Latest news with #PortraitofaLady
Sydney Morning Herald
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Dirty ashtray wrapped in floral notes': The unusual perfumes worth trying
This story is part of the June 22 edition of Sunday Life. See all 15 stories. A friend of mine, who is a serious fragrance addict, once – rather foolishly – revealed her signature scent to me: Portrait of a Lady, from Editions de Parfums By Frédéric Malle ($436 for the 50ml EDP). I then shared her secret with the world in my book, Secrets of a Beauty Queen. I am now a devotee of this intoxicating oriental rose with a blend of benzoin, cinnamon, patchouli, musk and frankincense; I have nicknamed it my 'fragrance heroin'. Having betrayed my friend's trust, she proudly (and rather smugly) revealed that she had a new signature scent, and that she was never going to give it up. I poked and prodded her for details, and she talked tantalisingly of it smelling like a newborn baby's head combined with breast milk. Not to be deterred, I Googled the heck out of it. My instinct tells me it's Demeter New Baby ($35), all lemony and cream. Tom Ford is always a fountain of inspiration when it comes to out-there fragrances. There is his F---ing Fabulous ($1600 for 250ml), which he himself describes as being 'undeniably the most straightforward name for such a beautiful scent. Why make it complicated?' It is explicit, sexy, earthy and bold with notes of oriental leather, bitter almond oil, tonka bean, orris root and clary sage oil. Another Tom Ford winner is Vanilla Sex ($395 for 30ml). The crazy kids at Libre d'Orange are always coming up with surprising scents including the renowned Sécrétions Magnifiques ($150 for 50ml), which smells like several bodily fluids including blood, sweat and saliva. Its creators refer to it as 'subversive' and 'disturbing' saying, 'It's love or hate at first sight. Like blood, sweat, sperm, saliva, [it] is as real as an olfactory coitus.' This rather daring and experimental scent is softened with coconut and sandalwood notes. Also from this scent stable, we love Jasmin et Cigarette ($260 for 100ml). The name says it all: dirty ashtray wrapped in floral notes. Loading Another on our list of unique fragrances is Moth and Rabbit Perfumes' La Haine ($165 for 50ml). It is an intoxicating unisex scent with notes of birch tar, cedar, leather and musk. And, finally, an oldie but serious goodie is Fracas de Robert Piguet ($299 for 100ml), which should be worn with extreme caution, as it can attract serious attention. It is an incredibly lush white floral with tuberose, jasmine and gardenia as its seductive top notes, with a base of sandalwood and musk. I once had to do a death-roll from a car to escape an unwanted advance while wearing it.
The Age
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
‘Dirty ashtray wrapped in floral notes': The unusual perfumes worth trying
This story is part of the June 22 edition of Sunday Life. See all 4 stories. A friend of mine, who is a serious fragrance addict, once – rather foolishly – revealed her signature scent to me: Portrait of a Lady, from Editions de Parfums By Frédéric Malle ($436 for the 50ml EDP). I then shared her secret with the world in my book, Secrets of a Beauty Queen. I am now a devotee of this intoxicating oriental rose with a blend of benzoin, cinnamon, patchouli, musk and frankincense; I have nicknamed it my 'fragrance heroin'. Having betrayed my friend's trust, she proudly (and rather smugly) revealed that she had a new signature scent, and that she was never going to give it up. I poked and prodded her for details, and she talked tantalisingly of it smelling like a newborn baby's head combined with breast milk. Not to be deterred, I Googled the heck out of it. My instinct tells me it's Demeter New Baby ($35), all lemony and cream. Tom Ford is always a fountain of inspiration when it comes to out-there fragrances. There is his F---ing Fabulous ($1600 for 250ml), which he himself describes as being 'undeniably the most straightforward name for such a beautiful scent. Why make it complicated?' It is explicit, sexy, earthy and bold with notes of oriental leather, bitter almond oil, tonka bean, orris root and clary sage oil. Another Tom Ford winner is Vanilla Sex ($395 for 30ml). The crazy kids at Libre d'Orange are always coming up with surprising scents including the renowned Sécrétions Magnifiques ($150 for 50ml), which smells like several bodily fluids including blood, sweat and saliva. Its creators refer to it as 'subversive' and 'disturbing' saying, 'It's love or hate at first sight. Like blood, sweat, sperm, saliva, [it] is as real as an olfactory coitus.' This rather daring and experimental scent is softened with coconut and sandalwood notes. Also from this scent stable, we love Jasmin et Cigarette ($260 for 100ml). The name says it all: dirty ashtray wrapped in floral notes. Loading Another on our list of unique fragrances is Moth and Rabbit Perfumes' La Haine ($165 for 50ml). It is an intoxicating unisex scent with notes of birch tar, cedar, leather and musk. And, finally, an oldie but serious goodie is Fracas de Robert Piguet ($299 for 100ml), which should be worn with extreme caution, as it can attract serious attention. It is an incredibly lush white floral with tuberose, jasmine and gardenia as its seductive top notes, with a base of sandalwood and musk. I once had to do a death-roll from a car to escape an unwanted advance while wearing it.
