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’Tis the season of petals

Maripet L. Poso, Staff Writer

11/10/2008

With the onset of the nippy season, scents grow a little bit heavier and a lot sexier. Unlike the light-as-air fragrances that reigned supreme during the last few months, the colder season calls for something warm and heavy. So, tuck away your summery scents and indulge in the womanly fragrance of... flowers! Roses and jasmine reign in this season’s pick, and seductive and unexpected are the way to go.

It’s a fact: A woman will never go wrong with anything floral. Some may go to great lengths to stay away from this sweet scent, claiming it’s too predictable or conventional, but one should not underestimate the potency of florals. Even before a woman opens her mouth, the flowery scent she wears will already speak volumes about her. Roses are the universal symbol of love and romance, and white flowers speak of demure, friendly undertones. To mix them up with something musky or zesty can make up a whole new language.

The black fragrance of a white flower

Bvlgari presents Jasmin Noir

Launched recently in an intimate gathering at Members Only at The Fort, Bvlgari’s latest gem comes not in a perfectly-cut diamond, but in a fragrance that’s a perfect complement of dark and light — Jasmin Noir. Probably the closest thing a woman can get to owning a Bvlgari jewel, Jasmin Noir gives the same heart-pounding excitement and exudes the same sophisticated femininity when worn.

According to Mia Nolasco, general manager of Luxasia, distributor of Bvlgari fragrances in the country, “We are glad to present yet another brand new line from Bvlgari. It’s been 16 years since Bvlgari launched its first fragrance. And in a very short period of time, the brand of perfumes has become synonymous with creativity and innovation. And it’s latest offering, Jasmin Noir, is sophisticated and alluring and as complex as the women who wear it.”

Amid the dimly lit bar and in the sea of well-dressed Bvlgari aficionados, Jasmin Noir shone like a real gem. As models mingled around to let everyone get a whiff of the alluring fragrance, an endless supply of wines and drinks along with sumptuous canapés kept the party going.

“Jasmine Noir is Bvlgari’s latest fragrance,” says Sigrid Villamin, brand manager of Luxasia. “It’s also Bvlgari’s ambassador fragrance. The major note is absolute Jasmine Sambac. It’s a very seductive scent perfect for the cold months. It is also good for day and night.”

Jasmin Noir opens to a delicate encounter of the fresh scents of green sap and hints of gardenia petals. A moment later, the sensual aroma of Sambac jasmine combined with the velvety tones of satin almond slowly envelops the senses. The Sambac jasmine, a white flower from the mountains of India, has been considered an aphrodisiac since time immemorial, making it a tradition for Indian brides to scatter its petals on the wedding bed. Just as complicated as the women who embody the scent, Sambac Jasmine is extraordinary. “At dawn the pure, transparent white flower has a fresh and delicate scent. Towards midday it releases a citrus aroma that recalls orange blossoms, and releases warm and seductive notes when it closes in the evening.”

Holding and lifting the scents of the top and heart notes together is the woody notes of licorice blending with tonka bean absolute and sensual precious woods, making the fragrance ultimately dark and intriguing.

“In the beginning, to be honest I thought it was more of an evening scent,” explains Villamin. “But towards the end, the fragrance turns a bit powdery so it becomes very comforting yet very seductive. It has almond in it, which gives it its velvety texture. It makes you kind of think of home, really. It’s that comforting.”

Embodying the face of Jasmin Noir is quintessential British model Kate Moss whose grace and versatile beauty has graced countless of fashion magazines and personified many luxury brands. As for the everyday Jasmin Noir woman, however, Villamin says, “She is very seductive, elegant and a very strong woman. She knows what she wants and how to get it.”

Available in the 30 ml (P3,450), 50 ml (P4,798) and 100 ml (P7,489) versions, Jasmin Noir is accompanied by a refined bath line that combines the sensual notes of the fragrance with cleansing ingredients for pleasant moments of relaxation. The bath line includes the bath and shower gel (200 ml) and body lotion (200 ml).

Jasmin Noir is available in Rustans, SM and all other leading department stores nationwide.

The fruity twist of a sparkling rose

A whiff of Jean Paul Gaultier’ MaDame

One thing to describe a Gaultier woman: Cheerfully feminine with a rebellious spirit. She has that certain flair and style that’s all her own and is never afraid to take the road less traveled. She oozes with confidence and mystery, in a subtle way, and she always has that zest for life. She is a real garçonne (boyish girl).

From Jean Paul Gaultier, known perhaps as the most avant-garde fashion designer of his time, comes a fragrance that embodies his iconic woman. In the tradition of Classique, Le Male and Fleur Du Male, Gaultier’s new scent oozes with more energy and electricity.

“Jean Paul Gaultier’s MaDame celebrates femininity in all aspect,” says Nicolas Baudonnet, Jean Paul Gaultier’s Asia Pacific manager during its launch in the country held at Nuvo in Greenbelt. “Fruity and sparkling, MaDame represents a woman who does not conform, breaks rules and knows what she wants.”

Gaultier has been offering fragrances for decades, creating unique scents, says Baudonnet. “According to Jean Paul Gaultier, the fragrance is a representation of himself. It is his knowledge, his nose, his expertise that’s inside each bottle. Nothing goes on the market without his approval. Every single detail has to be personally checked by him: from the production down to packaging. Once a month he meets with his team in Paris just to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

MaDame is a vision of femininity — from its 1993 Classique bottle which is a shape of a woman, to its sweet and gorgeous fragrance. “This is a fragrance for a woman who is emancipated and totally free. She is ready to break the rules. She knows how to have fun. She enjoys herself and life,” adds Baudonnet. “She is someone who does what she wants.”

Woman empowerment was undoubtedly the theme of the launch, evident in the jovial mood of every lady in the guest list as well as the light music the woman DJ was playing. “This is a celebration of femininity,” laughs Baudonnet.

Cocktails in sweet pink such as rose wines, Tequila Rose and specially created MaDame punch with orange zest served with sumptuous beef kebab with tahini sauce, prawn tempura with sweet chili sauce, crab croquette with garlic aioli made the celebration fun and fab.

A fresh and interesting combination of floral and fruity, MaDame imbibes the audacious and zestful spirit of a Gaultier woman. It opens to a sparkling, tangy orange, bursting with life and possibilities. Just when the zest subtly recedes, the scent becomes sweet and ultra-feminine with hints of fresh rose sparkling with a splash of grenadine. And then a heady musky tinge of cedar wood locks it all up together, creating a wonderfully comfy smell. Feminine, yes, but with a twist.

Pronounced as “Ma-Dame,” which means “My dame” and not “Madame,” the scent is perfect for the rainy days. It gives off a refreshing yet glamorous fragrance that lasts from day to night.

The new Gaultier scent is a category all its own. It can be sweet and nice one minute, and naughty and fiesty the next. Much like a Gaultier fashion, it’s unpredictable as it is fun and full of life.

MaDame can be enjoyed in eau de toilette 50 ml (P3,798), eau de toilette 100 ml (P5,250), melting body lotion (P2,698), crystalline shower gel (P2,598) and perfumed deodorant spray (P2,498).

Jean Paul Gaultier’s MaDame is exclusively distributed by Luxasia and is available at all leading department stores (Rustan’s, Marionnaud, SM and Robinsons).