My Modern Darcy

When it comes to fine fragrances, most connoisseurs instinctively think of names hailing from France or Italy, famed for their storied traditions in perfume making. Yet, as time progresses, remarkable blends are emerging from unexpected corners of the globe, captivating those who seek originality beyond the usual borders. One such discovery, thanks to last November’s “Explorers by Esxence” at Cosmoprof Asia trade fair, is BOHOBOCO • PERFUME , a Polish niche brand breathing

Dear readers, as someone who has wandered through the enchanting world of Italian perfumes, I have often found myself searching for something truly captivating amidst the oversaturated and suffocating perfume marketplace. During my visit to the "Explorers by Esxence" trade fair at the latest edition of Cosmoprof Asia in November 2025, I was awakened by the luxury Italian niche perfume house, Nobile 1942 . They reignited my passion for the understated elegance of Italian nic

Dear readers, there is profound charm in the intangible artistry of perfume, a symphony of scent composed by the talents of master perfumers and visionary creators. With their creative drive, boldness, and innovation, these artists craft fragrances that defy convention, delighting only the most discerning connoisseurs with creations worth coveting and collecting. During my visit to “Explorers by Esxence” at Cosmoprof Asia back in November, I discovered a selection of perfum

Dear readers, further to my previous blog about Italian style and a serendipitous vintage book find, I would like to extend this narrative in this new blog, a stylish sequel for those captivated by the world of Neapolitan tailoring or anyone yearning for a spark of refined inspiration as the festive season approaches. During that same fortuitous vintage book hunt, I uncovered a truly stylish gem - " Rubinacci and the Story of Neapolitan Tailoring ", a volume that invites the

Dear readers, how many of you have heard the quote: "Books showed me the way of life," attributed to Emperor Hadrian? I stumbled upon this phrase only recently in the Fall-Winter 2025 campaign of the Italian luxury cashmere brand, Brunello Cucinelli, where the founder was surrounded by towering stacks of books forming an overwhelming "book wall". To me, this image and the quote brilliantly captured the deep connection between knowledge, history, and the refined art of timel

Dear readers, as the festive season approaches, indulging in a little self-gifting alongside picking presents for others isn't a bad idea at all, especially at Christmas, when we all deserve a touch of stylish luxury. For those who appreciate sophisticated style and refined fragrances and prefer to steer clear of mainstream, oversaturated, or overly commercial brands, today's blog might be right up your alley! About a year ago, I came across THoO ( The House of Oud ), an I

Dear readers, as the holiday season approaches, selecting a thoughtful Christmas gift as a gentleman becomes an art in itself. A well-chosen present not only reflects your knowledge, refined taste, and sensitivity toward sophisticated elegance but also delivers an unexpected, unforgettable delight to your loved ones, adding a magical touch to the festive harmony. Speaking of gifts, have you considered your Christmas shopping ideas yet? If you seek a gift that is simple, ta

Dear readers, as the weather cools and the festive winter spirit starts creeping in, many of us eagerly anticipate a memorable holiday season. Among the many celebrations, there’s one that truly stands out, especially for snow polo enthusiasts, and that is the upcoming St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup . This prestigious tournament, scheduled for late January 2026 (23rd – 25th), will once again take place on the stunning frozen Lake St. Moritz, offering a spectacular blend of

Dear readers, Thanksgiving may not traditionally be associated with style or menswear, yet it remains a meaningful holiday that evokes the warmth of autumn and the cherished moments spent with loved ones. While many prefer a cozy, home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, others opt to celebrate this special evening at a stylish restaurant, enjoying a delicately crafted meal amidst family and friends. Suppose you find yourself still deciding where and how to dine in style this Thank

Dear readers, in a captivating episode of the acclaimed TV series “Emily in Paris”, a memorable conversation unfolds between Chef Gabriel and his restaurant investor, the distinguished owner of Maison Lavaux, a prestigious perfume house, and visionary French entrepreneur Mr. Antoine Lambert. The topic? Introducing a pastry chef to elevate Gabriel's restaurant and vie for a coveted Michelin star. Antoine plainly remarks that "pastry chefs are expensive", cautioning that Gab