#Fleur is an icon that woman is incredible

[saintsenara]

fleur x molly??

an incredible enemies-to-lovers arc, simply immaculate potential.

the premise: tired of fleur's constant whining about there being nothing to do at the burrow except "cooking and chickens" [what a read, the woman's an icon], molly says that if fleur's so unimpressed by her running of the house then she can do it herself.

fleur's defiant at first. but - weirdly - she gradually finds herself desperate for molly's approval... and then she finds that being called a "good girl" for whipping up a lovely little coq au vin does something for her which she was never expecting...

[myheadisemptyffonly]

I was thinking how sweet it was that for Fleur the person who mattered most to her was her little sister and that led me to think how much I now want a fanfic of Sirius participating in the triwizard tournament and having to rescue Regulus from the lake 🥹

Like Sirius would act like he doesn't give a shit at first and wouldn't understand why in hell someone would think he cares so much about his idiot little brother, but then he'd be dying of worry when he realized people are under the lake and hey, Regulus can't swim, who thought it was a good idea to put people who can't swim at the bottom of a large body of water?

[sapphicwhxre]

ASTERIA'S 2.5K FOLLOWER FIC REC LIST

i read fics just as much as i write them so here are some of my favourites. tysmsm for this milestone, i love you all <3 quick note: i didn't re-tag anyone if i recommended more than one of your works because of the tag limit.

───────── girls ─────────

hermione granger

tuesdays - @stupxfy

probably one of my all time favs for hermione. it's just so well written and adorable and fluffy and yes.

if i could tell her - @hellounicorn

pining, pining, PINING. the way these emotions and hermione's described is just... art. perfection. there's a happy ending and it is so worth the build up.

darling dearest - @dracolvr

fluffy goodness. read to be hopelessly in love with hermione ─ which, let's be real, we all are.

november rain - @pansydaisy

uhm i love this one sm. it's so simple but amazing ─ everyone has their days like this and having hermione to cure them? it's what everyone needs.

i need more - @15-dogs

i sobbed the first time i read this. it'll break your heart but it's so amazingly written that it's worth the sadness. actual gut wrenching / mindblowing writing.

how the potter girls react to you in lingerie - @pottersanime

the title. need i say more?

honeyed eyes - @minty-malfoy

HEAVEN. being hermione's first kiss as friend? but both of you idiots liking each other? oh my god, sign me up.

hugging her from behind - @pastanest

again, the title. read to feel 🥺💙

grey days - @pepperimps01

PANSMIONE 😌😌 it's angsty with a happy ending and i love it sm. this does such a perfect job of capturing pansy and hermione's relationship growing and having its ups and downs with just a few paragraphs. honestly so good

grenade - @hellounicorn

another one that'll make your heart shatter. but in the best way. these are the fics i live for where the you can't help but feel like it's really happening to you and hermione and god it's so fucking powerful. underrated writing right here in general. and also pansmione is the loml so it hurts in that way.

honeybees - @pansydaisy

fluffy aesthetic heaven.

lead the way - @teacup-tai

more pansmione but this is pure filthy thinking and satisfies all the sexual tension dreams pansmione shippers have.

two queens in a king sized bed - @shysneeze

domestic christmas morning with hermione and it's angelic.

would you still love me if i turned into a worm? - @minty-malfoy

one of those blurbs i never imagined i'd read or love so much. not to mention it's spot on and adorable.

pansy parkinson

right and wrong - @starrkidmalfoy

a first kiss and the overdone trope that i will never get sick of, the bitch who's soft only for you. the descriptions in this are perfection and the writing is beautiful <3

messed up - @writseo

toxic, messed up love fics will be the death of me. insane how well you captured it all and i just yes damn fucking props.

pansy parkinson imagine - @moonlight-imagines

*screams* THE BEST FRIEND BANTER + THE ENDING OH MY GOD OH MY GOD ─ I SCREAMED WHEN I FIRST READ THIS. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.

dating pansy would include - @lotsoffandomimagines

ABSOLUTE POWER COUPLE SHIT and to this day, pansy saying "jealous much?" when being scolded for pda remains iconic.

grey days - @pepperimps01

as i said before: PANSMIONE 😌😌 it's angsty with a happy ending and i love it sm. this does such a perfect job of capturing pansy and hermione's relationship growing and having its ups and downs with just a few paragraphs. honestly so good

new rules - @silversslytherin

excuse me this is immaculate ─ pansy is the best friend and the second you see that she's also the best s/o, you're done for. perfection.

study "dates" - @turning-dreams-into-chaos

the title is self explanatory and this whole thing is fluffy heaven <3

how the potter girls react to you in lingerie - @pottersanime

read the title, thank me later.

lead the way - @teacup-tai

more pansmione but this is pure filthy thinking and satisfies all the sexual tension dreams pansmione shippers have.

traitor - @hufflepuff-writings

a masterpiece where pansy chooses the wrong side in the battle of hogwarts. this ties up so well and the writing is so powerful.

back alley love potions - @a-simple-imagine

this actually hurts but in a beautiful way. watching pansy give draco a love potion is such a fucking concept and this is executed incredibly.

my little bunny - @emmamarie7708

pansy making you do this is so dirty yet she's slightly sweet and i am a sucker for it. god is a woman and her name is pansy fucking parkinson.

pansy parkinson imagine - @moonlight-imagines

i'll let pansy beat people up for me all day. they put me in madame pomfrey's, feel my girlfriend's wrath.

ginny weasley

blissful - @enyastasia

fluffy ginny goodness. the friends to lovers? the amazing kiss? 🥺🥺🥺💞💞 this fic lives in my heart <3

bubble pop electric - @hunnypot-imagines

this is hotter than a lot of actual smut and the chemistry is so... wow. ginny weasley owns me.

dear ginny - @alyssamalfoy

how does this short ass letter manage to make me feel so much. it's sorcery but i don't even care, it's beautiful.

wildflower - @pansydaisy

will i ever get tired of cheeky i love yous? not when loves like ginny weasley and ayli's so so pretty writing exist.

all i want - @hellounicorn

ouch. fuck you harry :) quite possibly the best ginny fic i have ever read. insanely talented writing, i genuinely feel every touch of emotion you put down and you need to know how amazing that is. keep breaking my heart.

linny hcs - @bluebirdlinginthenest

who doesn't need good linny content in their life?

how the potter girls react to you in lingerie - @pottersanime

sexy bitch, fuck me up.

willow - @padmeamiala

ginny is the loml. her brothers can cry about it.

bellatrix lestrange

attempting to bake with bellatrix - @carters-coffee

MY FAVOURITE BELLA FIC ─ there's not enough bellatrix fluff out there but this makes up for the lack of. heaven.

bellatrix prompt - @carters-coffee

this gives me chills. she knows she's a bad bitch and that's what we love about her.

change of plans - @dumb-sbian

why THE FUCK have i not had a rainy morning with bellatrix? she can sleep and mumble something just like this and i'm still head over heels for her.

being tortured as bellatrix's girlfriend - @writings-of-a-british-fangirl

definitely a concept BUT this makes me feel some type of way and i recommend giving it a minute of your time 😌

bellatrix finding out you're a muggleborn - @carters-coffee

the beauty, the nuance omg. this is art.

bellatrix prompt - @carters-coffee

yep jealous bella. trust me, im all yours mommy <3

sex with bellatrix would include - @onegayastronaut

so short but... sign. me. up.

luna lovegood

never leave - @/deactivated

luna smut is hard asf to come by and this is my favourite. it's so luna and the pain over her not knowing, not getting that closure about how you feel until this is an amazing rollercoaster.

