Mother's Day Supplement

mother’s day The Malta Independent on Sunday 1 MAY 2016

2

MAY 2016

|

mother’s day

A foster mother’s experience Opening your home and heart to a child in need of both shows how motherly love comes in many different forms.

Foster mother Catherine* explains.

The love and care we give our boy is unconditional, we love him and treat him as our son. He’s been a member of our family for four years, since he was two years old.

W

e are foster parents to a six-year-old boy. He’s the only one and we have no children of our own. We wanted to offer the opportunity to a child in need to grow within a family and to receive all the love and care every child deserves.

About four and a half years ago we filled in two application forms, one for adoption and the other for fostering. The course for those couples who were interested in becoming foster parents opened up first.

Sometime later we were called to attend a meeting about adoption, where we decided that it was not for us. We felt that our wish to care for another human being was being turned into business and that we felt like we were actually buying the child or baby we were to adopt. For us, charity begins at home, and so we chose foster care.

There are no perimeters on our part. We are talking about bonding between parents and a child. The love and care we give our boy is unconditional, we love him and treat him as our son. He’s been a member of our family for four years, since he was two years old. We do our best on all levels and we provide him with everything and more.

Unfortunately, we did not know anything about our son in the beginning. But the information was given to us, if we asked for it, bit by bit. Our son has his own social worker and we have ours as a couple. We are lucky to have very good social workers who appreciate our concerns and try to assist us. Home visits are scheduled at random or depending on the

urgency. There is no pattern and we discuss anything.

Our son was very young, only two years old. His capability to adapt was amazing, but he was very disturbed whenever he visited his natural parents. He manifested this through heavy tantrums, shouting and crying most of the time. It did come as a surprise when he called me ‘Mama’ right on his very first night with us. I was a bit shocked I must admit, ’cause I wasn’t expecting it at all.

Being so young, we first provided him with basic needs, such as giving him a bath, playing with him, giving him food, showing him his bed ( which was in our own bedroom), hugging him and showing him that we care about him.

This attention is required all the time to this very day. We keep telling him that we love him as he is, no matter what happens.

After some time, he asked if his mummy and sister could come to live with us as well. Amazing. This showed that he could see the difference and wanted to bring his mum and sister away from the hell of a life they had, including domestic violence,

cigarette burns, hitting heavily and kicking, sexual abuse, neglect.

Undoubtedly he resisted the change and the fact that there are rules. He kept challenging us in various ways, trying to have it his way and to a certain extent he still does. We were lucky that he was only two years old and his baggage was not so big.

The challenges are various, starting with the local system, which does not cater for the rights of the child. Unfortunately, it does happen that decisions are not taken in the best interest of the children. At present there is no structure to support these children. Let me explain.

Fostering is meant to be a short term placement. The purpose is that, ideally, the children are reunited with their natural parents. That sounds just and fair.

But this, in most cases, does not happen for various reasons, including the incapability of the natural parents to raise their children, drugs, domestic violence and such like. Therefore the children end up living with their foster parents all their lives. In circumstances as these, it is so unfair to keep them pending throughout

their childhood. If the authorities take the necessary steps to amend the present law, foster children can be given stability and the security they need by implementing the concept of permanent fostering which can eventually lead to adoption.

The above is a crucial aspect of what needs to be done immediately. The children pass through much pain throughout their childhood, which affects the way they behave, learn, grow and interact. The price we are paying for not having a structure is very high.

Being a foster parent means raising a child which is not yours, but loving him as your own. The hardest reality is that of sticking to any decision taken by the Young Children Advisory Board even though we do not necessarily agree.

Living with a disturbed child creates a lot of challenges for foster families. It is not that easy to pin point what is actually causing a disturbance. Through patterns and much observation we manage to get close enough. *Name has been changed.

Motherly love and support, with a difference

C

hildren have been in foster homes in Malta since 1994 and in 2005 the National Foster Care Association Malta was founded to unite local foster carers and create a friendly forum for sharing their experiences.

