It’s an idea that I’ve heard bandied about a lot lately. A signature scent is just another label, or perhaps a marketing gimmick put out by all those big perfumery companies to keep us loyal.
It’s an old idea, but I say no. Like almost all the women I know, I tend to change my mind. Some days I feel romantic, others dark and broody (though most of the time I’m somewhere in the middle), so why should I have to stick to just one scent – especially when the bottles all look so lovely on my dressing table.
Ok, it might sound greedy, but I’ve always loved perfume. Each and every one of my favorite fragrances reminds me of a time, a place, a moment to remember. Most of all, however, each scent represents a cacophony of colour.
That might sound a bit weird, but I’ve recently discovered I have synaesthesia – a condition that means I involuntarily get some of my senses mixed up. It can happen in all sorts of different ways, but for me it means when I smell – or taste – something, I find it very difficult to associate its origin, but I can see a colour very clearly.
Strangely enough, I was diagnosed after meeting John Stephen of the Cotswolds Perfumery. He runs workshops and masterclasses in the art of perfumery, so if I ever get bored of my current favourites (below) I might head on over to him and come up with a fragrance all of my own – just don’t call it my signature.
To find out more about John Stephen and the Fragrance Masterclasses, visit the website: www.cotswold-perfumery.co.uk
Diptyque l’Ombre dans l’Eau Flowery and French. This is the perfume to pack when you’re heading out of the country for some winter sun.
Yves Saint Laurent Opium For most Chanel No. 5 is the classic, but for me it has to be this. If I’m after musk and a hint of childhood nostalgia, there’s nothing better.
Valentino Rock ‘n’ Rose This is my latest go-to scent. I love the soft florals that play against a slightly harder edge. It lasts all day too.
Boadicea The Victorious This is one of John Stephen’s most successful creations. It’s heavy on the oud, so think harems, Arabian nights and a belly dancer or two.
Dolce & Gabbana The One The perfect scent for a night out on the town. I wear this when I get dressed up. I’m thinking LBD, stockings and Manolo Blahniks.
Allure Sensuelle For a long time, Allure was my favourite day-to-day fragrance, but I grew tired of it and now prefer the softer, less florally notes of the Sensuelle.
