Edgars Club Fragrance Supplement

club fragrance

PERFECT SCENTS

Your guide to the wonderful world of fragrance

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Š2012 EA Fragrances Co. Viva la Juicy is a trademark owned by Juicy Couture, Inc. and is used under license.

welcome fragrance

It was serendipitous that in the middle of compiling a fragrance guide I found myself in Paris, the birthplace of modern perfumery. As I walked the cobbled streets it dawned on me that many of the iconic fragrances we know today owe their existence to perfumers who cultivated their noses in schools in France, such as Jacques Polge, Chanel’s head perfumer (who created Allure and the newest Coco Noir) as well as Jean-Claude Ellena, master perfumer at Hermès.

With an avalanche of fragrances launching every year, walking through Paris reinstated my appreciation of this ancient art. It made me think about how scent and memory are intrinsically linked; how one sniff of a new or classic creation can charm us for reasons we may (or may not) recall.

This guide will give you a taste of what’s to come in the world of fragrance while also paying homage to beloved classics that have stood the test of time. Enjoy!

– Lameez Hendricks, Edgars Club beauty editor

CHANEL

SCENT AWAY

GROUP EDITOR: JUSTINE STAFFORD GROUP ART DIRECTOR: STACEY HENDRIKSE SUPPLEMENT EDITOR: JULIA FRASER MANAGING EDITOR: DELICIA KRAUSE BEAUTY EDITOR: LAMEEZ HENDRICKS BEAUTY ASSISTANT: DEEVYA VASSON SUB EDITOR: NICOLA-JANE FORD GROUP ACCOUNT DIRECTOR: SAM STEVENS ACCOUNT MANAGER: AMY MOONSAMY ADVERTISING DIRECTOR (JHB): MOYRA BEEMING 082 375 4446 ADVERTISING MANAGER (CPT): ESTELLE DIETRICH 073 224 4996 CONTRIBUTORS: STILLS PHOTOGRAPHY: SÉBASTIEN ROHNER WRITERS: TABITHA LASLEY, ELSA KRUGER STOCK IMAGES: GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES FOR EDGARS: CRM MARKETING MANAGER: CAMERON BURT PUBLICATIONS MANAGER: SUMEERA DAWOOD PUBLISHER: JOHN BROWN MEDIA, SOUTH AFRICA John Brown Media SA, 2nd Floor, Block A, North Side, Black River Park, Fir Street, Observatory 7925 | PostNet Suite #2, Private Bag X11, Mowbray 7705 | EMAIL: edgarsclub@johnbrownmedia.com |TEL: 021 486 7600 FAX: 021 486 7614

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fragrance news LADY GAGA’S FAME

A number of parallels have been drawn between their careers yet their new fragrances are worlds apart. Madonna’s Truth or Dare is feminine with floral notes of tuberose and gardenia while Gaga’s Fame is fruity with base notes of ginger and spice.

What’s more, their fragrance debuts couldn’t have been more different: Madonna posed demurely on the black carpet at Macy’s in NYC and Lady Gaga, in true exhibitionist style, had a tattoo inked into her freshly shaved head in front of a live audience.

Lady Gaga Fame EDP (50ml), R495; Madonna Truth or Dare EDP (50ml), R460

VS. MADONNA’S TRUTH OR DARE

FLEUR DE FORCE

MUSK-HAVE

Kiehl’s Original Musk Oil (originally called ‘Love Oil’), was first blended by the NYbased company in the 1920s.

This much-adored unisex fragrance has warm, gentle floral notes with a hint of (synthetic) musk. A tiny bit goes a very long way. Kiehl’s Original Musk Blend Nº1 EDT (50ml), R480

TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT

EXCLUSIVE

TO EDGARS Roberto Cavalli’s new fragrance for women is as sassy as its muse, model and actress Elisa Sednaoui. “When I made the fragrance, I asked myself the same questions I do when I create a collection: ‘How do I make it more sexy? Feminine? Glamorous and romantic? It’s special and unusual,” says Cavalli about this intense floral fragrance. Roberto Cavalli EDP (50ml), R725

COVER MAN

Described by Coco Chanel as “a woman’s perfume, with the scent of a woman”, Chanel N°5 has a new face. Brad Pitt is the latest in a long line of film stars including Catherine Deneuve and Nicole Kidman chosen to promote Chanel’s signature fragrance.

