News & Articles
The art of perfume
5 Jul 2007
"The art of perfume is the art of romance, it is an endless affair of the heart".
- Countess Jan Mora
For centuries, perfume has been used to inspire love, romance and the most precious of memories. That secret blend of botanical essences has long been part of the mating game, drawing lovers together under its magic fume.
For you, maybe it was a tall dark and handsome drenched in Fahrenheit, or a cheeky blonde in Polo Blue that set your heart dancing. Or was it you that caught his attention as you sashayed by in Allure – and dazzled him for your first hotel rendezvous in Thierry Mugler’s smouldering oriental – Angel.
Whatever your ‘scentsual’ past, your wedding day commands a VIP selection. The fragrance that envelops you will be an intimate symbol – perhaps a reminder of a first date, a special gift, or the woman you are today.
Wedding planner Marisa Welcome says it’s important to choose a bridal scent that announces who you are to your partner, and the world.
“Your wedding gown declares your style, but your fragrance cloaks it in personality,” says Marisa.
While some couples are opting for His & Her fragrance selections by designers like Vera Wang, Bvlgari and L’eau D’Issey, most brides choose a scent that has an emotional connection.“I wore Chanel No 5 on my wedding day, which was the perfume I would steal from mum's dresser when I was too young to wear or buy my own. It made me feel special as a little girl and it made me feel special as a woman on my wedding day.
“After dressing me on the morning of my wedding, Mum handed over her little bottle. No words were exchanged but she smirked and gave me a knowing look and we both knew what it meant,” recalls Marisa.
Chanel’s legendary floral released in 1921 is still a wedding classic, infused with a staggering 250 ingredients to produce the sophisticated jasmine and rose icon. Amarige by Givenchy – with its warm notes of Brazilian rosewood and neroli – is another perfect bouquet for a princess bride.
But Marisa says it’s also worth considering the season of your celebration, with playful citrus and florals ideal over spring and summer.
“For a garden soiree, Marc Jacobs Essence is a new way to wear gardenia, Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful is still gorgeous or try Christian Dior’s bestseller, J’Adore.”
Over winter, or for an evening reception, A Lavish Affair’s principal suggests the sexy notes of Agent Provocateur, the daring intensity of Hypnotic Poison or the sparkling frangipani of Versace Woman.
Those opting for the latest Vintage Hollywood theme should find favour with the newcomer – Badgley Mischka – a daring spicy floral that pays homage to 40s glamour.
If all else fails, simply ask your man which of those little love potions on the dresser sets his pulse racing. Because when that expensive gown drops to the floor – all that’s left is you and the lingering notes of your second skin.
