents that has just enough light floral notes to make it a female fragrance. The overall impression is fresh and sporty, and a spray around the office inspired plenty of comments, ranging from "it makes my nose itch", to "hmm, what's that gorgeous smell?" The actual fragrance is inspired by wildflowers gathered from the American landscape and contains apple blossom, blackcurrant flowers, tangerine, Cherokee rose, lily, sandalwood, heather and even a touch of spearmint. At first it's quite strong, but after an hour or so it lightens up considerably; the lily, apple blossom and sandalwood blend really well, and the perfume wafts rather than whiffs.

The packaging is simple; a clear glass container reminiscent of a 19th- century apothecary bottle, with a silver top. It has been available in the US for a year, and has remained in the bestseller list, where it currently sits at number three.

Next month Tommy Hilfiger will begin a series of events both to launch his new London store and to promote Tommy Girl. Curiously, Hilfiger has appointed a real life Tommy Girl - Sheryl Crow, who will endorse the scent while she toursn

Melanie Rickey

Tommy Girl, pounds 36 for 100ml cologne; pounds 25 for 50ml cologne, is available exclusively from Selfridges until 30 August, then nationwide from Boots and all good chemists.

We have a 50ml bottle of perfume and an `It's a Girl' T-shirt to give away to the first 15 readers who reply on a postcard to Independent/Tommy Girl Offer, Fashion Department, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL.