Scent and sensibility

Apart from amping the senses, the fragrance we choose also defines the look of our wardrobe. A scent can define a particular character or add texture to an ensemble. Recently, I was invited to an exclusive “Feast of Fragrance” buffet organized by Rustan’s marketing arm. Guests in casual chic attire arrived at the Manila Peninsula for an exhilarating olfactory odyssey. Setting the mood for this cozy “sniffing session” were free-flowing spirits, delectable hors d’oeuvres and a live piano performance that was highlighted by elegant wooden podiums showcasing the latest fragrances for the season.

Divine Lee

Real estate mogul Divine Lee wears a black dress from Max Mara, silver shoes by Michael Kors and a silver Chanel bag. A simple Omega necklace and Franck Muller watch complete the outfit. She chooses a fragrance from D&G because the scent is distinct from others.

Angela Arroyo

Angela wears a Zara top, black jeans, a chain belt from Hong Kong, Dior shoes and a Chanel bag. She chooses Nina Ricci because of its fruity scent and sweet appeal.

Cacay Moras

Cacay wears a short white Greek goddess-inspired dress by Jun Escario. Her accessories are simple: diamond and gold earrings, a little gold bag and nude heels. Her style is comfortable and fabulous. She chooses The One by D&G because it’s young but sophisticated with a touch of sensuality completing the scent.

Abba Napa

Abba wears a BCBG Azria dress with a handmade silver and topaz ring from Laurent Leger, a Balinese jewelry designer whose chunky pieces she loves. This busy entrepreneur’s style (she owns All Flip Flops) is simple but she has a ring, a watch and a pair of earrings on, because she’s in the mood for something light, fun, relaxed and summery to combat the gray rainy season. She chooses D&G because it is different from the perfumes she has at home and variety is the best way to fit into different moods. The fragrance feels fun and sexy; at the same time it can also go from day to night .

Mia Borromeo

Mia wears a pair of linen bermudas from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent and a Marella charcoal-gray knit top, which she wears with a long gold chain, a wooden cocktail ring by Wynn Wynn Ong, and a bunch of old charms borrowed from her mom. The Town and Country editor-at-large has her everyday tote and a pair of patent wedges that she wears for comfort. She chooses Nina by Nina Ricci because she loves the kitschy bottle, plus one of its key ingredients is Caipirinha lime, which she is addicted to.

Malou Gamboa

Malou, Cirkulo GM, wears a leopard print silk top, given to her by Rajo Laurel. It’s loud print sets off her favorite bling ring from Wynn Wynn Ong. She chooses D&G’s The One since it is not sweet-smelling, but musky with hints of mandarin and vanilla, which is perfect for day to night.

Sigalit Djenal

Sigalit, Manila’s favorite socialite, wears a casual and flattering tunic dress from her favorite New York brand, Sky. She pairs it with jeans, a nice gold-buckle belt, chunky gold bracelets and a big necklace. The Chanel vintage bag is about 30 years old; she found it in her mother’s collection. She chooses the D&G fragrance since it is the only scent that blends well for her.

Pam Fianza

Pam wears pants from Zara with a top from Hong Kong. She uses simple hoop earrings to accessorize. She chooses Escada because the scent is not too light nor too heavy: perfect for day to night.

Leah Puyat

Leah, a writer and entrepreneur, is wearing jeans from the Surplus Shop at SM Makati; the cardigan is Morgan De Toi, which is her favorite. She got the peacock blue velour purse from her mother. She chooses the D&G fragrance because its main note is the Madonna lily, plus peaches: it is a very layered, dramatic and intriguing scent.