Marilyn Manson planning to launch perfume and cosmetics line

Flamboyant goth rock star Marilyn Manson says he is in final negotiations with a major cosmetics company to launch his own perfume brand, which he hopes to follow up with a cosmetics line.

The controversial star, who is known for his heavy make-up that helps to create an image that continues to influence a generation of angst-ridden teenagers, told Women's Wear Daily that following the launch of the fragrance, he his hoping that a full range, including lipsticks, powder and foundation will be launched.

If the negotiations are successful the launch is expected to take place by the end of the year, probably in key European and US markets.

Colour make-up has become a key part of Manson's image, featuring heavy mascara and heaps of foundation and powder to produce a look that has come to characterise the gothic image that many young adult aspire to.

In adopting this look, make-up has become a key part of being a loyal follower of both Manson and the gothic style. It is also a cross-gender phenomenom, with almost as many boys wearing make-up as girls.

Manson is hoping that by endorsing his own cosmetic line, it will make it easier for his fans to adopt his image, which often uses colours and shades that can otherwise be hard to get hold of.

An indication of what the cosmetic line is easy to gauge from Manson's image, but knowing what the fragrance will smell like is more difficult to tell. Either way, fashionists and fans alike are expecting something quite unique.

Manson, who considers his image to be an integral part of himself as both a music performer and artist, recently said at a John Gailiano fashion show that he had been "inspired by the Dali-Schiaparelli collaborations". This refers to the collaboration between the surrealist artist and the fashion designer during the 1930s and 40s, a move that linked art and fashion.

Manson's proposed move into the cosmetics and fragrance industry is part of a growing band of pop, movie and sports stars using their names to promote such products. Some of the biggest and most successful sponsorships in the past few years have included Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion.