Coco Mam’selle

It’s my birthday this week – another year’s flashed by. It’s a trite observation, but the older I get, the more I realise how short life really is, and the more I appreciate those little things that make life special. French perfume for one.

It was actually a few months ago at my mother’s birthday party when I first uttered those words. My sisters and I had pooled our resources and bought mum a bottle of Christian Dior’s Diorissimo, because she adores the scent of lily-of-the-valley.

She was so thrilled when she carefully unwrapped the paper and admired the prized contents. It was too precious to be used except on special occasions, she declared. I exclaimed, “Oh, mum! Life’s too short not to wear French perfume every day!” She immediately exclaimed at my profligacy.

My French perfume of choice is Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle. Having traveled overseas and stocked up on perfume last year (the rare original Gucci Envy, a bottle of CK Truth, which also is no longer in production), I’m not hoping for any as presents, but you know, I wouldn’t complain.

Just as an extra treat, enjoy this beautiful commercial for Chanel No. 5, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and featuring Audrey Tatou.