she - @hunnypot-imagines

the beauty of falling in love with luna, through this majorly talented writing. ten out of fucking ten. i will not elaborate but there's also majorly good association in this imo.

silver berries and flickering fireflies - @duskgrangers

i love this fic so much. she's so herself and that is why we ✨ simp ✨ and the scene set just sounds so prettyy

how the potter girls react to you in lingerie - @pottersanime

luna + this title? yes please, ma'am i am simping.

would you still love me if i turned into a worm? - @minty-malfoy

put me in your pocket luna. im begging you.

dancing in the rain with luna - @/deactivated

only luna would get you a dress to go dancing in the rain and this is the stuff of blissful, fluffy dreams.

hugging her from behind - @pastanest

short and cute, do me a favour and read it :)

dating luna lovegood would go like - @glossymalfoy

life is NOT worth it if you don't read these cute little headcanons and imagine dating ravenclaw's baddest bitch.

linny hc - @bluebirdlinginthenest

like i said, who doesn't need good linny content?

cho chang

strawberry kisses - @pansydaisy

the only cho fic i've been able to find and it's SO WORTH IT. the cutest, it flows so well, and i absolutely love it. i need this with cho tbh.

fleur delacour

toutes les etoiles - @coffee--writes

im in love with fleur and this amazing writing. and for the first time since i started high school, my three years of taking french feel good for something.

being best friends with fleur would include - @harrypotter-imaginess

not romantic but actually so sweet pls. i want this friendship in my life so bad.

nymphadora tonks

dating nymphadora tonks would include - @imaginesforgirls

dating her + that warm little feeling of bliss that only HCs can give you

taking care of her after the war - @random-imagines-blog

this kind of hurts in that good ass way and i lovee it. they're simple hcs but i feel for tonks so much and then there's that warm lil feeling when you're the one to put her back together aand now my primary life goal is to help this woman heal.

───────── boys ─────────

harry potter

phosphenes - @minty-malfoy

ok shakespeare, the fuck?? this fic will never not get me right in the heart. the angst, holy fuck. and for once, the reader doesn't hurt harry and let draco walk all over them and it's just done so well. the transition from a toxic relationship to a sweet, loving one PLEASE. it's beautiful.

happy memories - @15-dogs

how does this manage to be so. smutty and fluffy at the same time? this is one of those short ones that has lived in my head, rent-free since i read it. and tbh any fic that includes expecto patronum is guaranteed to be good.

come back to me - @wondernimbus

right from the beginning, it's a mess of emotions both good and bad. that kind of good ass writing that hits you in the heart <3

making out with harry potter would include - @badfvith

read this title. done? now thank me later.

harry prompt - @thoseofgreatambition

harry x a sarcastic swooning bitch is an elite trope idc. short and sweet, i'm marrying this fic.

keep your eyes on the prize - @rowema-ravenclaw

first of all, showing harry up and second, pure fluff (and a little steam) right after. i also love how she writes harry in general because he's totally safe/in love with the relationship but still has that awkward lovable shyness and i just... *sighs*

always - @pansydaisy

uhm i will always love him and always reread this a thousand times so its a fit title + a good read.

late night studying - @lumosandnoxwriting

fuck studying, let his hand stay in my shirt. once again recommending fluffy bliss in the form of a short read that makes me feel things <3

would you still love me if i turned into a worm? - @minty-malfoy

he's so stupid. but he still loves you + this is from our resident perfectly talented writer so its a win.

cuddling after a rough quidditch practice - @badfvith

harry james potter is : b a b y

gryffindor's victory - @rowema-ravenclaw

make me gryffindors fucking cheerleader because HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT. AND THE WRITING IS IMMACULATE PLEASE. just read it, you won't regret it.

draco malfoy

silent treatment - @slytherinwh0re

andy's mad talented and this is just... insert a cheesy chefs kiss. unbelievably adorable but so fucking hot and an actually good smut plot (which is rare lmfao). remind me to give draco the silent treatment every time im upset.

rewards - @malfoysstilinski

so hot PLS. hype him up for the match and get your reward, bye. so good.

reading between the lines - @minty-malfoy

i've said this a thousand times but that's what happens when you've got a mad talented mutual BLESSING everyone with beauty like this. butterflies and warm feelings all around when i read this 💓

point of view - @draconisxcaput

its angst for hermione and fluff for you but overall ethereal writing. i am never going to recover from the pure talent that this is.

im not kidding im dying - @malfoysmatrioshka

i hate being sick with a passion but this... this would make it worth it.

hogwarts express - @/deactivated

draco fucking you because he knows harry's watching. the shit of legends and god is it hot.

draco laughing at you because you can't walk after sex - @glossymalfoy

*motions to the title* fluff with this loser 😌

the cheeseburger - @slytherinwh0re

really short read but this is one of those things i just. didn't know i needed. you're missing out and haven't even realised it if you haven't read about introducing him to cheeseburgers. and that ending is so funny/in character to me i fucking love it.

four am - @malfoysstilinski

domestic draco 🥺 but also sad draco 🥺 and then fluffy draco 🥺

hugging him from behind - @pastanest

real short and it'll brighten your day <3

would you still love me if i turned into a worm? - @minty-malfoy

how is it that this is so stupidly adorable. i love it 💘

ron weasley

heather - @hellounicorn

always making me cry with your fics i swearrr. this is a must-read. having someone but them not really being yours is a beautiful trope and this fic absolutely does it wonderful, poetic justice. your angst is addicting.

apple pie - @pregnant-piggy

ABSOLUTE DOMESTIC BLISS I AM IN LOVE. i don't even like kids or baking that much but this made me so soft. the whole cozy, heavenly vibes from this fic yes yes yes.

jealousy - @writeroutoftime

cliché jealousy turns friends to lovers and i am a sucker for it all over again <3

shaking and trembling - @ronsbadidea

if ron doesn't finger fuck me and then make a cheeky comment about it in class later then WHAT IS THE POINT :(

mixed signals - @iamthecabbage

i've always figured ron is this awkward idiot cutie with a crush and yea, this is it.

fred and george weasley

i love you, but you don't - @george-fabian-weasley

fred's a character i really don't read for often but goddamn. it's the saddest, most beautiful mix of rejection and pain and fred desperately caring but not in the way you want him to ─ an angsty masterpiece.

cockwarming george - @roonilwazlibimagines

because of this filthy gem, i one hundred thousand percent believe that he could make me cum without even fucking me and this is just... it's a good fucking read.

would you still love me if i turned into a worm? - @minty-malfoy

their responses are so wonderfully chaotic and adorable and GOD you're missing out if you haven't read these lil blurbs.

─

[beauticate]

Violette, Makeup Artist

With her dreamy French accent and enviable style, it’s easy to see why beauty lovers the world over are a little infatuated with makeup artist Violette Serrat right now. Violette’s makeup tutorials inspire her devoted followers to channel their inner Parisienne on the daily and school them on interpreting trends for everyday wear (with a healthy dose of Gallic chic thrown in); think metallic blue lips, poppy-hued eyes, holographic lids and smudgy liner. And as Global Beauty Director of Estée Lauder, her relaxed, effortlessly cool attitude to beauty is now reaching a wider audience. Violette shared her unconventional beginnings in the beauty industry with us, as well as the secret to her perfectly imperfect hair, and why wine and cheese will always play a key role in her diet.

“Before becoming a makeup artist, I was studying art and fashion design.

I felt passionate about both - I didn't know which one to choose. One night, I came home and my friend was getting ready to go to a costume party. She was dressing up as this French character who wears a glitter mask on her eyes. So my friend asks me, "Can you do the glitter mask on my eyes?". I tell her I've never done makeup before, and she says, "C'mon. You're a painter, it'll be fine." So I did and, indeed, I felt like it was the link between art and fashion design.

My first instinct was to move to New York to get out of my comfort zone, and to find myself as a makeup artist without doing the typical training.

I thought, if I have to assist and go to makeup school, then it's not going to be a job that interests me - I want to do makeup the way I discover it. So that's why I left for New York. And I just knocked on the doors of all the modeling agencies and said, “Hey, I'm a free makeup artist” with my very French accent. And they gave me girls to do makeup on with new photographers for their books. With that, I started to build my book and work a lot. That night with my friend created a new path for me. I was thinking, "Wow, it's like dressing up a face and painting a face. Maybe that could be my job." And I started like this - like a weird hybrid artist.

I always have Re/Done jeans, and right now I’m really obsessed with Frances de Lourdes’ cashmere t-shirts. 

I have always some lingerie that you can see - I always wear it in black so it’s visible when I wear a white t-shirt. It's from Fleur du Mal, which I love. As for shoes - it depends. It could be heels (either Sergio Rossi or Gianvito Rossi) or otherwise I have my Converse. And bags - I have so many brands I couldn't even tell you.

I love when beauty serves you and how you feel. It’s here to empower you, to soothe you. I don’t like when makeup is used to change who you are or how you look. I am all about acceptance of who we are and loving ourselves.

I am a makeup minimalist. My signature look is bare skin and intense red lips, or messy hair with glitter eyes - balance is key to me. I use concealer, always - I go for the Estée Lauder Double Wear Waterproof Concealer, because I don’t have to touch it up at all during the day. Then I apply black mascara (I love Pure Color Envy Mascara). And I like to use my lipstick as my blush as well, so it's the same kind of colour - the colour I choose depends on the day. Lastly, a little bit of highlighter - and that's my go-to look. My favourite makeup tricks? Doing makeup with my fingers and using blush as an eyeshadow.

I feel my most beautiful when I see myself through my boyfriend’s eyes.

It could be in a moment where I’m not prepared, but I can see in his eyes that he thinks I’m beautiful. Sometimes you get used to it, but there can be a moment that will strike and you realise it again.

My skincare routine is long and rigorous - I am certainly not a skincare minimalist.

I am loyal when I find a product I love. I have this very soft cleanser that I use (it's like a milk), and then I spritz my face with water. I then use Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Intense Recovery Ampoules. I'm obsessed with anything “recovery” and it preps my skin really well. I then have this light cream that I put on top, and that's it. 

Since joining Esteé Lauder, I have discovered incredible products that are now my essentials, and I think I will stick with them for a very long time: the Advanced Night Repair PowerFoil Mask and Serum, Revitalizing Supreme+ Balm and the Double Wear Eye Pencil in Burgundy Suede. And the Pure Color Envy LipColor in Poppy Sauvage from my collection, of course.

For a night out, I'll put heels on and change my bag, but I keep the jeans and the t-shirt.

Then I like to grab a very strong or dark colour, I colour my eyes and smudge it with my finger. And then always freshen up with a little bit of my Estée Lauder concealer. 

When I wash my hair, I blow dry it a little to make it shinier.

And then I just put it up in a bun while I do my makeup. And I also do something a bit funny: I have this spray from Bumble and Bumble called Thickening Dry Spun Finish, which helps keep the shape you give to your hair. I put it on the roots of my hair and I pinch it up a lot - I even have a little clip that I put on my bangs to lift them more in the centre, because it gives them more of a ‘70s vibe. I don't like when my bangs are flat and round, which looks more ‘80s. And while it's setting like this, I'll do my makeup. And then I remove my bun and little clip, and the hair has a natural, messy wave.

My beauty look is a mix of boyish and feminine.

That's why, for me, the right balance is very important. For example, for hair, I like when the texture is really beautiful, clean and shiny, but it's a bit messy. Skin needs to be super healthy and fresh, but then imperfect, or else it looks fake. Nails are always done, but then paired with messed up jeans. It's always a balance of something you didn't look after, while the other thing is perfectly done. Honestly, I think that I'm very lucky to be a woman, and when I work on other women, I'm trying to celebrate them, so it's always about the same idea of balance. It's not about being someone else, not about trying too hard - it's always about being effortless.

My biggest beauty influence is women. All women.

I don’t have one icon. I love walking in the street - New York is an incredible source of inspiration because there is so much diversity and the women here dare to try. I love to look at them and imagine a little story of how they decided to wear a particular look. It’s like every woman is showing you a little part of herself.

To relax, I do transcendental meditation.

I don’t attend yoga classes as I am not ready yet. But every morning I do five to 10 minutes of yoga stretching that my very good friend, a skincare guru and yoga teacher, forces me to do. I do Pilates almost everyday - I just bought a reformer machine for my house, since I have such a crazy schedule, so now I can do it at home - no excuses. I used to paint, but that’s pretty rare now. But I garden - this is my current passion and it totally relaxes and grounds me.

I've recently started to understand how difficult ageing must be.

Before I used to think, “Wrinkles are so beautiful. What’s the problem with ageing? Why all this surgery?” I actually still feel the same way about wrinkles - I think it’s life and it’s beautiful. But I've started to see changes in my metabolism and if I drink too much, the next day is harder than before. I now have to work out more to maintain, and all these changes are so stressful, so I understand better now why people are resistant to ageing.

I see my friends who are around 45 years old - which is still young! - and between the ones who take care of themselves and the ones who smoke and eat unhealthy foods, I can see a big difference. So it makes me feel like ageing can be beautiful, but it depends on you and how you treat yourself. It’s very inspiring.

When I was a teenager, I wore red lipstick all the time, because I was in France.

I thought that as a woman, you wear a lipstick. I think I was 14. And red nails - I wore very deep red at maybe 12 or something. A perfect manicure was very important to me as a teenager. And I started to have fun with glitter pretty early. 18 was the big glitter phase in my life, but only on myself - I was 19 when I started to experiment on people as a makeup artist. But in school I wouldn’t wear any makeup - maybe just mascara. At that stage, beauty was not an obsession. Fashion was a bigger deal to me then.

I have these boots that help with lymphatic drainage, since I am always on my feet. I love them.

I also do facials at Rescue Spa every 6 weeks. At home, I do my own facials once a week. And after winter, I do a bit of cryotherapy to help my body recover from all the heavy food I’ve eaten. In New York, I go to Hortūs Nailworks for manicures - I will only go there. I also love Soho Sanctuary for massages and Shibui Spa.

I am now following a keto diet, and it has changed my life.

I don’t eat carbs or sugar - or even fruit, with the exception of berries - but I eat lots of good fats. I am so happy - I feel great and my body is in much better shape, and I am just much healthier overall. For breakfast, I’ll have a muffin with almond flour that I make myself, and some cheese or eggs with avocado. For lunch and dinner I’ll have some protein with veggies, and I make sure I have enough fat, as that is what gives me energy. I eat all organic and clean, nothing fried. It’s very close to what my diet was like back in Europe, so it’s not that big of a change. I also make my own coconut yogurt that I can eat as a snack with berries in the afternoon. I am never hungry, as I eat good quantities, and I am always full of energy.

I must admit, my stretches in the morning help me a lot. I pour cold water on my legs every morning and night to help with circulation, and I also use a dry brush everyday before my stretching to get rid of toxins. After having moved to New York City, where the food and elements are very different from France, I have to take a bit more care than I used to. But I actually enjoy doing all of these things, as it makes me feel so good.

I love apple cider vinegar in the morning to cleanse.

I do coconut oil-pulling first thing each day - it gets rid of all the toxins your liver clears out during the night. Sometimes I’ll do a week of aloe vera juice before each meal to help my digestive system, and I love a good turmeric and black pepper supplement to help me with any irritation or inflammation. And of course omega-3 for good skin. I still drink wine, as it is keto - which is good, because I need my dose of cheese and wine - I am French after all!”

Story by Tess Schlink. Images from Estée Lauder and Violette’s Instagram.

[toddrogersfl]

How to choose your perfect wedding fragrance…

The flags are flying, excitement is mounting, and everyone in the fragrance world is wondering which fragrances HRH Harry and (soon-to-be HRH) Meghan have chosen for their wedding…

But a more pertient question is to ask: how on earth should you go about choosing the perfect scent for your ‘big day’ (or any special occasion) anyway?

Follow our guide to choosing his and/or her scents to create an olfactory memory that will last a lifetime…

– It’s vital to live with a fragrance for several hours (better still – an entire day) on your skin. That scent you spritz and immediately fall for may turn into something less than loveable as the notes develop.

– The very best way to try is in the comfort of your own home, with zero pressure, scroll down to our hand-picked selection of samples for you try, below (they’re perfect for bridesmaids gifts and wedding favours, too!)

– Try not to test more than a few fragrances at one time, because too many at once = a muddle (and you’ll likely forget which is which, anyway!)

– Following on from the previous point, when testing a fragrance, be sure to write down the name of it on a blotter or jot down on your phone. By the time you get home a pile of random bits of scented paper will mean nothing to you!

Scared to branch out? Type the name of a fragrance you already know you love into our Fragrance Finder, and we’ll immediately suggest six new scents we think you’ll fall for!

Don’t know where to start? Book a bespoke fragrance consultation as a couple (or on your own if you prefer) – we’ve listed seven scent sittings for you try, and many are completely free, so what do you have to lose?

– When you find a fragrance you love, consider following the fragrant theme through to your floral arrangements, colours, mini-versions (to give as bridesmaid gifts or wedding favours), and matching scented candles to use for table decorations…

If you can’t indulge yourself while choosing a wedding scent, when can you? Take time to sit back and explore these fabulous fragrance selections we’ve specially curated – bringing you an extensive range from cult niche houses to luxury designer, with iconic classics and a few scented treats to enjoy along the journey…

The whispered breeze of Amouage Beach Hut is perfect for seaside weddings, while Sana Jardin Berber Blonde will whisk you to more exotic shores.

Fragonard Verveine will sparkle the whole day through and Estée Lauder Modern Muse Nuit is ideal to smoulder softly as dusk falls.

The Beautiful Mind Series duo celebrate intelligent, creative and inspirational women, as two perfumers for Miller Harris Tender and Scherzo uniquely interpret F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night.

Indulgent are here to help de-stress with : a sumptuous Heathcote & Ivory Lavender Fields Hand Cream (don’t forget those hands will be photographed close-up and on show all day, so pop this perfectly sized nourishing and relaxing cream in your pocket!) and from Aromatherapy Associates, Deep Relax and Support Breathe Bath & Shower Oils. Much needed, we sense…

Treat Yourself Discovery Box £19 (VIP price £15)

An utterly delectable range of new fragrances, recently launched by founder Amy Christiansen Si-Ahmed, this stunning portfolio of perfumes reflect her life-long love of fragrance – nurtured on travels through the Middle East with her inspirational grandmother. A box of delights to discover for nomads, free-spirits and all those who love clasically composed yet contemporary scents. Close your eyes and bask in these…

Savage Jasmine Night-blooming jasmine, wrapped around intoxicating musk. 

Sandalwood Temple Moroccan neroli oil, enveloped it in Atlas cedarwood, Haitian vetiver, creamy vanilla and East Indian sandalwood.

Tiger By Her Side Showcases Moroccan rose alongside Somalian incense and Indonesian patchouli.

Berber Blonde Filled with the light of Sana Jardin’s signature orange blossom, alongside Moroccan neroli oil and musk.

Celestial Patchouli Exotic aromas of patchouli, leather, cinnamon bark and Australian Sandalwood give way to the abundant warmth of rose, jasmine, osmanthus and Moroccan orris.

Nubian Musk A sensuously inviting blend of musk and vanilla, rose, jasmine, Moroccan grapefruit flower, Haitian vetiver and Australian sandalwood.

Revolution de la Fleur This is a sultry, sun-filled melody of Madagascan ylang ylang, Moroccan jasmine, frangipani, rose, vanilla and sandalwood.

Sana Jardin Discovery Set £30

An entire wardrobe of masculine fragrances for him to try before he buys (and for you to approve, perhaps?) there’s a wealth of choices from fresh and reviving, crisply stylish, designer favourites to ultra-luxe new houses to discover, and a FULL-SIZE face wash by cult male grooming brand, Heath! Also great for gifting to the Best Man or splitting in to wedding favours for hard-to-buy-for male guests…

Cartier L’Envol Sunshine diffused through golden droplets of amber, a canopy of forest trees with resinous, woody depth. Perfect for outdoorsy types and nature-lovers.

Cristiano Ronaldo CR7 Not only for football fans, a spritz echoing that first sip of whiskey, or sinking gladly into your favourite leather armchair in a gentleman’s club.

Coach For Men Thirst-quenchingly green with citrus enhanced by a herbaceous waft of coriander, sensuous geranium, fragrant cardamom and softly suede dry-down.

Dunhill Racing A nod to heritage gentlemen’s fragrances: citrus, lavender, pepper and musk, but a juicy twist of grapefruit, orange blossom and guaiac wood set this scent apart.

Ferrari Man in Red Thrill-seekers with a softer side should reach for a fruity-spiced opening, golden plum entwined with orange blossom and soothed by lavender.

Jaguar Black Chromite A flash of just-peeled mandarin, crisp tartness of green apple and a background of incense and patchouli add mystery and sophistication to the journey.

Jovoy Private Label Originally made for a client who just happened to be an Arabian prince, this one will have all and sundry swooning when they smell the woody, musky trail…

Kenneth Cole Mankind Nuzzle-up to succulently juicy fresh pineapple warmed by ginger and cardamom, tarragon and cinnamon enveloping vetiver on a greenly mossy base.

Missoni Parfum Pour Homme Head-clearing lemon leaves and pomelo dress up fougère notes of lavender, jasmine and herbs to a stylishly snugglish finish. A new go-to. (With matching shave balm & shower gel!)

Vince Camuto Homme Citrus and juniper = G&T, with Italian fennel, blue cypress and balmy lavender to soothe the nerves while taking a walk in the cool of the spruce trees.

For Him Discovery Box £19 (VIP price £15)

For the ultimate in luxurious was to try a selection of fragrances – these don’t just look pretty (perfectly presented in a vintage hatbox-style gift box), all the Valeur Absolue scents were created specifically to evoke particular feelings. Featuring an incredible seven 14ml bottles, each flacon has semi-precious gems to further enhance the perfume’s emotion. And if you can’t quite stretch to the full collection, we suggest putting this on your Wedding List to enjoy exploring together long after the confetti has blown away!

Harmonie Takes you to a safe and invigorating place, serene and welcoming: a world of absolute harmony.

Confiance Offers intense and comforting aromas, from the tones of Bourbon vanilla and cedarwood.

Vitalité Develops around citrus and acerola: bold and resolutely optimistic.

Joie-Éclat Gets it spirit-uplifting power from essential oils of Florida grapefruit and Haitian vetiver.

Sérénitude Creates the essence of an empty beach, via floral and woody tones.

Sensualité Embodies the sensuality of a serene, beautiful and self-assured woman.

