The Art of Perfumery: A Guide to the Different Types of Scents

The importance of wearing perfumes goes beyond just smelling good. Wearing perfumes can boost confidence, improve mood, and even have an impact on our overall well-being. Choosing the perfect perfume can be a daunting task. With so many different scents available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, understanding the different types of scents can help you make an informed decision and choose a perfume that suits your personality and style. In this article, we will explore the various types of scents and their unique properties, so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect perfume for you.

Floral Scents

The most common and easily recognisable of all the fragrance types is the floral scents. As the name suggests, these scents get their essence from flowers like roses, jasmine, lavender, peonies and more. They have a calming and soothing effect on them, thus often being the first choice for aromatherapy. For the same reason, floral scents are also found in perfumes, candles and air fresheners.

The Best Floral Perfumes

Dioriviera is an Eau de Parfum with a long-lasting note of roses in combination with the sweet smell of fig.

Creed Spring Floral has strong floral characteristics because of the key ingredients like jasmine and white flowers inside the fancy pink bottle.

Citrus Scents

Derived from the essence of citrus fruits such as oranges, bergamot, lemons, and grapefruits, citrus scents have a refreshing and energetic feel to them. They are also known for their uplifting and invigorating properties thus making them popular choices for morning routines. As this scent family evokes a sense of freshness, it is often associated with the summer season.

The Best Citrus Perfumes

Acqua di Parma’s Arancia La Spugnatura has Vanilla Orange, lemons and mandarins as its starring ingredients which give the perfume its zesty and citrusy smell.

Gucci’s The Alchemist Garden 1921 is another luxurious perfume which has its citrus ingredient, citron lemon, on the top note thereby allowing you to smell it in the first spray.

Woody Scents

Woody scents are extracted from the essence of trees such as sandalwood, cedarwood, and pine. They are known for their grounding and calming properties, making them desirable choices for meditation and relaxation. Due to their strong connection with nature, woody scents easily attract outdoorsy people who love hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

The Best Woody Perfumes

Le Labo Santal 33 was created to replicate the smell of a campfire, for which the brand included extracts from Australian sandalwood and cedarwood to bring out a woody fragrance.

Bleu de Chanel is appreciated by connoisseurs for its pleasant and perfumy woody notes that come from the New Caledonian sandalwood extracts found in them.

Spicy Scents

Spicy scents are derived from the essence of spices such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. They are known for their warming and alleviating properties, making them popular choices for the fall and winter seasons.

The Best Spicy Perfumes

Aesop Gloam is concentrated with essences from spices such as pink pepper, cardamom, saffron and more that strongly appeal to your olfactory senses.

Imagine the sweet aromas that you smell in a coffee shop, that is mildly what Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium smells like with the sparkling black bottle holding essences of the coffee accord, pink pepper and more that give it its spicy fragrance.

Aquatic Scents

Aquatic scents mimic the aroma of the ocean and sea breeze. They essentially remind you of relaxing at a seashore or going on a cruise trip. They are known for their fresh and clean properties, making them popular choices for the summer seasons.

The Best Aquatic Perfumes

Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt is characterised as a standout aquatic perfume for invoking the refreshing smell of the sea.

Hermès Eau des Merveilles Bleue is rejuvenating as it smells like the ocean with this eau de toilette possessing the fragrances of the salty pebbles that you find on the seashore.

Beatific Prism – Ecstatic, Seraphic, Blissful

There are different ways to express one’s inner blissfulness and happiness but the most fashionable channel has to be through clothing. Whether you want to go for a monochrome look or wear something vibrant, or something more psychedelic, here are some attention-grasping summer 2023 fits that are ecstatic, seraphic and blissful to look your best this season.

