Becoming ‘Amy’: Emily Abela Dives into Perfume for Iconic Transformation

Emily Abela, the talented actress known for her role in the series Industry, has undergone a remarkable transformation to portray the iconic singer Amy Winehouse in the upcoming movie Valerie.

Sam Taylor Johnson, the director of Valerie, provided a first look at Abela’s stunning adaptation of Winehouse, which includes the singer’s distinctive piercings, tattoos, and bold makeup.

Abela recently shared on The Jonathan Ross Show that she delved into the world of perfume to fully immerse herself in the character of Winehouse.

During her appearance, Abela mentioned her preference for using perfumes to create a sensory distinction between herself and the characters she plays.

She spoke about having a specific ‘Amy perfume’ that helped her step into Winehouse’s persona and then washing it off when not on set.

Kirsten Dunst, another actress on the show, also endorsed the use of fragrance for transitioning between real life and acting roles.

Abela revealed that the key perfume she used was a blend of strong scents from Thierry Mugler‘s Alien and the classic fragrance Chanel No. 5.

The unique combination of Alien’s notes, which include cashmeran wood, white amber, and jasmine sambac, helped Abela capture the essence of the era when Winehouse was a dominant figure in the music industry.

Alien by Thierry Mugler, a beloved fragrance since its launch in 2005, has garnered a large following for its warm and floral accords.

In discussing her use of Alien during the filming of Black To Black, Abela described how the scent influenced her portrayal of Amy Winehouse and set the mood for her transformation.

Emily Abela’s intimate relationship with perfume as a tool for character immersion sheds light on the intricate details actors employ to bring their roles to life, showcasing the complexity of the acting process.