Rouge Passion Is a floriental with enchanting tonalities – alive, seductive and radiant.

Valeur Absolue Deluxe Coffret £112

Whichever fragrances you plump for, we wish you all the best of luck and a lifetime of happiness with The One (your other-half and the scents you fell for), and hope our guide has helped settle any scent-choosing anxieties!

Written by Suzy Nightingale

The post How to choose your perfect wedding fragrance… appeared first on The Perfume Society.

from The Perfume Society https://perfumesociety.org/choose-wedding-fragrances/

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The Ultimate Guide To Tom Ford Fragrances

http://fashion-trendin.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-tom-ford-fragrances/

The Ultimate Guide To Tom Ford Fragrances

Although it’s a bold assertion, there is truth in the thinking that there isn’t anything Tom Ford can’t turn his stylish hand to, be it fashion, films or, in this case, colognes.

While many designers have successfully established a presence in the world of scents – Saint Laurent, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior among them – few have had the same impact in such a short space of time as the designer-turned-director-turned-all-round-modern-Renaissance-Man.

Far from a flash-, or rather a splash-, in-the-pan, Tom Ford’s fragrance collection is as impeccably edited as his own wardrobe, not to mention equally sharp, uncompromising and luxurious.

The History Of Tom Ford Fragrances

The first fragrance under the Tom Ford umbrella came in 2006, with the launch of Black Orchid – a scent that was aimed at women, but whose customers grew to be 30 per cent men. A little over 10 years on, the immaculately-dressed Texan now has over 40 individual, predominantly genderless, eau de parfums to his name.

Many were surprised that fragrance was one of Ford’s first proper solo ventures (his first menswear collection didn’t come until a year later, in 2007), but it turned out to be an inspired move and one that revealed his genuine love of the art form. He even once admitted during an interview that he believes cologne to be more important than clothes.

Much of the success of his bestselling scents like Black Orchid, Noir and Oud Wood comes down to their sheer quality. “They’re distinctive, powerful and made to last,” says Marcus Jay, author of The Chic Geek’s: Fashion, Grooming and Style Guide for Men.

The fact that Tom Ford has never been afraid to play with unexpected combinations is important, too, whether that’s teaming raspberry with leather for Tuscan Leather, or smoky oud wood with a salty sea accord, as he did for Oud Minérale.

“As well as a common sense of opulence and richness, there’s a boldness to all his fragrances,” says Josephine Fairley, an award-winning journalist and co-founder of The Perfume Society. “There’s not a shrinking violet amongst them.”

The key ingredient in these fragrances, however, isn’t vetiver or vanilla, it’s Tom Ford’s own designer DNA. “He’s the absolute master of seduction and really understands the attraction and sex appeal of fragrance,” says Jaye.

The 56-year-old’s legendary perfectionism and eye for detail, meanwhile, ensures quality control. “It’s well known in the industry that he is incredibly hands-on with the development of his colognes, and I think that shows,” says Fairley. “At the end of the day, that’s why they’re considered ‘cool in a bottle’ and why Tom Ford isn’t just a style icon but a ‘scent icon’, too.”

The Collections

In an effort to cater to both luxury fragrance connoisseurs and casual buyers (not to mention all pocket depths), Tom Ford’s fragrances are split into two distinct ranges: a premium Private Blend collection and a more accessible Signature line, in addition to several mini-groups within them.

Private Blend

Luxurious and experimental, Tom Ford’s Private Blend collection launched in 2007 and, in the designer’s own words, is his very own “personal scent laboratory”, where he can create original fragrances that are unconstrained by the conventions of mainstream scent-making.

“These fragrances are a little edgier, a little more challenging and generally more thought-provoking,” says Fairley. “Each fragrance begins with the extract from a single note such as amber, tobacco, black violet, leather or gardenia.”

Signature

If the Private Blend collection is a laboratory for Tom Ford’s wilder olfactory experiments, then his Signature collection is where the most successful of those experiments are honed and presented to the wider market.

Although more affordable than Private Blend colognes, fragrances like Tom Ford Extreme, Velvet Orchid and Grey Vetiver still have the integrity and complexity of their higher-priced counterparts. “Regardless of the collection, Tom Ford’s taste in fragrance is really good,” says Nick Gilbert from perfume consultancy firm Olfiction. “Every fragrance is well-constructed and perfectly polished.”

Noir

Bound by a common, evening-appropriate sensuality, the Noir collection currently features four key colognes: Noir, Noir Eau de Toilette, Noir Extreme and Noir Anthracite. Unusually, given that they share a name, these fragrances are distant cousins rather than brothers, with each one a different composition bearing little relation to each other.

The original Noir released in 2012 is warm and powdery, while the eau de toilette version is lighter and more citrusy. Noir Extreme is sweet, spicy and cakey, while the most recent, Noir Anthracite, is smoky and woody. To confuse things further, there’s also Noir de Noir – an earthy, spicy, rose fragrance that falls under the Private Blend collection.

Portofino

Like Doctor Who, Tom Ford’s take on the classic eau de cologne, Neroli Portofino, exists in many incarnations and everyone has their favourite.

Neroli Portofino Acqua has a bitter, almost sporty edge, while Fleur de Portofino is more honeyed and floral. The original, however, should be every fragrance lover’s starting point. Comprising citrus fruits and aromatic herbs, it’s one of the best summer scents available and ideal for guys who like their colognes light, fresh and unobtrusive.

Oud

“The number of Tom Ford fragrances now available has expanded massively, but it’s the woods and oud fragrances that men most associate with him,” says Jaye.

Oud Wood, the star of the collection, has become so successful that it’s one of the few Ford colognes to boast its own ancillaries, including a body moisturiser, shower gel and beard oil. Also worth a sniff are Tobacco Oud (spicier and, as the name suggests, with a tobacco edge), Oud Fleur (floral, with plenty of rose) and the shouldn’t-work-but-does Oud Minérale, which combines the smoky wood with a salty marine accord.

The 10 Best Tom Ford Colognes

Patchouli Absolu

Patchouli has long been a mainstay of men’s fragrances thanks to its earthy aroma, but Tom Ford’s Private Blend interpretation rounds things out with touches of amber, musk and leather, so you don’t smell like someone who’s just attended Woodstock.

“Like all of Ford’s fragrances, Patchouli Absolu is essentially genderless, but it smells particularly good on a man’s skin,” says Fairley. “On a woman, the creamy, suede-like notes emerge, but when men wear it, it’s the woodsiness that comes out.”

Buy Now: £158.00 for 50ml

Neroli Portofino

With inspiration taken from the sparkling blue waters, cool breezes and lush foliage of the Mediterranean, it’s little wonder Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino has become one of the designer’s best-selling creations.

A wonderfully fresh blend of Sicilian lemon, neroli, bergamot, lavender and amber, the scent’s emphasis on uplifting citrus notes means it’s the perfect pick-me-up for travel, sport or those disappointing summer days when all you see are clouds. Think of it as sunshine in a bottle.

Buy Now: £119.90 for 50ml

Noir

Built around a whopping big violet floral note, this fragrance from 2012 starts off smelling powdery and spicy, owing to a combination of iris and black pepper, before maturing on the skin into something warm and creamy, thanks to its use of vanilla and amber.

As well as offering good longevity on the skin, the notes in Tom Ford Noir add up to an evening scent that’s worth having in any fragrance collection.

Buy Now: £96.00 for 100ml

Orchid Soleil

“The original Black Orchid was a fragrance marketed at women, but men have fully embraced it,” says Gilbert. And it’s easy to see why with this summer version, which fuses floral notes of tuberose, lily and orchid with pink pepper, vanilla and patchouli.