Look 1

summer 2023

On Her
Dress by Hermès

On Him
Top, scarf, pants and slippers by Hermès

Look 2

summer 2023

On Her
Top, skirt and handbag by Prada

On Him
Top, jacket and shorts by Prada

Look 3

summer 2023

Earrings by Versace, Printed jersey top by Acne Studios (courtesy of Net-a-Porter) and Bra by Miu Miu

Look 4

summer 2023

On Her
Jacket by Prada

On Him
Top, jacket and pants by Dunhill

Also Read: Natural Angst – Monochrome looks for the freakishly fierce DNA in you

Look 5

summer 2023

On Her
Dress by Loewe and Heels by Giuseppe Zanotti

On Him
Top by Loewe and Pants by Dunhill

Look 6

summer 2023

Jacket, pants, rings and handbag by Dior

Look 7

summer 2023

On Her
Dress by Gucci, Crystal-embellished mini satin tote by Magda Butrym, courtesy of Net-a-Porter

On Him
Top, vest and shorts by Gucci

Look 8

summer 2023

On Her
Dress and boots by Versace

On Him
Jacket and pants by Dunhill, Handbag by Ferragamo and Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti

(Photographer: Jack Law, Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma, Videographer: Jack Fontanilla, Female Model: Ally Teo (Quest Artists & Models), Male Model: Dawson Chen (Quest Artists & Models), Hair and Make-up: Owen Ko & Joenny Lau)

Treasured Chests: Ditch your vest and look your best

“Less is more” is a style philosophy trusted and followed by many discerning fashionistas, and one way to do it is to ditch the vests, or opt for a casual and comfortable top.

 

casual mens fashion

Necklace courtesy of VIPOP

Bangle bracelet by Ferragamo

Jacket and pants by Ermenegildo Zegna

Lucas Armchair by Indigo Living 

casual mens fashion

Jacket, shirt, trousers, tote and slides by Loewe

casual mens fashion

Top, shorts and boots by Prada 

casual mens fashion

Hat, necklace, coat, underwear, shorts, ring and saddle bag by Dior 

casual mens fashion

Pocket art and necklaces by Novel Fineries

casual mens fashion

Earrings, necklace, top, clutch, pants and sandals by Hermès

Aspen Recycled Wood Stool by Indigo Living

Jacket and pants by Dolce & Gabbana 

Tristan Wooden Tic Tac Toe by Indigo Living

(Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Model: Sasha (Synergy Model Management) Hair and Makeup: Heti Tsang)

Also Read: Miss Matched: Contrasting wear for the perfect pair

Miss Matched: Contrasting wear for the perfect pair

Nothing defines fashionable like contrasting outfits that are paired together with such great taste. As long as you understand the colour combinations and the patterns that go well with each other, it is effortless to look stylish, so below are some inspirations to get you started. Florals, denim, or bold colours – the possibilities are endless. Go play with it!

contrasting outfits

On Her
Necklace by Roger Vivier
Gloves by Novel Fineries
Kaia feather-trimmed sequined tulle mini dress by Rebecca Vallance (courtesy of Net-A-Porter)
Heels by Ferragamo

On Him
Necklace, bracelet and ring by APM Monaco
Top and pants by Ferragamo
Scandals by Hermès

contrasting outfits

On Her
Face accessory and dress by Gucci

On Him
Shirt and jacket by Gucci

contrasting outfits

Pocket art and rings by Novel Fineries
Jacket, shorts, and tote bag by Prada
Dahlia Stem Burgundy Fresh Touch, Olive Leaf Stem, Yellow Dancing
Oncidium Single Stem, and White Magnolia Stem by Indigo Living

contrasting outfits

On Her
Earrings and rings by Novel Fineries
Dress by Ferragamo

On Him
Ear cuff by Novel Fineries
Top by Ferragamo

contrasting outfits

On Her
Earrings, necklace, and bracelet by Dior
Coat and heels by Prada
Handbag by Roger Vivier

On Him
Bracelet by APM Monaco
Jacket by Ermenegildo Zegna
Hydrangea Stems by Indigo Living

contrasting outfits

On Her
Earrings courtesy of VIPOP
Dress by Loewe
Mini handbag by Dior

On Him
Top, jacket, shorts, and buddy pocket by Hermès

contrasting outfits

On Her
Ring courtesy of VIPOP
Top, skirt, and handbag by Prada

On Him
Necklace, ring, jacket, and shorts by Dior

contrasting outfits

Tiara, scarf, dress, heels, rings, and handbag by Versace
Forever Blue Arrangement, Hot Pink Peony Arrangement, Exotic Protea Arrangement, Splendid Mixed Bloom Arrangement by Indigo Living

