My Modern Darcy

Dear readers, visiting Grasse — a small town in the south of France — may not be the first choice for certain travellers seeking the glamour of the French Riviera; the region offers plenty of more obvious destinations, from the grand hotels of Cannes to the sunlit elegance of Saint-Tropez. Yet for perfume lovers and connoisseurs, Grasse possesses an almost sacred significance. Recognised as an historic centre of French perfumery, Grasse is celebrated for its centuries-old ex

Dear readers, among the many trips I have taken to France over the years, summer 2017 was particularly memorable for a series of “firsts” in my life. It was my first visit to Grasse, the world capital of perfume in France; my first visit to Château de Compiègne, where I marveled at the grandeur of French architecture and court life; my first close encounter with the legendary “Le Bar” suit by the legendary late French couturier, Christian Dior, at the spectacular exhibition

Dear readers, for those who are passionate about perfume, fashion, and the art of living, there is something deeply compelling about tracing a beautiful creation back to its origins. Sometimes, the fascination is not only with the object itself, but also with the place, the craftsmanship, and the heritage that shaped it. To me, perfume has always inspired that kind of romantic curiosity. About a decade ago, I made a point of visiting Grasse, the world capital of perfume in

Dear readers, as the summer heat gradually settles in, so too does our desire for a relaxing holiday — long hours by the pool under a bright sunny sky, a chilled drink in hand, and a leisurely read unfolding against the backdrop of a luxurious resort. Tall palms, shaded cabanas, a soft breeze, and perhaps a boundless view of the sea all come together to create that ideal summer escape, the kind that allows one to rest, recharge, and momentarily step away from the noise of ev

Dear readers, following my previous blog about the prelude to Esxence, the prominent annual perfume expo in Milan, which will be held next month, I would like to revisit another perfume maison that has long captured the imagination of perfume lovers: Acqua di Parma. Instantly recognisable by its iconic, elegant, Art Deco-inspired cylindrical bottle, its black cap resembling a gentleman’s top hat, and its clean white label crowned with the house’s coat of arms, this Italian l

Dear readers, for many perfume aficionados, the annual Esxence perfume expo in Milan is an event not to miss; with the next edition taking place in early June, many of us are looking forward to discovering what is new in the world of fragrance. Whether you are attending or simply following along from afar, this feels like the perfect moment to celebrate the “scent of style”. Having written many perfume posts over the years, I sometimes find myself searching for new brands t

Dear readers, cashmere has long been regarded as one of the most luxurious natural materials in the world, often described as “soft gold” or a “diamond fibre”, sourced from the undercoat of Capra hircus goats, primarily in Mongolia and the Himalayan regions, it is prized for its exceptional softness, lightness, and warmth; combined with its rarity, each goat produces only a small quantity of usable fibre during the spring moulting season, this makes cashmere one of the most v

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