Using Brad may be a marketing ploy to lure us in, but we don’t mind. Chanel N°5 EDP (50ml), R920

Inspired by the timeless LBD (little black dress), Boss Nuit Pour Femme by Hugo Boss is a modern floral scent with notes of jasmine, violet and sandalwood. “It’s the perfect night-time perfume because it’s alluring but very elegant at the same time,” says actress Gwyneth Paltrow, the face of the campaign. Boss Nuit EDP (50ml), R740

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EXCLUSIVE

TO EDGARS

THE JUICE

Juicy Couture Body Sorbet is a smoothing body lotion containing skin-toning cocoa extract, with electrolytes and a dose of vitamin C. Layer it on and finish with a spritz of the matching perfume for added staying power.

Juicy Couture Body Sorbet, R395

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CALL OF THE WILD

Gaultier’s latest male fragrance, aptly described as a ‘powerful and explosive aphrodisiac emphasising woody and cocoa notes’, is named after the cry of a rooster. Kokorico struts its stuff in a striking bottle that’s as unique and fabulous as the designer himself.

Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico EDT (50ml), R595

OUT TO LAUNCH

We’re loving Mont Blanc’s Legend Pour Femme, a musky, woody pink juice with exotic floral notes bottled in a stylish crystal flacon.

Mont Blanc’s Legend Pour Femme EDP (75ml), R795

EXCLUSIVE

TO EDGARS

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If you were around in the 1990s, chances are you’re familiar with this floral scent with its distinctive notes of lotus, freesia and melon.

Ideal for a summer’s day, L’Eau d’Issey is a timeless, long-wearing fragrance, created in 1992 by Jacques Cavallier.

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey EDT (75ml), R715

GOOD GOSH!

Gosh in the Box for Women is a blend of sweet fruit, white flower and oriental wood.

Passionate and sensual, it’s for women who aren’t afraid of anything. Gosh in the Box EDP (60ml), R195

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fragrance favourites

HEAVENLY SCENTS ALL-TIME FAVOURITES FOR ALL SEASONS

EXCLUSIVE

TO EDGARS

CHLOÉ EAU DE PARFUM This crisp, soothing floral with notes of magnolia, rose and cedar is both invigorating and sophisticated.

Chloé Eau de Parfum (50ml), R840

BVLGARI ROSE ESSENTIELLE Beautiful and versatile, this distinctive powdery floral is enhanced with rose, violet, jasmine and patchouli. The essence of elegance.

Bulgari Rose Essentielle Eau de Parfum (50ml), R920

DOLCE & GABBANA LIGHT BLUE A musky citrus zested up with cedarwood for a delicate spiciness, with juicy apple and hints of jasmine and rose.

Summer in a bottle!

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette (50ml), R715

DIOR HYPNOTIC POISON Launched in 1998, this stunning oriental fragrance with hints of vanilla, jasmine and spice remains a muchloved classic. Sultry, sexy and utterly unforgettable.

Dior Hypnotic Poison Eau de Parfum (100ml), R1 265

CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE Captivating and intense, Mademoiselle is a long-wearing floral chypre (think oakmoss and musk) with heady notes of orange blossom, bergamot, and mandarin.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum (50ml), R920

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celeb faves fragrance

STAR SCENTS THE PERFUMES THAT MAKE THEM SWOON

SELENA GOMEZ “I absolutely worship Marc Jacobs and his clothes, and wear Daisy

by Marc Jacobs on a day-to-day basis.”

Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT (50ml), R785

KATY PERRY “I like Angel by Thierry Mugler because it’s not age-specific. I can wear it now at 28 and wear it again at 65.”