Borrowing from or sharing fragrances with the fairer sex is nothing new, but it’s fair to say Tom Ford has made it not only acceptable but desirable. “I think that men could embrace any Tom Ford fragrance, but in I’m a particular fan of this one, which smells like a suntan.”

Buy Now: £81.50 for 50ml

Oud Wood

One of the standout colognes from the Private Blend Collection, Oud Wood takes one of perfumery’s most recognisable, yet polarising, ingredients – oud – and makes it accessible to all.

Exotic and sensual without being overly rich or strong, its smokiness is tempered by citrus notes, cedarwood and patchouli. “Already something of a classic, Oud Wood is rich, lush and warm – everything you want from a men’s fragrance,” says Jaye.

Buy Now: £158.00 for 50ml

Bois Morocain

Warm, spicy and, thanks to a huge dose of incense, Bois Morocain was originally launched in 2009 before vanishing off shelves only to reappear for a second shot at success in 2017.

With cypress, cedar and thuya (a wood found in Morocco), it smells like a cross between a hot, dry sauna and an old church pew. Quirky and demanding rather than straightforwardly appealing, but well worth a go.

Buy Now: £250.00 for 100ml

Grey Vetiver

Based around one of Tom Ford’s favourite notes, this contemporary interpretation of a classic vetiver cologne benefits from a tart, fresh, citrusy opening, which means it works just as well during the daytime as it does in the evening.

“I absolutely love Grey Vetiver,” says Gilbert. “It’s zingy, clean, perfectly woodsy and very well-balanced.”

Buy Now: £72.00 for 50ml

Tuscan Leather

Loved by both men and women, Tom Ford’s punchy take on a traditional leather fragrance oozes sensuality with notes of saffron, black pepper, jasmine, tobacco and amber wood.

But it’s the unexpected addition of raspberry – a move that takes it in an unexpected direction and one that’s very ‘Tom Ford’ – that prevents Tuscan Leather from being just another animalic number. It’s potent stuff though, so be careful not to overspray.

Buy Now: £158.00 for 50ml

Tom Ford For Men

Already 10 years old (which practically makes it a modern classic) this woody, spicy signature cologne is everything a Tom Ford fragrance should be – sensual, heady and complex – but comes at a price most fans can afford.

The twist comes with the addition of Moroccan grapefruit flower – a precious ingredient hand-harvested from blossoms just three weeks a year – to top notes of ginger, tobacco leaf and bergamot.

Buy Now: £56.50 for 50ml

Fucking Fabulous

Released at the end of 2017, this deliciously creamy, almost edible blend of almond oil, tonka bean and clary sage provoked the kind of publicity most brands can only dream of.

“The fragrance isn’t as quite as fabulous as the name suggests,” says Jaye, “but it’s worth wearing just so you can say ‘Fucking Fabulous’ when somebody asks what scent you have on.” Somehow, we suspect nobody would love the reaction you’ll get more than Tom Ford himself.

Buy Now: $310.00 for 50ml

[sarafinamagazine]

Over the course of her career, stage and screen actress Jennifer Steyn has gifted audiences with some truly iconic performances. Fresh off her recent Fleur du Cap Theatre Award win for her role as Sara in Lara Foot‘s The Inconvenience of Wings, Jennifer is back on stage, this time tackling the role of the strong-willed painter Galactia in Howard Baker’s Scenes from an Execution. In addition to her work as an actress, Jennifer is also a director and a voice and performance teacher. We sat down with her at the Baxter Theatre to discuss her new production, her career and the moments that have inspired her.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in the arts?

I suppose, ultimately it was my mother. She was an am-dram actress in George. She was the doyenne of The George Arts Society but she was really like a complete natural. I was also the youngest in my family and I think I got my needs met by clowning. I think I tried to keep everything light and happy and funny by sort of clowning. It wasn’t really “another actor,” it was something that came from my internal need as a child. It was like survival. 

Photo credit: Chris de Beer

What was it about this production that made you want to be involved?

I worked with Clare [Stopford] on Green Man Flashing and before that, most importantly, on David Hare’s Skylight. There was just an enormous amount that she taught me in Skylight. We’ve been friends for a very long time. She asked me, she said that if I do it, she’ll do it. And of course I said yes. When she spoke of the fact that there would be some students involved, I just thought what an extraordinary opportunity in a great play to work and teach at the same time. I do sometimes teach and I’m sure that they’ve learned a lot on how to do things and also how not to do things. 

It’s almost like trial under fire for them because they are sharing the stage with you, Graham Hopkins and your husband, Nicky Rebelo, who are all such veterans. How has the process differed working with a mix of students and veterans?

It’s fascinating in that, as an older actor, you get to absolutely see the things that you’ve taken for granted that are so key to your technique or process. You just kind of think that it is always there but it isn’t. It is something that you learned. That you have honed and toned and tuned over the years that now it sort of feels natural but when you work with younger actors you can see various things they know, that they’ve been taught but it is just not completely in their bodies yet. And then one is wanting to teach, you are wanting to share but then there comes a point in the process where you just have to let the play and the director lead. There was a lot of teaching and sharing. You are never finished as an actor. The process of learning carries on. It never ends. They come with certain things that they haven’t finished and in their freshness of their process and their approach, you are reminded of beautiful things. The energy where you kind of get spoilt because you are used to working in professional productions and now you are working in something that is lower budget, more explorative in terms of this mix between young and old performers and they just get on with it. You just see [that] they just get on with it. It’s a very good reminder that if you need a prop or if you need something, just get it. Make it happen. If something isn’t happening, just be in the story. That is the biggest thing that I have learned in this process. If things are perfect, just stay in the story and commit to the character. 

Photo credit: Chris de Beer

Galactia is such an incredible and complex character. One of the lines that stuck out to me the most was when she said, “Try not to think of me as a woman, think of me as a painter.” What is it about this character that speaks to you?

One of my favourite lines of hers is, “I am great because I concede at nothing but utterly was myself.” The process that we all go on, everybody, to sit in your soul’s code, to sit in your truth, to find your way to live in your truth is extremely challenging as a human being, woman or man. I love the fact that she just does not compromise. She doesn’t compromise on her work. She doesn’t compromise for the doing of her work either. That could be a feminist thing but it would be the same for a man. For men and women it’s the same. I love that about her. And at the same time, she is a human being so she is torn and she does compromise because she is in love and she is in love with somebody who is much younger than her and that gets her all caught up and tripped up, behaving at times in a way that is not what she should be doing. That is what she grapples with. She is fiercely fantastic and fiercely flawed and that is what makes her a real human being. The whole issue [with] Nicky’s character, Suffici the Admiral, is that she (Galactia) struggles to paint [him] because he is this sensitive guy carrying a gun. He speaks about, I forget the line now. It is such an important line. “The avoidable war and the unavoidable war.” That is a very difficult thing to argue with because there are revolutions and unfortunately there are violent revolutions. I am a complete pacifist but I know that it seems to me that history holds relentless violent journeys. The other thing that I love about this character is her speech about capitulation. To capitulate to what is. Some time ago I did some work with Tossie van Tonder, the dancer and just amazing woman. My impulse was a response to my country, to leadership, to global ways in the world which just feel like we have to go, “Well that’s just the way it is and unfortunately there is nothing we can do about that.” I just feel like, “No.” Do not waste you to proceed in this world believing that I have to capitulate because this is just the way it is. As an artist, one is always trying to tell stories to suggest that there are other ways to approach things. 

