Scent and Memory: The Poetry of Narciso Rodriguez’s For Her Eau de Toilette

Product photography by Perkin Gotohio

I was listening to a book just now, and one of the characters said, “Poetry begins where language ends.” That really struck a chord with me because, in many ways, fragrance is like poetry. Just as poetry uses imagery to convey feelings that words alone can't capture, perfume expresses a part of ourselves that goes beyond what we wear or how we style our hair. It’s the invisible aura that lingers, the trace of emotion and memory that others catch a whiff of when we're near. A good fragrance, like a well-crafted poem, stays with you long after the initial encounter.

This brings me to Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette (P7,550 / 100 mL). Every time I catch a hint of its Floral Woody Musk scent, it feels like a secret whispered between the past and the present. The top notes of African Orange Flower, Osmanthus, and Bergamot offer a bright, almost effervescent introduction—like the first flutter of excitement when you open a treasured old box of your Lola's keepsakes. Then, as it settles on the skin, the middle notes of Musk and Amber weave a comforting, intimate warmth, much like the soft embrace of a beloved memory. Finally, the base notes of Vetiver, Vanille, and Patchouli anchor the fragrance with an earthy, lingering presence that delivers a lot of warmth.

For Her also comes in a smaller 10ml bottle and in a body lotion format for layering

I find the fragrance makes me think of sneaking into my Lola's makeup kit. She used to be a makeup artist for theater and celebrities, so I loved touching, looking, and trying her makeup. There was something magical about those moments—how the scent of her powders and lipsticks mixed with the smell of her perfume, creating a unique olfactory memory that I still carry with me today. It's funny how a fragrance can take you back to a specific place and time, almost like stepping into a vivid memory.

I think you’ll love this scent if you’re looking for something complex yet settled. I don’t think it’s for everyone, but that’s the beauty of fragrance - it’s so personal. When it’s for you, it’s for you, and you’re the only one who will truly understand why it’s meaningful.

You can experience this beautiful scent yourself at Rustan’s, where it’s available for ₱7,550 per 100 mL. Next time you’re in the store, give it a try—you might just find that it tells your story too.