Thierry Mugler Angel Aqua Chic Limited Edition EDT (50ml), R675

KIM KARDASHIAN “I usually stick to the same fragrance. My all-time everyday scent is Michael by Michael Kors. I just love it.”

Michael Kors Michael EDP (50ml), R855

MARY-KATE OLSEN “I really love Tom Ford’s Black Orchid.

It has perfect hints of sandalwood and patchouli.”

Tom Ford Black Orchid EDP (50ml), R975

HAYDEN PANETTIERE “Burberry London is my absolute go-to scent. I wear it every day. It has a subtle, pretty spiciness.”

Burberry London EDP (50ml), R740

VANESSA MINNILLO “When I was in the eighth grade I worked in an insurance office.

The secretary bought me a bottle of Estée Lauder Pleasures and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”

Estée Lauder Pleasures EDP (50ml), R750

DIANA ROSS “I love Amarige by Givenchy. It’s a classic that always reminds me of the precious moments in life.”

Givenchy Amarige EDT (50ml), R790

VICTORIA BECKHAM “I like Jo Malone’s grapefruit scents though I have to say, nothing looks better in the bathroom than a bottle of Chanel Nº5 – for me, that really is the ultimate fragrance.”

Chanel Nº5 EDP (50ml), R920

ALICIA KEYS “I’m not really a ‘one fragrance’ kind of girl but I’m a huge fan of Bulgari. They make magical scents and if I had to pick a favourite it would be Bulgari Jasmin Noir.”

Bulgari Jasmin Noir EDP (50ml), R900

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THE SCENT A-Z

AC

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF FRAGRANCE

AMBER, a fragrant blend of resins

BLOGGERS

The days of wading aimlessly through clouds of fragrance in your local department store are over, thanks to the expert voices in the blogosphere who share their straightforward reviews and tutorials online. Our go-to fragrance blogs are fragrancesoftheworld.com, basenotes.net and fragrantica.com.

TAYLOR SWIFT

B

such as benzoin, labdanum and vanilla, is traditional to the Middle East and shouldn’t be confused with the decorative fossil.

Originally created as a mood-enhancing formula by an Ayurvedic physician, it quickly found its way into popular use as a natural perfume.

Chanel Allure EDT (100ml), R940

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CELEBRITY

The celebrity fragrance trend famously kicked off with Elizabeth Taylor’s Passion in 1987 and since then many have both come and gone.

The appeal? “I share personal experiences through my music, and my fragrance lets me share these experiences with my fans in a different way,” says singer Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift Wonderstruck EDP (100ml), R495

DRYDOWN refers to the final settling stage of a fragrance on your skin, revealing the long-lasting base notes of the perfume as the top and heart notes fade.

E

EDP VS. EDT These acronyms

refer to the strength of a fragrance. Eau de parfum (EDP) has a higher concentration of perfume oil dissolved in alcohol or water, and should last up to five hours. Eau de toilette (EDT) has a lower concentration of perfume oil and is perfect for everyday use.

Jimmy Choo EDP (60ml), R695; Guess Seductive Sunkissed EDT (50ml), R575

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PETER SOM

F

G

A-Z fragrance

GREEN is the word used to describe the perfume category that is characterised by the smell of leaves, herbs and freshly mown grass. Sporty and modern, ‘green’ fragrances will appeal to those who like a light, fresh scent.

FLORAL is the best-selling

perfumery category. Usually sweet and romantic, a ‘floral’ perfume is made from a combination of extracts of several flowers. When only one type of flower is used, the fragrance is referred to as a ‘soliflore’. Escada Especially Delicate Notes EDT (50ml), R645; Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty EDT (100ml), R975

I L K

INNOVATIVE DESIGN

Since ancient times, bottle design has been an art form and as much thought is put into the design of the bottle as the creation of the scent. We love Polish sculptor Bronislaw Krzysztof’s decadent design for Sisley Eau de Soir EDP (50ml), R1 397 (exclusive to Edgars), especially the coveted matte gold stopper.