Photo credit: Chris de Beer

It’s been an incredible year for you in terms of theatre work. You’ve gone from A Doll’s House into The Inconvenience of Wings and now Scenes from an Execution. What I’ve noticed is that you seem to be absolutely fearless in the work that you do and the roles that you choose. How do you go about choosing the work that you want to do?

In this country we are jobbing actors. You don’t always get to choose. I’ve been blessed beyond belief going from the Tennesse Williams to A Doll’s House to The Inconvenience of Wings to this play, and I feel quite emotional about it that I have had lots of lovely work. Throughout my career, I have had a wonderful balance between theatre, film and television, and long moments of unemployment, which just makes you hungry and makes you want to refocus. When I came to Cape Town, one of the reasons we came here was because I just wasn’t doing theatre in Joburg. Although the Cape Town audiences may have seen me in a lot recently, there was actually quite a drought in theatre before that. Then to come here and be offered these roles. I suppose I might get to choose now. I don’t know what will happen after The Inconvenience of Wings, which we are doing again. I don’t know what I’ll be offered. I have a sense that I should do something small. I have a sense that I should serve in the next piece that I do. I would like somebody, [a] fellow actress, contemporary, somebody who is in my same category, somebody younger, somebody older, it doesn’t matter, where I can serve and be the supporting role and be serving because I have received serving in these last four productions in an overwhelming fashion. When you get to explode, like I feel like I’ve been exploding, fearlessly and ferociously, sometimes indulgently, sometimes I can be a monster. Everybody says that I am not a monster, but I think they are just being kind. I take my space in the rehearsal room. I grapple and fight and battle and struggle, so that always feels like everybody else has to wait for me to go through that process. So hence I would very much like to serve in perhaps the next thing I do. 

Photo credit: Chris de Beer

Did you ever have a moment of doubt in your career where you thought about stepping away?

Yes. Completely! It was a long time ago. In fact, it was the year I met my husband, well not met but the year that we actually fell in love. I just thought, “I can’t.” I had done work, and I won’t denigrate anybody else’s kind of work but I didn’t necessarily want to get stuck in that kind of work. It was the 80’s. I wanted to do South African work. I wanted to be part of the process of the dismantling of apartheid, whether the work we did had any role to play- one hopes it did but…. So of course I turned work down and then of course sat unemployed for some months waiting for that kind of South African play that I wanted. In the process, I applied to a small computer company because I thought, “I might as well go into computers.” But of course the minute the play came it was back on. From that point on it was like, “That’s it.” Every time I’ve felt like “I can’t do this anymore. I don’t know where the next job is coming from. How can I survive like that?” I just go deeper in my craft. My husband in my career has been an extraordinary pillar of strength, not only as a person but he has created work for me. There have been times when I’ve been down and out and he has created work. Molly Bloom way back in my career, a lovely show called Apparently…or so I Heard which was his writing. An amazing piece, I wish we could do it again, called Street-Woman by Herman Charles Bosman. The playlets that had never been performed before, Nicky fixed it and wrote a monologue in the middle to expand it which just sounds like Bosman. When unemployed and not, just [go] deeper, poorer, teach, direct something, make something, wait, borrow money, go into debt, and have faith. 

Going off of that, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice at the beginning of your career, what would it be?

It’s a very good question especially because [I] am working with young people now. It’s so beautiful to see that they can jol and come to work. We can’t do that anymore. They are all still finding partners and Nicky and I have been together for 29 years. It’s just so lovely to be reminded of all that stuff working with them. I think it’s something to do with the ego. One never has one’s ego completely in line but I think I’ve learned to be strict with my ego and I think I’ve learned to know and befriend and speak with my ego firmly. I think my ego is fairly well in place, I hope that I am not lying as I say this. I think the placement of your ego when you are young is a part of growing up. It’s like understanding how to fight for yourself, how to bring yourself forward and the older you get, the more content you are with just waiting and allowing things to be. I am not finished and I am not perfect but I think that is a shift and I would have said to my younger self, “Just be still. Be still and be not afraid.” 

Photo credit: Chris de Beer

Do you have a favourite production or movie or experience that you’ve witnessed during your career?

It’s so hard because there are so many. I’m just going to be truthful to the moment. There was a moment with Sandra Prinsloo opening up the shutters in Uncle Vanya and as I sit here I can just remember the whole breath of her. I can remember her body, I can remember her carriage, I can remember an aura, the light around her as an actor… and Grethe Fox as Sonya being so plain and so diminished carrying that quality so intensely. That’s what came to me today. I remember that very clearly. I think it was probably even the same year, it must have been a very significant year, was John Kani and Winston Ntshona in Fugard’s The Island. It was an awakening of my empathy of pain for my fellow South Africans. It was a deep wake up for me. I don’t care if this is cliché or not but Meryl Streep in Sophie’s Choice. The pain of that moment of her having to choose between her children and the skill of her performance. There are so many others. A very important significant moment for me was my first year at university, coming back to my mother. She was always very glamorous and beautiful and she played all the Terence Rattigan and Noël Coward [plays] and always looked exceptional, and I came back from drama school and I had left the term before and said to her, “Ja but mom can you shift now? Can you do anything else?” Arrogant! I came back and she was in a play called All My Sons and she was sitting like this, with no makeup peeling peas and she was absolutely transformed and plain, working-class. Just special. 

What is something you are most proud of? 

I am proud that I strive for some kind of integrity. If I say I am going to do something, I do it. If I can’t do it, I try to say I can’t do it. If I don’t do it, I try to apologise honestly and truthfully. And I suppose what follows that is that I am proud of the fact that when I fail, I forgive myself. I do and maybe that keeps me alive. I don’t know whether I am proud but I like that notion in my life.

What is something you’ve found to be your biggest challenge?

This is challenge as in a challenge in the midst of a gift, and the gift is that I have three stepchildren that I shared custody with their mom from when they were very little. The gift is that she shared her children with me unconditionally. I suppose somewhere the success is that I never pretended to be the mom. I always hoped to be a good stepmom. Raising someone else’s children and honouring those children and their mother and their father is a challenge from where you had no children to suddenly having three. And then the challenge of parenthood, to have the integrity that I speak of and hold so dear, to have the same integrity with children whether they are a year and a half old or whether they are 18 or whether they are 25 or 32 and now to hold that same integrity with my little step-granddaughter of five. To treat all my stepchildren with the utmost respect all of the time. I could do a whole interview on the amazing journey I have been on with my husband’s ex-wife who is my fellow woman and my stepchildren who are the most loving, forgiving, open-hearted stepchildren you could ever wish for. They have never ever made me feel that I am the other and that is exceptional. And because I didn’t have children of my own, how lucky am I?

Photo credit: Chris de Beer

Thank you for sharing that. Just to end off, who are some South African women in the arts that inspire you?

Tossie van Tonder is somebody who inspires me hugely. When I was in Johannesburg Dorothy-Ann Gould was kind of a mentor of mine. And then there’s Marina Abramović, the performance artist, and Maya Angelou, she is exceptional. 

Scenes from an Execution is now playing at Baxter Theatre until April 22nd. For tickets click here.

Special thanks to Fahiem Stellenboom, Chris de Beer, Hannah Baker and Jennifer Steyn.

All images taken by Chris de Beer at Baxter Theatre on April 5th, 2017.

Sarafina Magazine and Chris de Beer maintain copyrights over all images. For inquiries and usage, contact us.

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A Conversation with Jennifer Steyn, currently performing at @BaxterTheatre Over the course of her career, stage and screen actress Jennifer Steyn has gifted audiences with some truly iconic performances.

