Tag: CALICE BECKER

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Narciso Rodriguez Fleur Musc: An Escapist Fantasy

Narciso Rodriguez Fleur Musc

I’ve been absent from the blogosphere (do we still use this term?) for some time – my last post was on 17 May 2026. The longest I’ve not posted since I got into the blogging thing.  Wish I could say I’ve been away on an exotic beach holiday. But the reality is far more mundane.

Narciso Rodriguez Fleur Musc

Life, in the form of a new job* and all the relentless pressures and stress that came with it, meant I simply didn’t have the headspace or time to blog (although I did my best to keep up with many of your posts).

Fragrance during this time took on a different meaning for me. Often a functional spray and go, which didn’t require much thinking. Other times, in complete contrast, I kept on coming back to my bottle of Narciso Rodriguez Fleur Musc EDP.

OVER-THE-TOP APPEAL OF NARCISO RODRIGUEZ FLEUR MUSC

Part of the appeal of this discontinued 2017 release from the American designer brand is its borderline kitsch pink presentation. It smells over the top too. Narciso Rodriguez Fleur Musc EDP was co-created by Calice Becker and Sonia Constant at a time when the house stood out from its rivals with a more daring approach that made it one of my favourite brands.

Narciso Rodriguez Fleur Musc

Fleur Musc starts out with the soft floral spice of pink peppercorn and then boom, ROSE!, supported by the freshness of freesia. This isn’t a realistic garden rose. It’s rose taken in a dramatic, full-on direction, with lots of the Narciso Rodriguez signature musk and earthy patchouli upping the ante.

I didn’t know if I was coming or going at work, but with Fleur Musc I certainly knew what I was doing in this realm: living an escapist fantasy.

Narciso Rodriguez Fleur Musc

Some people think you shouldn’t wear fragrances you love during tumultuous periods due to the associations they might form. I’m not of that school and know that when I come back again to Fleur Musc, I’ll still relish its extravagant ways, but hopefully without any accompanying real-life drama.

*I’m using the past tense for this work situation, as I had to recognise my limitations and resign.

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Rosendal: Notes On A Road Trip + Fragrance Companions

Rosendal
DESTINATION 

Rosendal (± 4 000 inhabitants), the eastern Free State, one of South Africa’s provinces.

We’d last visited the self-proclaimed “arts colony” in 2017. It was then poised to become more popular with creative types and those looking for a simpler life without urban conveniences such as ATMs, tar roads and shopping centres.

Windmills of my mind: A pitstop on our way there.

Road works on the last stretch into the town.

Subtext: big city people, leave your impatient ways behind you.

WHERE WE STAYED

The Rosendal Country Retreat. www.therosendal.co.za

It offers a variety of comfy self-catering rooms (more like cottages), a communal lounge, a chapel and conference room.

We arrived feeling frazzled (who knew organising our father’s 90th birthday celebrations could be so stressful?!). And felt increasingly relaxed over the next few days without even having to make use of the yoga mats in our rooms.

Rosendal

While Rosendal is, thankfully, not shopping central, you can still buy art, crafts and artisanal items at its shops and eateries.

Rosendal

THEN AND NOW

Covid-19, the moribund South African economy and road works have all taken their toll on the farming town. A reality check for anyone who romanticises country life.

Rosendal

Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. An attractive combo of switched-off living, a striking setting with the Witteberg Mountains in the distance, and glimpses into rural life.

Next time, we’ll bring our passports so we can visit Lesotho while we’re in Rosendal.

Rosendal

FRAGRANCE COMPANIONS 

Apart from a dear friend, my companions were Essential Parfums Mon Vetiver EDP and Essential Parfums The Musc EDP.

Both turned out to be inspired choices if I can say so myself.

Created by Calice Becker, The Musc (2018) sees the Givaudan captive molecule musk Nirvanolide faceted with the fresh spiciness of ginger, floral tones of lavandin and sophisticated sweetness of beeswax. Australian sandalwood brings woody creaminess to the seemingly simple composition. The result: powdery distinctiveness with contrasts of freshness and warmth.

Essential Parfums The Musc EDP

The Bruno Jovanovic creation Mon Vetiver is just that. My (kind of) vetiver. The soft smokiness of Haitian vetiver meets the sharp freshness of juniper berry, lime and gentian. There’s woody muskiness from the synthetic Cashmeran, while patchouli enhances the earthiness of the title note. It all adds up to produce a vetiver scent that’s easy on the nose and the pocket.

Essential Parfums Mon Vetiver EDP

Essential Parfums fragrances are available in South Africa from Skins Cosmetics.