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HOW TO BUY “When shopping for a new fragrance, try no more than three fragrances at a time to avoid fatiguing your senses.

Always wear them on your skin before purchasing. Your skin will influence the rendition of the scent and you need to see if it fits with your personality and chemistry,” says Trudi Loren of Estée Lauder.

J

JULIA ROBERTS

The Oscar-winning actress has been a global ambassador for Lancôme since 2010 and is the face of the brand’s new fragrance, La Vie Est Belle. La Vie Est Belle EDP (50ml), R840

KEEP It’s tempting to show off your collection of gorgeous bottles on your dressing table but perfume doesn’t like sunlight, heat or humidity. Prolong the life of your fragrances by storing them in a cool, dry cupboard.

LAYERING

a scent gives it staying power. Select different products from the same fragrance range, such as a shower gel and body oil, and use them along with a final spritz of fragrance for long-lasting impact.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Body Oil (50ml), R1 800

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fragrance A-Z

MN MUSK Sensual musk is used as

a base note and fixative in many perfumes. Originally derived from the male musk deer, perfumers now use synthetic musk, which is more ethical and less expensive to produce. Narciso Rodriguez for Her EDP (50ml), R1 025

NAPE The nape of the neck is a good place to spray

perfume, as the skin isn’t exposed to sunlight, which can cause pigmentation. Pulse points such as wrists, inner elbows and even in the crease behind the knees are other areas where you should be concentrating your fragrance on. “I’m a big advocate of wearing scent in your hair, especially in summer. Hair is porous so it holds on to the scent longer, and you will have continuous wafts of scent throughout the day as your hair moves,” says Estée Lauder’s Trudi Loren.

O P R S ORIENTAL Associated with exotic florals and spices, this fragrance category draws its richness from substances such as musk and precious woods. A notable member of this family is Opium, a timeless classic. Opium by Yves Saint Laurent EDP (50ml), R995

RALPH LAUREN Their Big Pony collection for women comprises four long-lasting fragrances which represent different facets of women – free-spirited, sporty, stylish and seductive. Ralph Lauren Big Pony EDT (100ml), R749

Q

PERFUMER A perfumer, or a ‘nose’, is able to select and arrange a wide variety of aromatic bases and essential oils in an alluring, marketable way.

The skill is usually passed down in families or learned via apprenticeship.

Jacques Guerlain (left), created some of the world’s most loved fragrances including Shalimar and Mitsouko.

QUINTESSENTIAL No fragrance smells exactly the same on everyone. Compounds in a perfume react with your skin and its unique chemistry, creating your very own scent ‘print’.

SPORT scents are usually lighter versions of an original, making them a great match for active, adrenaline-seeking guys.

Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Sport EDT (50ml), R595; Carolina Herrera CH Men Sport EDT (100ml), R710

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U

T

TUBEROSE Strong,

sweet and intoxicating, tuberose is a beautiful nightblooming flower with a heady, almost jasmine-like scent.

It is used extensively as a heart note in perfumery.

W

WOODY

refers to a family of fragrances based on sandalwood, patchouli, cedarwood, pine and other woods. Often used as middle notes, woody tones can be warm (like sandalwood and patchouli) or dry, such as cedar and pine.

Y

YEAR 2013

A new year brings new fragrance launches and we can’t wait to try out Giorgio Armani’s new fragrances for men, Giorgio Armani Eau Pour Homme and Eau Des Nuit. Rumour has it that Mr Armani himself is the face of the new campaign.

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DOLCE & GABBANA

V

VANILLA Calming and restorative, vanilla rose to prominence in the 1990s and has become a popular note in many perfumes.

Madagascan vanilla is thought to be the best in the world. Revlon Pink Happiness EDT (50ml), R249.95

UNISEX fragrances

X

are not a new phenomenon; before 1918, perfumes were formulated with both sexes in mind. These days they’re a fun way to indulge in androgyny. We love Aramis Calligraphy, an intense oriental with notes of cardamom, cinnamon, lemon, rose and patchouli – delicious on both men and women. Aramis Calligraphy EDT (50ml), R895

XMAS Purchasing a fragrance as a gift need

Z

not turn into a nightmare. Find out what kind of perfumes the recipient likes to wear and ask an Edgars consultant to help you select another scent from the same fragrance family.