Working with everyone involved in fostering it aims to get the best for children and young people in residential care, work closely with the organisations involved and support local foster carers. It also seeks to inform the general public about what fostering is and what it entails; to assess and train prospective foster carers to match their relevant strengths with individual children’s needs, and to offer them support through supervision of placements, ongoing training and support groups.

Foster mothers and fathers give children who cannot live with their biological families the opportunities to live within a family. This provides them with the possibility

to heal from the effects of the trauma which abuse and neglect would have caused. Foster care provides safety for children who would have been deprived of this, providing them with the opportunity to develop healthily in their childhood and adolescent years.

Although foster care presents many challenges, it also provides satisfaction as the child progresses in various aspects of his or her life, including health, emotional stability and education.

Children usually come to foster care after they have suffered severe abuse and/or neglect. Some newborn babies come to foster carers suffering from withdrawal symptoms and requiring increased care and attention. Some children arrive bruised and with other physical marks on their bodies.

Others are underdeveloped and lag behind the appropriate cognitive and physical development of their age.

Some children continue to carry the effects of their abuse and

neglect, as these may have caused a disability. Trauma impacts their brain development and many find it hard to concentrate, having problems at school, throughout their childhood and adolescence.

And there are children who continue to find it hard to trust adults, because the only adults they have known in their lives would have hurt them.

It is very important for foster carers to accept the children who come to them as individuals and to move at their pace. It is important that they are able to celebrate small, everyday improvements and to be able to connect to the child’s inner self and to understand the child and what s/he would have been through.

It is also important that foster carers understand that the previous relationships which the child had

with adults will have an impact on its relationship with them. They need to be patient and loving, determined and unfaltering in the belief that what they are doing for the child will leave its mark.

Most importantly, anybody can apply to be a foster carer, including single people. They should first think about their motivation, which should always be that of helping the child. If one decides to become a foster parent to satisfy some unmet need of one’s own, the placement is unlikely to be successful.

Prospective foster parents should also consider whether they are ready to commit themselves towards a new member in their family, one who will present challenges and who may require increased attention.

Malta has not yet passed the

Child Protection Act, to protect the rights of children in foster care and ensure a sense of stability, security and permanence for children who have been in foster care for years.

This would make it easier for foster carers to take up this challenge and for the children in their care.

Fostering is mothering in a unique way but the rewards are also very special. A number of young people who were brought up in foster care are now in university or settled in stable jobs. They are able to build positive relationships and are generally doing well in life.

If you are interested in further information on fostering, email info@nfcam.org Or call 7998 1795.

With thanks to Paul Gatt, National Foster Care Association Malta chairperson.

mother’s day

|

MAY 2016

3

4

MAY 2016

|

mother’s day

A mother makes a home for always

D

ecades have passed since a mother’s place was confined to the home; cooking cleaning, bringing up the children. She rarely had a thought for herself, except perhaps a trip to the hairdressers or coffee with a friend. And by and large, the odd complaints aside, she was happy and contented as long as the rest of the family thrived.

As the years passed and the children grew up and eventually left home. Many mothers missed their role as 24/7 carer and suffered what is known as empty nest syndrome.

But for several decades now, we have had independent working mothers who would probably sacrifice a week’s supply of lattes for the luxury of days at home, running everything in their own time. They look forward to when their children are effectively off their hands and they can devote more attention to themselves for a change.

This may mean staying in work, or starting a completely different job, spending more time on a hobby, travelling, or fulfilling some wild ambitions while they still feel young and fit enough.

But these plans might need some tweaking as the current trend of adults still living at home seems to be growing worldwide and the empty nests are filling up again.

Like other southern Mediterranean countries, Malta’s young adults have always left home comparatively later than those in northern countries.

Strong family ties and the size of the country, with places of education and work often close to home, are obvious reasons for this.

Today, more young adults are delaying marriage, perhaps to concentrate on travelling, studying, setting up their own businesses and saving for a home of their own. As long as these interests take priority why should leaving home be a serious option?

However, other factors are now

emerging where even children who have already left home and made their own lives are returning. They are known as the boomerang generation.