Economic Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
The world's most famous museum, home to the Mona Lisa, is now shut. Take a look at its iconic masterpieces
Mona Lisa Aphrodite, known as the Venus de Milo The Winged Victory of Samothrace The Pyramid Great Sphinx of Tanis Portrait of a Lady For many, a trip to Paris isn't complete without stepping under the iconic glass pyramid of the Louvre Museum and witnessing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo . But on Monday, instead of gazing at legendary artworks, thousands of confused tourists stood in long lines outside, tickets in hand, as the Louvre—the world's most-visited museum—unexpectedly shut its doors. The cause? A sudden and unannounced strike by museum staff, who say they're buckling under the pressure of overwhelming crowds, insufficient staffing, and poor working conditions, according to an Associated Press strike erupted during an internal meeting, and by afternoon, gallery attendants, security, and ticketing agents had all walked off the job. The iconic glass pyramid entrance became a symbol not of awe, but of frustration, as tourists were left staring in the shutdown made global headlines, it's a moment that reminds us why the Louvre remains such a draw for millions each year. Housing more than 35,000 works of art, the Louvre is not just a museum—it's a living chronicle of human creativity and its crown jewels is Leonardo da Vinci 's Mona Lisa, famously enigmatic and technically masterful. From her legendary smile to the delicate sfumato technique that gives the painting its misty atmosphere, the Mona Lisa has fascinated visitors for there's the Venus de Milo, discovered on the Greek island of Milos and gifted to the Louvre in 1821. With her missing arms and graceful posture, she became an instant icon of classical beauty and has remained a centrepiece ever tall at the top of the Daru staircase is The Winged Victory of Samothrace , a breathtaking sculpture that once overlooked an ancient Greek sanctuary. Captured in motion with billowing drapery and powerful wings, the statue represents Goddess Nike, the messenger of Louvre itself is a work of art. The famed Pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei, once controversial, now stands as one of Paris's most photographed landmarks. What many don't realise is that the museum has not one but five pyramids, including two smaller glass pyramids and an inverted pyramid that illuminates the underground entrance near the Carrousel shopping centre, as per the Louvre even deeper into history, visitors encounter the Great Sphinx of Tanis, an ancient Egyptian sculpture symbolising divine power and protection. With the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, it was designed to guard sacred spaces—a fitting metaphor for the museum among the museum's priceless treasures is Leonardo's Portrait of a Lady, known as La Belle Ferronnière, a striking example of Renaissance portraiture that showcases Leonardo's unmatched ability to capture presence and per reports in the Associated Press, the museum might open on Wednesday.
7NEWS
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
DB Cosmetics drops the dupe collection of the year with $12.99 fragrances inspired by cult perfumes
Aussie shoppers are obsessed with this new perfume collection that's only $12.99 each but smells like a $611 cult favourite. The six-piece fragrance range that launched this week is already making waves for delivering luxe-level scent experiences without the sky-high price tags. Inspired by best-selling perfumes from prestige houses like Frederic Malle, Fenty, Kayali, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian, this collection makes it possible to smell like a designer label — on a drugstore budget. The standout of the collection is Painted Lady, DB's bold and romantic take on Frederic Malle's Portrait of a Lady, a fragrance that typically retails for a staggering $611. Painted Lady recreates the beloved scent with a lush blend of rose petals, spiced amber, and juicy dark berries. The result is an opulent, complex perfume that feels every bit as elegant and sophisticated — at a fraction of the cost. Amanda Connors, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Total Beauty Network, says the new range is about changing the perception of what affordable beauty can be. 'We wanted to show that smelling incredible doesn't have to cost a fortune. Our new fragrance range is luxurious, long-lasting and crafted with care. It's everything you'd expect from a high-end perfume, without the high-end price.' And Painted Lady is just the beginning. The full collection includes: Fancy: A zesty, floral-musk scent inspired by Fenty Eau de Parfum, blending fruit-forward top notes with a sensual musky base. Burning Love: DB's version of Kayali's Burning Cherry, leans into smoky sweetness with cherry, praline, and rich woods. Fluidité: Inspired by Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Gentle Fluidity Gold, offers warm vanilla, nutmeg, and amber in a comforting, gender-neutral blend. Chaos: A bold white floral homage to Robert Piguet's Fracas, stars lush tuberose with soft gardenia and jasmine. All six fragrances are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated to last, ticking every box for modern beauty lovers who want ethical elegance without compromise. From the packaging to the performance, DB's Winter fragrance drop is being hailed as one of the most successful designer-inspired perfume collections to ever land in Australian stores.
