What makes a fragrance iconic? It's something master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, perfume creation director at Christian Dior Parfums, has thought about a lot. When he posed the same question to a contemporary art advisor friend of his, her answer stuck with him.
'When she looks at a piece of art, she's checking two things. The first thing she's checking is, is there somewhere, even hidden, a kind of a classical anchorage or point? And then she checks if there is something very contemporary, almost avant-garde-ish. And, of course, you have to evoke an emotion. The combination of classicism and avant-garde mixed with something that brings a new emotion is the mark of possible timelessness.' The same thing, he says, applies to fragrance.
According to Christine Nagel, in-house perfumer for Hermès, fragrance has taken on new meaning post-Covid. 'We're living in an unusual time,' she says. "The global pandemic made us realise that we lost the pleasure of life -- that included the sense of smell. Now, it's more meaningful when you leave a trail of perfume behind you.'
Scents of the season
▶ Guess Bella Vita Rosa
Playful and carefree, this fruity floral is for the woman who 'sees life through rose-coloured glasses', says perfumer Gabriela Chelariu. It opens with notes of sparkling Italian lemon, juicy cassis and quince; has a lush floral heart composed of jasmine, magnolia blossom and cypress; and leaves a lingering trail of moss, sandalwood and musk. R1 199 for 100 ml EDT
▶ Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Paris
Denne historien er fra September/October 2022-utgaven av Fairlady.
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Denne historien er fra September/October 2022-utgaven av Fairlady.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