ZESTY Perfect for hot summer days, citrus scents usually include extracts of lemon, lime, mandarin or grapefruit.

Boss Orange by Hugo Boss EDT (50ml), R635

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PETAL PUSHERS ELSA KRUGER EXPLAINS THE APPEAL OF THE EXCLUSIVE FRAGRANCE COLLECTIONS AVAILABLE AT SELECT EDGARS STORES

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f you’re a fragrance fundi, you may have noticed a recent phenomenon on the scent shelves: exclusive, superexpensive fragrance collections. So what’s the deal with these ranges, often presented in almost austere, old-fashioned, apothecary-style bottles? According to Sylvaine Delacourte, Guerlain’s fragrance evaluation and development manager, rare fragrance collections are the very essence of luxury and sophistication which is what discerning customers are craving.

Exclusive perfume collections have a story and a past, reaching back over a hundred years, making them even more desirable and romantic.

Perfumers are delving deep into the archives of their brands for timeless magic and aristocratic tradition, hoping to seduce a new generation of fragrance devotees who will cherish the intriguing past of these opulent scents. “For lovers of rarity, the quest for perfection never ends,” says Delacourte.

Another distinctive feature of these collections is that they are generally unisex, formulated from single or blended notes of wood, iris, frankincense, myrrh, patchouli or vetiver. These scents are not intended for shrinking violets – you will be noticed.

So why not embark on an olfactory adventure and explore the exclusive fragrance collections the next time you wander around the perfume aisles at Edgars? You may be in for an unprecedented fragrance journey.

LANCÔME

Lancôme recently launched Maison Lancôme, its über-exclusive trio of haute perfumerie essences. They pay homage to the company’s 76-year-old legacy and revive some of its forgotten fragrances, such as 1001 Roses and Balafre. Available at Edgars Sandton and Edgars V&A.

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exclusives fragrance GUERLAIN

Guerlain is the leader in the genre of collectors’ perfumes, with its extensive Les Exclusives collection (available at Edgars Sandton). The four unique collections each have a story that wraps you in a fragrant universe of magic and mystery.

HERMÈS

“The appeal of their exclusive fragrances lies in the history of Hermès,” says SA spokesperson Judy Leo. The story begins in 1837, when saddle-maker Thierry Hermès, opened his workshop in Paris. Along with coveted leather goods, perfume has been established as one of the splendid crafts of Hermès. Five fragrances from the Parfums Classique collection are now available at Edgars Sandton.

CHANEL

Chanel’s Les Exclusives de Chanel collection (available at Edgars Sandton and Edgars V&A), features 13 different fragrances. They’re all designed for men and women, and are reminiscent of the rich history of the iconic French fashion house.

DIOR

Created by perfumer François Demachy, Dior’s La Collection takes one on a journey to the places most dear to Christian Dior. It features 12 hand-made fragrances and is exclusive to Edgars Melrose Arch and Edgars V&A.

SISLEY

To create the Eau de Sisley EDT Natural Spray collection, founders Hubert and Isabelle d’Ornano chose the best essences from the best sources; including citrus from Italy and patchouli from Indonesia.

Numbered individually, Eau de Sisley 1 to 3 are available at Edgars Sandton and Edgars V&A.

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fragrance scentscapes

DESTINATION:

PERFUME, LIKE TRAVEL, BROADENS THE MIND. HERE ARE OUR

SEASIDE

‘Beachy’ scents have become a niche fragrance category all of their own. Evoking the memory of sun, sea, fresh air and all of the joy and relaxation of beach life, this fragrance family is characterised

by delicious aquatic notes, hints of coconut and heady tropical florals.

Blending bold citrus with floral and musky notes, these scents are perfect for a tropical vacation – or the next best thing, at least.

