My life in fragrance – Mary Holland

Today’s life in fragrance is the lovely Mary Holland. She always makes me laugh, and we share an Irish love for whisky.

She also happens to be the online editor of GQ & GLAMOUR South Africa, and hopes to one day write her way around the world.

What is your earliest fragrance memory?

Carolina Herrera’s original 212.  Growing up, one of my best friends and her sister always used to wear this. Still to this day I can’t wear it because I feel as though they ‘own’ the scent.

What was your first fragrance?

Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden and then Givenchy’s Very Irresistible.

What is your favourite everyday fragrance? Why?

Prada D’Iris. I adore the soft and powdery scent, as I don’t like wearing anything heavy during the day. My latest edition is Dior’s Escale a´Portofino, which is also so beautiful and soft.

 What is your special occasion fragrance? Why?

For summertime, Tom Ford’s Portofino Neroli, because it makes me feel like I’m in St Tropez or somewhere in the Med (even though it tends to wear off quite quickly, I still can’t get enough of it), and for winter Elie Saab’s Le Parfum, although it’s quite heavy, it’s so dreamy.

Have you found your ‘signature’ scent? What makes it so special to you?

Prada D’Iris. I bought it a few years back before I went travelling and it’s just stuck with me ever since.

What is your best fragrance memory?

The smell of the original 212, I still love that scent.

Is there a fragrance that you love the smell of, but it just smells horrid on your skin?

So many! I can’t wear anything too heavy or pungent, it doesn’t only smell horrid on my skin but makes me feel ill.