Once a year, I organize the "Summer Hardcore Class Reunion" in the beer garden; we are between 10 and 14 schoolmates and usually close the place down late at night. I am especially looking forward to seeing my "bosom friend" from my teenage years. We only have sporadic contact now, but when we talk or see each other, it's as if we saw each other just yesterday. We go from one topic to another and can even communicate across the table with just glances. We don't have to pretend; we know our families, know where we come from, and are aware of things about each other that were or are embarrassing. This is usually reserved for friendships from childhood. Last year, I noticed her fragrance; it seemed familiar, and I wanted to ask about it. But as it goes, everyone chats wildly, and you forget what you wanted to ask or say. This year, we sat next to each other again, and there was much to report. Her cancer, which she defeated two years ago, is back, with metastases; now she wears a wig and has lost 20 kilos. "Everyone says you've never had such beautiful hair, it's really great, you can't even tell it's a wig. The health insurance pays for it; I hardly had to pay anything. But I have little flabby arms now, look." Yes, we laughed a lot; she hasn't lost her humor and quick wit. We sat close together, and I was constantly brushed by a hint of her fragrance, somewhat oriental, really not suitable for 30 degrees, yet still quite appealing. The scent reminded me of Lancaster, which I hadn't smelled in years. "No, Jil Sander, but which number, no idea. I'll check at home and let you know next time."
We haven't called yet, but it's number III; an offer tempted me, the description could fit, ordered. And I was lucky. A chypre, of course, it's clear why I noticed this scent. I’m just copying my notes from the test: Top: Green grapefruit, a harsh, bitter note, something herbal, galbanum? No, coriander, maybe basil? Heart: Increasingly warm and spicy, clove! Dry, creamy-balsamic. Base: Still spicy clove and well-measured patch. Sillage: 20 cm, strong at first, longevity about 6 hours, unisex? No, yes, no, I wouldn’t like to smell it on men, for whatever reason.
I know that I noticed the scent many years ago, still pondering who it was. Whether it was better before, I can't judge. I like Woman III well; will it be a permanent resident? I don't know, I miss a bit of freshness. For me, Woman III is a floral-oriental chypre and good to wear in cooler temperatures. In a few weeks, I will meet my school friend outside of the regular schedule, a few days after her next chemo. In such life challenges, people come closer together again; support and normalcy are important, and together some things become easier. Oh, I’ll gift her the bottle. Fingers crossed!!
I hope your girlfriend is doing better after 3 years and has overcome cancer.
I also got to know it through a friend; I never liked this scent, but over the years I got used to it, and when she sprays it, at least the top note in the room is quite pleasant. So I tried it on today at her place: what can I say, bitter, chypre, with burnt rubber and plastic. Later it becomes more accessible, sweeter, a balance between chypre and modern fragrances.
I wish you all the best. And yes - it's a great idea to gift her the bottle. Even if she can only smell it a little, she knows about the lovely scent and enjoys wearing it.
Dear Pluto, I'm crossing more than just my fingers..! My mom wore that scent after J.S. II, probably out of brand loyalty.. I liked it on her too. For nostalgic reasons, I would buy it as well.....Ah, it's nice that you still have this class and that friend, she seems to be one of a kind!
You've beautifully described the scent and friendship. Best wishes for your friend, it's lovely that you want to make her happy. Set the friendship trophy down.
Yes, not to forget, the scent is now on my wishlist; I really like some of the Sanders fragrances. You described it in a way that makes me think I would love this one.
Oh no, not just crossing fingers! Hopefully, she can still smell after the chemo. Many can't - it depends. And be with her as always: seemingly carefree, cheerful, and optimistic, even if you suspect otherwise. With the bottle. Confidence trophy.
You wrote beautifully. Please meet up soon! I know the scent very well as a vintage. My mother-in-law wore it for a while. I found it a bit powdery and don’t know anything comparable. Your friend will be happy about the bottle and your meeting.
I think it's absolutely amazing how you're handling such a scary diagnosis with so much hope. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your friend that she beats this terrible illness! I don't know the scent, but it sounds great, and you've described it really well!
I also got to know it through a friend; I never liked this scent, but over the years I got used to it, and when she sprays it, at least the top note in the room is quite pleasant. So I tried it on today at her place: what can I say, bitter, chypre, with burnt rubber and plastic. Later it becomes more accessible, sweeter, a balance between chypre and modern fragrances.