FROM LEFT 1 Jennifer Aniston EDP (80ml), R795 2 Thierry Mugler Angel Aqua Chic Limited Edition EDT (50ml), R675 3 Bulgari Aqua Pour Homme EDT (100ml), R895 4 Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia EDP (100ml), R799 5 Dolce & Gabbana The One Sport EDT (100ml), R885

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TO

FRAGRANCE

TOP TRAVEL SCENTS TO TAKE YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO GO

EXOTIC

As mysterious and intoxicating as Morocco itself, exotic or oriental fragrances are sensual and best worn by bold, sophisticated femme (or homme) fatales. Their bouquet includes ingredients such as musk,

amber, exotic resins and woods, which are often blended with aromatic flowers and spices. No need for a boarding pass; a spritz of one of these fragrances will spirit you away to far-flung destinations.

FROM LEFT 1 Narciso Rodriguez for Her EDP (100ml), R1 290 2 Dior Fahrenheit Cologne (100ml), R875 3 Aramis Classic EDT (100ml), R750 4 Calvin Klein Euphoria EDP (100ml), R1 040 5 Clinique Aromatics Elixir EDP (45ml), R700

EXCLUSIVE

TO EDGARS

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fragrance scentscapes

CITY

Romantic and fabulously flirtatious, anything from the floral fragrance family is the perfect fit for a city as alluring as Paris. Channel your inner enchantress with blends of jasmine, orchid or freesia warmed up with

amber and vanilla, or be bold with a single note of chic rose or iris.

And nothing is more beguiling on a man than a woody, musky scent with notes of orange blossom and geranium.

FROM LEFT 1 Hermès Terre d’Hermès EDT (100ml), R930 2 Carolina Herrera L’Eau CH EDP (50ml), R690 3 Lancôme Trésor Midnight Rose EDP (50ml), R795 4 Chloé L’Eau de Chloé EDT (100ml), R890 5 Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Florale EDP (100ml), R995

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COUNTRY

Head into big sky country with an invigorating spritz of something crisp, clean and fresh. With their uplifting, sharp notes of freshly cut grass, mossy forest floors and marine plants, scents from the green

EXCLUSIVE

TO EDGARS

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fragrance family are ideal for laidback, low-key days. And a hit of the zesty, juicy citrus family with subtle woody, musky and spicy notes is both light and energising – fantastic on both men and women.

FROM LEFT 1 Tommy Hilfiger Hilfiger Woman EDP (50ml), R585 2 DKNY Be Delicious EDP (100ml), R930 3 Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte EDT (100ml), R945 4 Versace Yellow Diamond EDT (90ml), R935 5 Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male EDT (125ml), R765

EXCLUSIVE

TO EDGARS

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fragrance spotlight The base notes: Riccardo may have used noir-esque novel The Black Dahlia as his starting point for Givenchy Dahlia Noir, but it’s his friendship with model Mariacarla Boscono that’s provided the lasting stream of inspiration.

Unofficial muse at Givenchy, Mariacarla first met Riccardo when he was a fashion student in London.

Fifteen years on, they’ve never once gone a day without speaking.

“We can be both feminine and tough yet vulnerable” – Mariacarla Boscono

SCENT OF A WOMAN

SUMMER’S NEW LAUNCHES ARE ALL ABOUT WOMEN. DESIGNERS DREW INSPIRATION FROM FRIENDS, MODELS AND MUSES TO PRODUCE A COLLECTION OF RICHLY FEMININE FRAGRANCES. LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS

BY TABITHA LASLEY Givenchy Dahlia Noir Eau de Parfum (50ml), R945

THE MODEL MUSE

Riccardo Tisci’s first scent for Givenchy was made with one woman in mind.

The result? A gothic, feminine floral that suits just about everyone

The finished article: The bottle, a slab of pink glass with a silver stopper, verges on the austere (the name of the scent is only carved on the inside of the lid, and on a shelf it could be mistaken for aftershave).