Forbes
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How To Build An Unforgettable Fragrance Wardrobe This Spring
A fragrance wardrobe is a personal collection of scents that you can mix, match, layer or wear alone depending on the mood, season, or occasion. I was 14 when I first bought my very eau de toilette: Heaven by Gap. I felt all grown up, wearing a scent that I believed was a clear reflection of my adolescent identity. Since then, my preferences for fragrances have evolved to include: a fresh citrusy spritz for the summer, something heady and mysterious for nights out, and an investment cult perfume for when I want to make an entrance. It was only when I began to explore the colorful world of Maison Francis Kurkdijan that I discovered the joys and creative possibilities that cultivating a fragrance wardrobe can bring. The Discovery Set from Maison Francis Kurkdijan was my portal to the world of fragrance wardrobes. As it is in fashion, a fragrance wardrobe is a personal collection of scents that you can mix, match, layer or wear alone depending on the mood, season, or occasion. This modern and highly personalized approach to wearing perfumes or eau de toilettes allows you to create combinations that are fresh and uniquely yours. For instance, I've been layering Le Labo's Thé Noir 29 (a scent I've been wearing for the past five years) with a spritz of Bond Number One. The result: a strikingly familiar scent with a musky, delicious surprise. LE LABO Thé Noir 29 Bond Number One Eau de Parfum This Spring, consider fragrances that reinvent signature florals or bold, classic scents. Seek out the most compelling narratives that inspire enigmatic perfumes from cult favorites like 19-69 and D.S & Durga. This is also the season to celebrate your inner child with a deliciously fruity fragrance. Here, a round up of the key fragrances for Spring, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Created by Dominique Ropion, Portrait of a Lady from Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle was recently repackaged into a striking red flacon to mark its 15th year. The iconic fragrance highlights the opulence of the Turkish rose as set against lush notes of amber, incense, and sandalwood. Essences of patchouli and cypress linger, highlighting the contrast between light and shadow. Rainbow Bary by 19-69 Created by cult luxury brand, 19-69, Rainbow Bar draws from 1980s glam rock counterculture. This bright and spicy scent was named after the infamous Rainbow Bar on LA's Sunset Strip. Top notes include bergamot, cypress, warwood and cardamon. At the heart of this evocative eau de parfum are accords of marine breeze, fresh basil, elemi, artemisia, grape seed, and bourbon. They are reminiscent of 'the clear blue skies, the sunshine and the warm glow that embrace the West Coast.' Rainbow Bar lingers with essences of nutmeg, vetiver, cedarwood and pimento seeds. Invisible Post by 19-69 19-69's Invisible Post was inspired by the hippie movement of 1967, known as the Summer of Love. During this time, information and ideas were shared with the community through a communication network called the Invisible Post. The playful, woody perfume echoes the exuberance of a generation that was determined to 'trash the previous generation's old values and embrace a new consciousness of freedom, sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll.' Invisible Post opens with notes of petit grain, green fig and tangerine. It then transports the olfactory senses to the vast fields of palm leaf, black currant, and cyclamen. Tonka beans and sandalwood linger. Greenpoint by Bond No. 9 Bond No. 9's Greenpoint is a classic fragrance with a playful twist. Created in collaboration with Mane Master Perfumer Claude Dir, it echoes the fashionable, part bohemian-part industrial vibe of Brooklyn's edgy maritime neighborhood: Greenpoint. Initial olfactory impressions reveal notes are made of pear, zesty bergamot, and spicy pimento leaf. At the heart, a bouquet of roses, magnolia and jasmine. Greenpoint's lingering notes include: blonde cedar, tree moss, sea amber and musk. Kurky by Maison Francis Kurkdijan French perfumer Francis Kurkdijan bottles some of his most intimate childhood memories in a bottle of Kurky. This new fragrance from the renowned maison is a fun, fruity and nostalgic call to connect with our inner child. Kurky is a tutti-fruit medley of peach, raspberry, musk and vanilla sillage that is every bit a childhood perfume–made for adults. Kurkdijan writes: 'It is an invitation to dare, to experience life through a rainbow of colors… Kurky is a scent that instantly reveals itself exactly as it is, like a big grin and a rush of positivity. ' I Don't Know What by DS & DURGA When exploring the countless possibilities of a fragrance wardrobe, begin with DS & Durga's I Don't Know What. Created as a fragrance enhancer, this clean, sparkling scent enhances notes and nuances of other perfumes. It blends bergamot with vetiver acetate, civettone, firsantol, and ambrox super. I Don't Know What can also be worn alone as a light, crisp and refreshing spritz of 'je ne sais quo.' Brown Flowers by DS & DURGA DS & Durga founders, David and Kavi Molz, present fragrances through detailed narratives accompanied by a curated Spotify playlist. The recently launched Brown Flowers, for example, presents an unexpected olfactory journey into the realm of floral scents. 'Think of it as a floral with a cool side,' says the fragrance duo. Brown Flowers embodies the modernist from the 1070s–a chic eccentric who wears jasmine (a concoction of her own) and drinks liters of French pressed coffee. The fragrance, writes the team, is a combination of 'aging vials of umber hues, weird brown orchids, coffee flowers, and dry jasmine buds littered with faded citrus peels.'