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002/ DIOR

HISTORY/

‘A woman’s perfume tells me more about her than her handwriting.’ So said Christian Dior (b. 1905) one of the greatest-ever couturiers – but a man whose name is also synonymous, all over the world, with the art of perfume. As design careers go, Christian Dior‘s didn’t start well. His parents – who lived in a grand villa on the Normandy coast – refused to let him attend a school of fine arts, telling him that it wouldn’t help him find a real job. He kept his parents quiet, initially, by enrolling for Paris’s Institute of Political Sciences – but little did his parents realise that this was also a door to Paris’s exotic night-life. Dior drifted happily into the company of artists and writers who later went on to become among the greatest of their time: painter Christian Bérard, Jean Cocteau, poet Max Jacob and actor Marcel Herrand all became friends. And another arty friend asked Christian Dior – who really longed to be an artist himself – if he’d be interested in becoming a partner in his new gallery. With funding from Dior’s father, it went on to showcase works by Paul Klee, Otto Dix, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miro and Raoul Dufy, among many others, But sadly, the Wall Street crash of 1929 made for few buyers – and badly dented the Dior family fortunes – and this adventure ended when tuberculosis forced Christian Dior to leave Paris, in 1934. On his return, post-recovery, an impoverished Dior looked for work. A friend suggested he take up fashion illustration; he dedicated himself to the task, studying the great designers – Molyneux, Schiaparelli,Lanvin – and his dress designers were sought out by couturier Robert Piguet. The paper Le Figaro gave Dior‘s vibrant sketches a weekly page – and his hat designs did well, too. During the Second World War, Dior worked as a designer beneath couturier Lucien Lelong, then in 1945 got the opportunity to head up the house of Gaston. A great believer in omens and fortune-tellers – Dior had once been told ‘You will be penniless, but women will be good to you and it is thanks to them you will succeed’ – he turned to his favourite psychic, Madame Delahaye, for advice when offered two proposals to open his own couture house. ‘Accept, she ordered me,’ recalled Dior. ‘Accept! You must create the house of Christian Dior.’ And on 12th February 1947, Christian Dior turned the austere post-wartime world on its head, creating the most headline-grabbing collection ever known. Overnight, Christian Dior‘s ‘New Look’ – with its full, swirling skirts, wasp-waisted jackets and bold use of colour – became, as Vogue puts it, ‘catnip to a luxury-starved populace eager to return to the rituals of grooming and dressing up’. But women didn’t just want to look good. They wanted to smell beautiful, too. Soon after the success of his ground-breaking New Look, Dior recalled, ‘Miss Dior was born. It was born of those Provençal evenings filled with fireflies when green jasmine serves as a counterpoint to the melody of the night and the earth.’ And Miss Dior became one of the great fragrance icons of the 20th Century. Allegedly, as Dior was preparing for the launch of his first perfume, the name for the fragrance had yet to be invented. Then his sister, Catherine Dior, walked into the salon of 30 Avenue Montaigne. Dior’s muse, Mitzah Bricard, announced: ‘Here’s Miss Dior!’ On the day of the show, the salon was sprayed with this bewitching perfume – and clients and journalists left with its scent on their clothes and their skin. Eau Fraîche also appeared during the Dior years: a summery splash by perfumer Edmond Roudnitska, uplifting with mandarin and lemon, with oak moss and vanilla in its base. Scent had always been incredibly important to Dior. Eternally superstitious, he slipped a sprig of lily of the valley into them hem of every haute couture dress, and always kept it with him. (He had his own hot-houses, expressly for the purpose of growing this favourite flower.) So it was natural that in 1956, he should launch a fragrance – another Roudnitska creation – based on this favourite flower. Sadly, Dior died just a year after the stunning lily of the valley-based Diorissimo was first unveiled (see the detail above of a beautiful vintage bottle). But happily for perfume-lovers, the creative spark ignited by Christian Dior became a flame that burns brightly to this day. Dior has become known for fragrant landmarks. The wonderfully shareable, zingy-zesty Eau Sauvage (1966). The ground-breaking Poison (1985), one of the boldest fragrance innovations of the already-bold 80s. More recently, the hypnotising J’Adore, an opulent golden floral, which has evolved into many different concentrations ‘signed’ by FrançoisDemachy (see below). And lately, we’ve been able to bathe our senses in new interpretations of the classic Miss Dior, including the sparkling floral Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet (see right), which glorifies peony, mandarin, Damascus rose and white musk – ‘like a dress embroidered with a thousand flowers…’ Parfums Christian Dior is one of the few perfume houses with its own in-house ‘nose’, François Demachy, whose role is Head of Olfactory Development. Demachy was raised in the heartland of perfumery, in Grasse, where ‘we learned about natural ingredients. I took an apprenticeship in a plant there where I passed my time learning different talents. We actually had a contract for the manufacturing of natural ingredients; we had a different rapport with them. It was very helpful afterwards because I approached things differently in my creations – and this was specific to growing up in Grasse.’ Dior La Collection Privée is the ultimate expression of this perfumer’s talents. ‘Rare ingredients, daring olfactory statements and creation that knows no bounds,’ is how Demachy sums it up. ‘This collection reflects the freedom that only true luxury can provide.’ Demachy himself choose and selects ingredients from around the world: Arabian jasmine, Tuscan iris, tuberose, patchouli, neroli, Calabrian bergamot. (source)

/J’ADORE IN JOY

One of the pillars of the current perfume line from Dior, J`Adore, gets a new edition in the spring of 2017 called J`Adore In Joy. The fragrance is announced as the scent of joy, love for life, instant fun and the exclamation of spring. It is said to be a daring fruity- floral with a salty taste.

In-house perfumer Francois Demachy adds an unexpected and unusual touch of salt to the warm floral composition, inspired by the natural phenomenon and finest gourmet salt "Fleur de Sel". This salty accord in the top of the composition emphasizes the combination of white flowers that includes sambac jasmine, neroli, tuberose and ylang-ylang from Grasse. An accord of ripe peaches in the perfume’s base gives the whole composition a fruity touch.

J'adore In Joy comes in a renewed bottle with liquid gold-peach-colored sparkles that diffuse the light thanks to the convex bottom. (source)

/WEBSITE & CONCEPT

The website page for J’Adore in Joy offers a unique and delicate view on the product, the film and the theme.

I believe the description on the fragrance is perfectly shown by the addition of the images and the transitioning effects that change one to the other while scrolling down.  This is an excellent way to engage with the consumer: the first thing the consumer sees is what matters. The scent notes are the essence of the fragrance and the images are cleverly chosen. 

Clear yet sophisticated graphics are also when looking at the range. The bottle’s details and colours are found again in the waves in the background. This creates harmony and makes the consumer feel comfortable. 

CHARLIZE THERON, THE INCARNATION OF J’ADORE

The new J’adore campaign takes us on a journey of the senses to the origins of femininity. Charlize Theron emerges more luminous and whole than ever.

The film is powerful yet romantic. A stunning Charlize Theron embodies sensuality and beauty, expressing her inner beauty and delivering a message of serenity and self love. What is most interesting about the fragrance is the theme explained in the ABSOLUTE FEMININITY page. It supports the film and gives a deeper meaning to the fragrance. 

FEMININE BY NATURE

In the beginning, there was woman. J’adore is her incarnation. Charlize Theron, the icon. At the heart of the basic elements, when emotions laid bare are transformed into vital energy, she rediscovers her true nature. Renewed, triumphant, she is reborn into the world.

(source)

/SWOT ANALYSIS

/STRENGTHS/ Strong theme, strong brand image, cleaver use of website.

/WEAKNESSES/ The fact that they only focus on both sex individually. 

/OPPORTUNITIES/ Create a unisex scent.

/THREATS/ The theme of femininity could become too classic and retrograde.