But the perfume itself is rich and feminine. Top notes of rose, iris and mimosa sing over a base of sandalwood and patchouli, while a powdery finish keeps things on the soft side. And as you’d expect, the campaign images are exquisite. In them, Mariacarla – complete with fierce cheekbones and smouldering dark eyes – wears a sheer black Tisci ensemble, her skirt blown out around her to resemble petals.

The last word: “I’m a complex woman. I’m a strong woman and very independent, but there’s a huge vulnerability in my personality, which reflects in the Dahlia Noir image. Women of today are multi-faceted. We can be powerful working women, mothers, lovers; we can be feminine and tough, yet vulnerable. We are a lot of different things.” – Mariacarla Boscono

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adverts see Danish model Freja Beha channelling a Fellini film star, slinking around the historical Villa Parisi in backless sheer couture.

Wear the lighter perfume by day and save this sumptuous scent for after dark. Bellissima!

“I wanted to focus on the codes of the Italian way of living” – Olivier Cresp

THE ITALIAN ICON

A darker, more seductive take on last year’s Valentina, Valentina Assoluto is a floral chypre that captures the sexy mood of Italian femininity

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The base notes: Valentino designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli tasked master perfumer Olivier Cresp with distilling the very essence of Rome in their newest perfume. No mean task, but Cresp mined his memories of the Eternal City and came up with a formula full of homegrown bergamot, Smeggia peaches from Sicily and white Alba truffles from Piedmont, plus vanilla and cedar.

The finished article: This being an intensified version of Valentina, the original’s sprightly florals have been swapped for velvety chypre, while the pretty pink bottle has been replaced by darker opaline glass with a single rose round its neck. Local ingredients ground the fragrance firmly in Italy, while the

The last word: “To me, Valentina Assoluto is the quintessence of Valentina. It adds a lot of sophistication and femininity and brings a darker sensuality, something captivating. I wanted to focus on the codes of the Italian way of living, bringing modernity and unconventionality but also something noble. Valentina Assoluto is about Italian glamour but with a couture interpretation.”

– Olivier Cresp

Valentino Valentina Assoluto Eau de Parfum (50ml), R880

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fragrance spotlight with a whimsical pair of wings and clustered with pearl-studded butterflies. Beyond the gorgeous bottle, the scent has a synaesthetic quality. Marc wanted it to smell just like it looked, so ingredients have a red, rounded scent (for which read: juicy red berry top notes, underpinned with a redolent base of jasmine, coconut, vanilla and driftwood – something he calls a “lush floral bouquet”).

The last word: “I like round letters, things that have round or curved lines. I like the idea of

THE STATEMENT PIECE

Right now, there can be no cuter addition to your dressing table than Marc Jacobs’ ladybird bottle.

Red glass painted with black polka dots, Marc Jacobs’ Dot is shaping up to be this summer’s prettiest perfume

Marc Jacobs Dot Eau de Parfum (50ml), R765 (Exclusive to Edgars)

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The base notes: Marc drew initial inspiration from his Fall/Winter 2011 Dot Collection, although he admits he doesn’t think there’s “ever a wrong time for a polka dot”. He’s been seeing spots since way back when: they became his personal ‘signature’ when he first knitted them into a sweater for his grandma. And the ladybirds? Marc likes them because they’re lucky.

The finished article: Sayuri Shoji, the Tokyo-based designer best known for her costumes on Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula, is the woman behind the packaging.

You’ve her to thank for that translucent red flacon, topped

“I don’t think there is ever a wrong time for a polka dot” – Marc Jacobs

a circle – it’s never-ending. The repeat of spots: I just find it a very exuberant pattern. I’ve always been very attracted to round shapes, as opposed to pointy or square shapes. I like a sphere. I like cups and saucers and nice round eyes on a girl, round eyes on a boy. I like circular things.” – Marc Jacobs

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Organization) and Christy Turlington (founder of the Every Mother Counts campaign).

The finished article: The brief was to create a scent as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside – just like Christy and co.

