The role fragrance plays in my life is endless. From the smell of fresh fruits and vegetables right off the farm, to my travels as a child in China and Southeast Asia, or to my mother’s French YSL Champagne fragrance, that I still have, to the smells wafting out of Parisian bakeries and creperies.

Nevertheless, it is my mother’s fragrance that still triggers an instant moment in time for me. I remember going to pick it up with her at the Galeries Lafayette and sneaking a whiff of it while she was getting ready to go out to dinner. My mom is a minimalist, so it was unusual for her to buy something so fancy. Even then I understood its power. I personally adore floral fragrances. I gravitate toward them not only because they’re romantic and feminine, but because they always make me smile. Smelling Carnal Rose for the first time is a memory I’ll never forget and every time I spritz myself (one pump only!) I have the same reaction all over.

If I were to describe myself in fragrances, my top note would be something strong like wood. In fact, a wood-burning fireplace is what I would generally associate with the feeling of connection. Tuberose would be my heart, because I believe that love and kindness are the answer to everything. My top note would be French rose as a nod to growing up in France, my love of beauty and of course my daughter Rose.

A scent that reminds me of our pre-pandemic lives takes me on the busy streets of New York City. Without a doubt I’m excited to be back in a crowd, to feel the collective energy of being in a group. I’m most looking forward to cocktail hour at a beach with a bunch of friends.