In 1988, while touring Paris with a friend, I stepped into a five-star hotel elevator. There, I encountered a gentleman exuding a captivating scent of an unspecified, rich cologne. His features were striking - deep-set eyes, a prominent nose, thin lips, blue-gray eyes, and a height around 176 cm. Clad in a white shirt with blue and green stripes, paired with a gray cashmere sweater, dark blue corduroy trousers, and suede loafers, he resembled a film star stepping off the silver screen, unrealistically handsome.
As the elevator doors opened and he walked away, his scent lingered, etching a lasting memory in my olfactory senses. It was an unforgettable moment, akin to love at first sight.
Despite searching in department stores for his cologne - Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Estée Lauder, Christian Dior, Chanel, and other brands eluded me. I recall encountering a similar scent on foreigners in London and a luxury hotel lobby in Singapore, prompting me to ponder if the allure would remain the same on someone of Asian descent.
Fragrances, like clothing, should fit seamlessly, enhancing one's allure. They are akin to a character in a play - whether a lead or a supporting role depends on how well the wearer embodies them. Fragrance preferences are personal, influenced by context and time, varying among individuals.
In my second year of high school, working at my cousin's company in Taipei during summer break, I met her young boss, a shy, refined-looking man of about 25. He introduced me to the scent of whisky, marking the beginning of my fascination with fragrances.
I fell in love with Jean Patou's JOY, a jasmine-scented perfume popular in Taiwan during the 1980s, evoking a sense of romance and elegance. This fragrance, like a mask, drew me closer to my own fairytale.
My love affair with scents continued through my studies at the Inlingua School of Languages in Singapore, where I discovered Cacharel's Anais Anais series. A blend of green plants and lilies, it exuded a soft, warm aura, evoking feelings of tenderness and care, akin to a fragrant princess.
Over the years, my fragrance journey led me to Christian Dior's J'adore, then to Hermés' Jardin series, where I found solace in the scents of Indian Garden and now Nile Garden. Fragrances, like relationships, evolve and change.
As a professional image stylist, I advise clients to explore perfumes at department stores, creating a signature scent by combining lotions and shower gels. The sense of smell, often overlooked, plays a significant role in personal allure and connections.
In conclusion, the language of fragrance is as powerful as visual beauty; it defines our essence and aids in self-discovery. Embrace the process of finding your unique scent - it's an intimate journey of self-expression and connection with others.
Note: This translation is a condensed version of the original text, capturing the essence and key details.