Accordingly, Zaha came up with a show-stopping bottle, a sculptural smoked-glass flacon that looks

“Women are complex, full of emotion and feelings” – Donna Karan

almost fluid in form. Similarly, the scent is dark and opulent. Flipo said she wanted it to be an evocation of women’s “strength, passion, patience and tenderness”, wrapping top notes of jasmine, rose and violet round a base of sandalwood, orange flower and vetiver. Donna’s favourite way to wear it? Sprayed into the hair, where it lasts longer.

THE POWER PROJECT

What happens when the world’s most famous female designer, its foremost female architect, and one of the most prolific perfumers in the business get together?

A strident new scent, plus an inspiring ad campaign

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The base notes: Donna Karan wanted DKNY Woman to be a celebration of female accomplishment, so it made sense to put together a powerful female team. So step forward Anne Flipo, a master nose who has sniffed out scents for Lanvin, YSL, Armani and Lancôme, amongst others.

Donna also drafted Zaha Hadid, the prize-winning ‘starchitect’ behind London 2012’s Aquatics Centre, to design the bottle. Finally, three models-turned-activists were recruited to star in the ads: Karolina Kurkova (spokesperson for the Global Youth Action Network), Liya Kebede (a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Health

The last word: “I believe that women are complex; full of emotion and feelings. We have a unique ability to care and share, making the world a better place. When I approached the project I wove this idea of the multi-faceted woman into all aspects of the process.” – Donna Karan

DKNY Woman Eau de Parfum (50ml), R950

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fragrance firsts

MY FIRST FRAGRANCE THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A WHIFF OF YOUR FIRST FRAGRANCE TO TAKE YOU BACK IN TIME. FIVE CELEBS SHARE THEIR FRAGRANCE FIRSTS WITH US

JO-ANN J’SOMETHING BONANG STRAUSS LEAD SINGER MATHEBA ENTREPRENEUR OF MI CASA DJ & TV HOST Years ago, my mom and I entered a skipping rope competition at a local shopping centre.

She outskipped me (and two fitness instructors!) and won a bottle of Tommy Girl by Tommy Hilfiger. She gave it to me as a gift – it was my first designer fragrance. I’ll never forget it.

Davidoff Cool Water was the first cologne that I ever bought for myself. It has a refreshing, crisp smell that made me feel confident and that I thought would have all the girls interested in me.

I ended up buying it for Mo-T [Mi Casa’s talented trumpeter] – I hope it worked for him!

The first fragrance I bought was Donna Karan Women. It was in a long, clear bottle and the scent was strong and unique, so fresh and citrusy. I remember falling in love with it from the very first time I spritzed it on.

It reminds me of my high-school days, I just adored it, and still do.

TOYA DELAZY LAUDO SINGER/ LIEBENBERG SINGER, AKING SONGWRITER When I was at the tender age of 17, I bought myself a bottle of CK One

by Calvin Klein. It had a distinctive and refreshing, muskycitrus smell. Even now, whenever I get a whiff of it, I’m reminded of the hopeless romantic and love-obsessed adolescent I once was back in the day.

My first perfume was Estée Lauder Sensuous Nude, which I actually bought from Edgars.

It always made me feel so feminine and every time I smell it, it just takes me back to that time of my life. It reminded me of watermelons and I felt terribly sophisticated wearing it.

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FRAGRANCE OFFERS GIFT SETS FOR HER

Kim Kardashian True Reflection Gift Set, R495 (including 50ml eau de parfum, 100ml body lotion and 100ml shower gel)

Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir Gift Set, R960 (including 50ml eau de parfum, body lotion and bath and shower gel)

Swarovski Aura Gift Set, R770 (including 50ml eau de parfum, body lotion and bag)

BeyoncĂŠ Heat Gift Set, R385 (including 30ml eau de parfum, 75ml body lotion and 75ml shower gel)

Calvin Klein Euphoria Gift Set, R825 (including 50ml eau de parfum, 10ml eau de parfum and body lotion)

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Burberry Body Gift Set, R820 (including 60ml eau de parfum and body milk)

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