Also Read: Natural Angst – Monochrome looks for the freakishly fierce DNA in you

(Photographer: Jack Law Art, Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma, Videographer: Jack Fontanilla, Female Model: Shauri (Synergy Model Management Ltd), Male Model: Mai (Synergy Model Management Ltd), and Hair and Make-up: Owen Ko & Joenny Lau)

Nautical Escapade: Dive in with hot summer stylings

It’s yachting season! Time to dive into summertime with these hot summer stylings, from loewe and valentino to Stella McCartney and Gucci, Gafencu has put together the perfect summer looks to lounge around in…

Look 1

Nautical Escapade Dive in with hot summer stylings gafencu 1

One piece swimsuit, beach towel, handbag, slippers by Hermès

Look 2

Nautical Escapade Dive in with hot summer stylings gafencu 2

Jacket, pants, heels and hat by Gucci

Look 3

Nautical Escapade Dive in with hot summer stylings gafencu 3

Rings by Messika; Top and pants by Chloé

Look 4

Nautical Escapade Dive in with hot summer stylings gafencu 4

Dress by Loewe; Gladiator sandals by Roger Vivier

Look 5

Nautical Escapade Dive in with hot summer stylings gafencu 5

Bracelet by Messika; Top and pants by Maje

Look 6

Nautical Escapade Dive in with hot summer stylings gafencu 6

Bracelet and ring by Messika; Bodysuit by Stella McCartney

Look 7

Nautical Escapade Dive in with hot summer stylings gafencu 7

Dress and handbag by Valentino

Look 8

Nautical Escapade Dive in with hot summer stylings gafencu 8

Fringe hat, lace up bodysuit and chain belt by Loewe

 

 

(Venue: The New Azimut 68, courtesy of Azimut Yachts Hong Kong; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Andy Wan; Model: Zamantha D. (Quest Artists & Models); Hair and Make Up: Owen Ko)

Dangerous Liaisons: Flirtatious sartorial evening wear

Slay the evening with your best glam look while donning the season’s hottest evening wear. Elevated to a more provocative, fashion-forward level, the high fashion maisons are tapping into lace dresses, eclectic prints and bold, bright colours this season to spice up the party scene. Mixing formal wear with the right balance of modernity and attitude, these sartorial numbers are sure to steal more than a few glances.

Look 1

gafencu-fashion-flirtatious-sartorial-pairings-1

On Her: Earrings by Swarovski; Gloves, lingerie, dress and heels by Gucci
On Him: Jacket, button-up skirt, vest, tie, pants and shoes by Gucci

Look 2

gafencu-fashion-flirtatious-sartorial-pairings-2

On Her: Necklace, bracelet, top, long skirt and heels by Hermès
On Him: Button-up skirt, pants and shoes by Brunello Cucinelli; Handbag by Hermès

Look 3

gafencu-fashion-flirtatious-sartorial-pairings-3

Jacket, pants and boots by Moschino

Look 4

gafencu-fashion-flirtatious-sartorial-pairings-4

On Her: Earrings and necklace by Swarovski; Handbag by Roger Vivier; Jacket, bra, skirt and boots by Dolce & Gabbana
On Him: Tank top and pants by Loewe; Boots by Hermès

Look 5

gafencu-fashion-flirtatious-sartorial-pairings-5

On Her: Earrings, gloves and heels by Gucci; Dress by Dolce & Gabbana
On Him: Jacket, vest, pants and boots by Gucci

Look 6

gafencu-fashion-flirtatious-sartorial-pairings-6

On Her: Earrings and necklace by Hermès; Dress by Loewe; Handbag and heels by Jimmy Choo
On Him: Jacket and pants by Moschino; Shoes by Brunello Cucinelli

