Hope, is a fragrance launching in select Saks Fifth Avenue locations and online, that is a pure, fresh and uplifting scent for mind-body balance. But, there’s more to the refreshing fragrance, there’s a story and a reason. In 2015, over 16 million Americans said they suffered from depression. That’s a heavy statistic, but wait, there’s more. Depression affects 20 million adults in the United States each year; depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide; 50% of people do not respond to existing medications and the reasons behind depression is still unknown. Thankfully, the mental health stigma is fading and advancements are being made. Audrey Gruss, who founded Hope for Depression Research Foundation, launched Hope Fragrance in honor of her mother who suffered from chronic mental illness. “My mother loved white flowers and surrounded herself with them. The fragrance is so beautiful that it’s joyous, and lifts the senses.” Gruss described. The fragrance is so well designed and crafted it stands gracefully on its own, but it’s really about the message behind the bottle. “It represents a humanitarian effort to address this major worldwide issue. Depression is a serious medical illness. It does not discriminate, and affects every race, creed, gender, education and socioeconomic level.” It is a message in a bottle that beautifully articulates why mental health can no longer be hushed. Amazingly, every single dollar raised goes directly to Hope for Depression Research.