Avon calls on singer Fergie for new fragrance

CHICAGO, Oct 16 (Reuters Life!) - Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie is working with Avon Products Inc to develop a perfume that will debut next year.

The singer will be "intimately involved" in developing the fragrance, packaging, name and campaign, according to Avon, the world's largest direct seller of cosmetics.

The perfume will be sold outside of the United States in August 2010, and three months later in the United States in time for the holiday season.

Fergie's partnership with the company will kick off this month, when she performs at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Gala Event in New York on Oct. 27.

Avon has previously launched fragrances with other actresses and celebrities, including Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey, Courteney Cox and Derek Jeter.

In addition to her work with The Black Eyed Peas, Fergie also released a solo album, "The Dutchess," in 2006. The Black Eyed Peas most recent hits included "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling." One of Fergie's biggest solo songs is "Big Girls Don't Cry."

Fergie, 34, will also appear in the movie "Nine" later this year. The singer, whose real name is Stacy Ferguson, married actor Josh Duhamel in January. (Reporting by Jessica Wohl; editing by Patricia Reaney)