Look 7

gafencu-fashion-flirtatious-sartorial-pairings-7

On Her: Earrings by Swarovski; Jacket, skirt and high-knee boots by Balenciaga
On Him: Jacket, pants and shoes by Dolce & Gabbana

Look 8

gafencu-fashion-flirtatious-sartorial-pairings-8

On Her: Earrings, bracelet and ring by Swarovski; Mich draped embellished tulle mini dress by Retrofete, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER
Handbag by Jimmy Choo; Heels by Roger Vivier
On Him: Jacket, shirt, pants and shoes by Valentino

Look 9

gafencu-fashion-flirtatious-sartorial-pairings-9

Dress, handbag and heels by Valentino

 

Venue: Tamar Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Andy Wan Female model: Alex Ko (Quest Artists & Models); Male model: Miranda G (Quest Artists & Models) Hair and Make-up: Heti Tsang and Cyrus Tang

A fresh take on this season’s fashion accessories

Pastel is this season’s freshest colour palette. A touch of meadow green, a splash of cool aqua and a shade of soft peach, these are the hottest fashion accessories to add a sweet slice of style to your summertime sartorial ensemble. 

The Fresh Squeeze

A fresh take on this season’s accessories gafencu -1

Paula’s Ibiza Original  sunglasses by Loewe; F-Heel sandal by Salvatore Ferragamo; La Medusa Lilac shoulder bag by Versace 

Beach Day

A fresh take on this season’s accessories gafencu - 2

Sabot bag by Hermès; Flower Acid Yellow sunglasses by Loewe;  Trifolio Fresh Mint shoulder bag by Salvatore Ferragamo 

Summertime Party

A fresh take on this season’s accessories gafencu - 3

Flap bag by Bottega Veneta; Varenne top handle tote with JC monogram by Jimmy Choo 

Gold Star

A fresh take on this season’s accessories gafencu - 4

Vlogo Chain Loafers by Valentino Garavani; Heather shoulder bag by Michael Kors; Sun Titanium 8907 sunglasses by LINDBERG; Light gold necklace by PORTS 1961; Gold and silver ring by PORTS 1961

Sunkissed Elegance

A fresh take on this season’s accessories gafencu - 5

Rouge Hermès Shiny lipstick by Hermès; Toyin bag by Bottega Veneta; Bing 100 pumps by Jimmy Choo

Chic Chick

A fresh take on this season’s accessories gafencu - 6

Earrings and Necklace by Bottega Veneta; Small Goya Tan/Lemon bag by Loewe 

 

(Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jackie Chan)

Embrace a zesty new style for summertime

How best to perfect a casual, breezy summer ensemble for the warmer days ahead? We’ve put together a selection of the hottest fashion pieces to refresh your wardrobe and create a collection of OOTDs for any, and every, occasion for the summertime. See our mastered looks below…

Look 1

gafencu summer fashion june 2022

On Her: Top, skirt and handbag by Versace
On Him: Jacket, button-up shirt and pants by Versace

Look 2

gafencu summer fashion june 2022 -1

On Her: Dress and handbag by Giorgio Armani
On Him: Jacket, pants and shoes by Giorgio Armani

Look 3

gafencu summer fashion june 2022 -2

Jacket and pants by Hugo Boss

Look 4

gafencu summer fashion june 2022 -3

On Her: Top and shorts by Prada
On Him: Sweater, top, shorts and handbag by Prada

Look 5

gafencu summer fashion june 2022 -4

On Her: Bralette, long skirt, handbag and thigh-high boots by Michael Kors
On Him: Vest, pants and shoes by Brunello Cucinelli

Look 6

gafencu summer fashion june 2022 -5

Necklace, crop sweater, top, skirt, handbag and heels by Miu Miu

Look 7

gafencu summer fashion june 2022 -6

On Her: Cutout ribbed dress by David Koma, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Holli embellished feather and twill tote by Rosantica, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Heels by Salvatore Ferragamo
On Him: Sweater by Loewe; Shorts by Prada; Handbag and shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo

Look 8

gafencu summer fashion june 2022 -7

On Her: Dress and handbag by Hermès
On Him: Polo top, handbag and pants by Hermès

Look 9

gafencu summer fashion june 2022 -7

On Her: Crop sweater, skirt, handbag and shoes by Valentino
On Him: Button-up shirt, sweater, pants and shoes by Valentino

(Photographer: Jack Law; Styling & Art Direction: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jackie Chan; Female model: Lexi V (Quest Artists & Models); Male model: Kiril D (Quest Artists & Models); Hair and Make-up: Heti Tsang and Owen Ko)

Celebrating the timeless allure of the moon-phase complication

The moon has inspired artists and artisans for countless generations, and those plying their crafts in haute horology are no exception. Indeed, the first watch mechanism that tracked the changing lunar phases was introduced by Patek Philippe nearly a century ago, in 1925, with Rolex following suit in 1949 with the Reference 8171.

New watches that celebrate the timeless allure of the moon-phase complication gafencu

For the uninitiated, a moon-phase complication precisely tracks a lunar cycle from new moon to new moon – a period of 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and three seconds. Watchmakers display each phase through a rotating disk that displays the illumination of the moon as it appears from Earth in real time. We highlight seven standouts that showcase this mesmerising lunar-tracking complication.

Breguet Reine de Naples 8905

New watches that celebrate the timeless allure of the moon-phase complication gafencu Breguet Reine de Naples 8905 watch
(Photo courtesy of Breguet)

First to the table is the femme-focused Reine de Naples 8905 from Breguet, which features an unusual oval-shaped 18K-white-gold case neatly ringed with a diamond-studded bezel. Its luminous white mother-of-pearl dial features an hours-and-minutes subdial at six o’clock, while the moon-phase indicator graces the top of its oblong fascia. A red leather strap completes the chic appeal of a release limited to just 28 pieces.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Rendez-vous Dazzling Moon Lazura

New watches that celebrate the timeless allure of the moon-phase complication gafencu Rendez-Vous Dazzling Moon Lazura watch
(Photo courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre)

Next up is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Rendez-vous Dazzling Moon Lazura, replete with a stunning blue lapis lazuli dial that perfectly captures the hue of a clear night sky. The mother-of-pearl moon rotates through an aperture at six o’clock, which is further encircled by a star chart that underscores the model’s lunar inspirations. Powered by a self-winding Manufacture Calibre 935 movement, the large moon-phase indicator need not be adjusted for 972 years – a true haute-horological feat.

Montblanc Star Legacy Moonphase

New watches that celebrate the timeless allure of the moon-phase complication gafencu Montblanc star legacy watch
(Photo courtesy of Montblanc)

Adopting a subtler colour scheme is Montblanc’s Star Legacy Moonphase, whose 42mm-stainless-steel case not only displays the phases of the moon, but also the day and date. Interestingly, its Breguet-style Arabic numerals – reminiscent of the brand’s historic Minerva pocket watches – have been lined with a unique railway minute track that signals the seconds via a red-tipped hand.

 

Also Read: The best of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface

New watches that celebrate the timeless allure of the moon-phase complication gafencu Ulysse Nardin Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle complete openface watch
(Photo courtesy of Vacheron Constantin)

Much lauded for the myriad complications that grace its precision-engineered designs, Vacheron Constantin has unveiled the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface. Here, the open-worked dial is not only punctuated with a moon-phase indicator, but also tracks the day, date and month. Encased in either 18K 5N pink gold or 18K white gold, and visible beneath the various displays, is the impressive Calibre 2460 QCL/2 movement, which develops a 40-hour power reserve.

Hermès Slim d’Hermès Squelette Lune

New watches that celebrate the timeless allure of the moon-phase complication gafencu Hermes Squelette lune watch
(Photo courtesy of Hermes)

Hermès’ new Slim d’Hermès Squelette Lune – which, as its name suggests, offers a super slim design – similarly utilisies a skeletonised design. Powered by the self-winding Hermès H1953 Manufacture movement, its moon-phase indicator at six o’clock displays not one, but two oscillating moons. Crafted from ultra-lightweight titanium and boasting an airy architecture with contrasting matte and gloss finishes, it encompasses an almost industrial aesthetic.

Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck

New watches that celebrate the timeless allure of the moon-phase complication gafencu Ulysse Nardin Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck watch
(Photo courtesy of Ulysse Nardin)

Elsewhere, embracing an all-black look is the Blast Moonstruck from Ulysse Nardin. The star turn here is undoubtedly the Moonstruck, an astronomical complication which not only follows the lunar cycle but also tracks the sun’s visible trajectory across a representation of Earth that forms the centre of its mineral-black dial. This geocentric design also features a dual-time mechanism. Crafted from black ceramic and black DLC-treated titanium, this 45mm creation can be paired with a choice of alligator leather, velvet or rubber strap in, yes, black.

De Bethune DB25 GMT Starry Varius

New watches that celebrate the timeless allure of the moon-phase complication gafencu DeBethune DB25_GMT watch
(Photo courtesy of DeBethune)

Taking the final spot in our round-up of standout moon phase-fronted designs is De Bethune’s avant-garde DB25 GMT Starry Varius. Eschewing typical dual-time dial layouts, this GMT watch measures the home time, local time – which can be set at the crown in both directions – and date through three concentric rings of differing depths. The ring closest to the hour markers indicates the home time, with day/night hours burnished in gold and black respectively.

Interestingly, rather than giving the moon-phase indicator its own subdial, this complication takes the form of a microsphere that indicates time in the centre circle. An impressive technical feat, the 3D revolving moon is something of a signature for the brand, as well as a highly innovative reimagining of this beloved complication classic.

 

(Text: Tenzing Thoundup)

 

Also Read: Buyer’s Guide: 7 impressive hyper-accurate tourbillon watches

 

Fashion Trends: Monochromatic outfits are here to stay…

Timeless, seasonless and simply classic, black and white style is absolutely the way to go if you’re aiming for a look to suit any occasion. This monochromatic palette remains a constant staple throughout the seasonal fashion cycle and here, we’ve put together some of our favourite ensembles from this season’s high fashion collections.

Look 1

classic black and white fashion gafencu 1

On Her: Drop earrings, jacket, skirt, handbag and heels by Prada
On Him: Jacket and pants by Gucci; Shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo

Look 2

classic black and white fashion gafencu 2

On Her: Earrings by Jimmy Choo; Nylon-strap mini-dress by Ganni, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER
On Him: Cross-body bags, jacket, pants and sandals by Balenciaga

Look 3

classic black and white fashion gafencu 3

On Her: Shawl, top and long shirt by Chloé
On Him: Top, shorts, handbag and sandals by Salvatore Ferrgamo

Look 4

classic black and white fashion gafencu 4

Jacket and pants by Brunello Cucinelli

Also Read: It List: Spring fashion accessories to invest in right now

Look 5

classic black and white fashion gafencu 5

On Her: Button-embellished midi dress by Rasario, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Heels by Salvatore Ferragamo
On Him: Jacket, pants and shoes by Dunhill

Look 6

classic black and white fashion gafencu 6

On Her: Necklace, bracelet, ring, top, pants and handbag by Salvatore Ferragamo
On Him: Top, jacket and pants by Versace

Look 7

classic black and white fashion gafencu 7

On Her: Jacket, bralette and pants by Hermès
On Him: Top and pants by Hermès

Look 8

classic black and white fashion gafencu 8

On Her: Necklace, ring, jacket, bra and heels by Gucci
On Him: Jumpsuit, bracelets, socks and shoes by Prada

Look 9

classic black and white fashion gafencu 9

Long-coat, bodysuit, earrings and mid-heel pointed toe mules by Shiatzy Chen

Also Read: High fashion, glam ideas for your next vacation

(Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jackie Chan; Female model: Kiranjeet Gill (Elite Model Management Hong Kong Limited); Male model: Leo Umanskiy (Elite Model ; Management Hong Kong Limited); Hair and Make-up: Heti Tsang and Owen Ko)