My Fragrance Wardrobe: Charlotte Collins
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Fragrance is the finishing touch to any look. I would never go to a big meeting or event without it. Scent is a way of presenting yourself to the world, and I love that. Some are powered by a signature scent, but what I reach for depends on my mood.
90s scents are very nostalgic for me. Thierry Mugler was one of my first purchases – I was obsessed with ‘Angel’. I also loved ‘Rush’ by Gucci and I have to mention to ‘Fierce’ by Abercrombie & Fitch. I lived and breathed that fragrance – it distinguished the men from the Lynx-wearing boys.
I love scents that can create an atmosphere and mood. I have quite eclectic taste, though I lean towards fragrances that conjure up that cosy, cashmere, winter feeling. But I don’t like anything too heavy; everything needs to be balanced. Fragrances that get this so right are Jo Malone London’s ‘Cypress & Grapevine’ and Tom Ford’s ‘Tuscan Leather’. Both are sexy and woody but not OTT or intrusive.
Speaking of cosy, sometimes I prefer burning candles to wearing fragrances. My favourites are smoky and full of warmth, like Diptyque’s ‘Baies’ – I’d like to be buried with that – and ‘Feu De Bois’, which smells just like a freshly lit fire. Another favourite is Soho Home’s ‘Fireside’ and Cire Trudon’s ‘Ernesto’ – this is expensive but has become a ride-or-die. I also recommend Boy Smells ‘Hinoki Fantôme’, both in the candle and fragrance form.
Incense sticks help me feel comforted and warm. My favourites are by Aesop. My husband hates them, but when he’s away, I get them going. I’m a real cosy girl, so when I am on my own, I like to light lots of candles and incense sticks, turn on some lamps, and create a real mood.
Tom Ford makes two of my favourite fragrances. As well as smooth, elegant, woody ‘Tuscan Leather’, I love ‘Fucking Fabulous’, which I love for an important meeting or big event as it gives me confidence. It’s like baby powder and just so unique.
Like everyone, certain scents remind me of my loved ones. Viktor & Rolf’s ‘Flowerbomb’ will always be my best friend. Chanel ‘No. 5’ is just my mum. She has loved that range for years – from the soaps to the body washes and fragrances. Creed’s ‘Virgin Island Water’ is my dad’s go-to. He keeps a bottle at our place in Mallorca, so I associate it with the best memories, as well as warmth and sunshine.
Summertime is when I go for something fresh. I keep Floral Street’s ‘Arizona Bloom’ in Mallorca. It’s so light and breezy, and sits somewhere between a soft spritz and fragrance – it's so transportative. Another scent I love in the summer is Maison Margiela’s ‘Under The Lemon Trees’, which is soft and sherbet-y. Lastly, I like to keep Jo Malone London’s ‘Wood Sage & Sea Salt’ nearby.
Le Labo has something for everyone. It’s one of the best fragrance brands because everything feels very considered. I think you’d be hard pushed not to find at least one you love. The same goes for Maison Margiela and Penhaligon’s. They are three of the best fragrance houses in my opinion.
My desk and home scents are very different. At work, I have a few fragrances I keep handy. That includes Penhaligon’s ‘Juniper Sling’ and ‘The Dandy’, which has real jazz club vibes and is dark and sexy, so I often spritz this on when I’m heading to events after work. As for ‘Juniper Sling’, it’s quite generic but it’s an amalgamation of everything I love in a fragrance. Jo Malone London’s ‘Orange Marmalade’ is also on my desk – I love that whole Paddington collaboration. It’s limited edition, but if you can still get your hands on it, I recommend doing so. At home, I have plenty I like to rotate and layer up, from Le Labo’s ‘Another 13’ and ‘Matcha 26’ to Matier Premiere’s ‘Crystal Saffron’, which is the most intense fragrance I own. It’s the one I reach for when I want to make a real statement.
Dries Van Noten and Miller Harris do great niche scents. I rarely finish fragrances, but I’ve come close with Dries Van Noten’s ‘Mystic Moss’. It’s fresher than I’d normally go for, but it still has a moody quality I love. Its ‘Santal Greenery’ is delicious too, and both come in such huge bottles, so they last for ages. Miller Harris’s ‘L’Air de Rien’ and ‘Feuilles de Tabac’ are two I’ve worn a lot. The whole range is beautiful and very classic.
My newest discovery is Liberty’s ‘Ianthe Oud’. It’s the perfect amount of oud and woods, with a little bit of violet. It’s a lovely combination for both day and night.
Byredo’s ‘Lil Fleur’ would be my repeat buy. As I say, I don’t have a signature scent, but I would repurchase this if I run out. It’s special to me as it reminds me of a very specific time in my life that was stressful but was also full of many happy memories and moments. I now find the association so comforting.
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