Boomeranging can be due to job loss, difficulty finding a well-paid job, or a relationship or marriage breakdown. Adults, even those with children of their own, are returning to the family home and their mothers, sometimes instinctively, are back in the roles of catering and supporting.

Mothers, of course, are mothers for life and they wouldn’t have it any other way. But adjustments to accommodate the returnees will need to be made.

Having a child, who is no

Like other southern Mediterranean countries, Malta’s young adults have always left home comparatively later than those in northern countries. longer a child, living at home again could be a disaster or a delight.

He or she will be used to going their own way. But the boomeranger is coming back to what is now your home, not a hotel. Decide on some house rules about smoking, parties and so on together, before anyone moves in. And make sure everyone sticks to them and respects each other’s rights and feelings.

Throughout Europe a new demographic group has appeared– the boomerang kids It will take tact and wisdom to judge when and how the grown up children living back at home should make a financial or practical contribution. Those who are earning can chip in towards food and household bills. At a time when you might be living on a pension or dipping into savings, the additional cost of food and utility bills could make a big difference to your standard of living and the plans you have made to enjoy some well-earned time out and treats after all your hard work!

Before too long, discuss plans for moving on. If the arrangement is to have a time limit, make this clear and offer all possible help and support towards, extra training, finding accommodation and searching for a new job.

No way should a fit young adult be drifting around waiting for ‘something to turn up’. They should want to pull their weight and repay their parents’ support in every way they can, for the sake of their own morale and self respect.

The global economy is making it harder for children to leave home and remain independent. Job security is no longer guaranteed, relationships crumble too easily.

A mother’s bond with her child endures through everything from success to downfalls. That the door to her heart is always open is a given. That her front door too is always open could be the saving of the boomerang kid.

mother’s day

|

Prada, Candy Kiss

P

rada Candy Kiss is the latest addition to the Prada Candy fragrance collection, which includes the original Prada Candy Eau de Parfum, Prada Candy L’Eau and Prada Candy Florale. Bright, sensual and bold, Prada Candy fragrances are delightfully addictive scents inspired by a new facet of Prada’s femininity, where more is more and excess is everything.

This latest fragrance evolved from the idea of creating a loop of sensations out of a single signature note wrapped around the body.

Channeling Candy’s addictive nature, the fragrance elevates a distinctive musk scent by multiplying its presence on the skin. It’s about obsession and repetition, just like a favourite song triggers emotion again and again – the more we return to the melody, the stronger its impression becomes.

Blended by Daniela Andrier under the creative direction of Miuccia Prada, Prada Candy Kiss lingers on the skin like an addictive olfactory tune. The starting point was the monochord presence of the musk, its signature purity and tenderness leaving their mark all the way from top to base notes. Evoking the scent of delicate white cotton, the musk encapsulates the wearer in a sensual cloud, infused with uplifting vanilla and orange blossom nuances.

Shot by master photographer

5

MAY 2016

Give her a day that lasts Of course we shouldn’t need just Mother’s Day to treat someone who does literally everything for us, but this is one Sunday that has to be special.

M Steven Meisel, the new Prada Candy Kiss campaign captures American model Lexi Boling as an iconic pop muse with a bold and fascinating gaze. A series of quirky animated films starring Lexi Boling as seen by Steven Meisel were unveiled for the fragrance launch.

Prada Candy Kiss comes in a white presentation box featuring a kiss motif inspired by the iconic Prada lip print. The bottle glows in white and gold, its lacquered curved bottom beaming vibrant pink tones into the liquid of the fragrance.

other’s Day, we all know what it’s for; a day when we remember and thank our mothers for everything they do for us on the other 364 days of the year, or 365 this year. One day may seem like peanuts but that’s all the more reason to make a big thing of it. And, as it is a Sunday, the whole family can join in, so mothers and grandmothers can take the day off.

Ask any mother how she would like to spend ‘her’ day and the reply is almost always: ‘peacefully’, ‘doing nothing’, or ‘somewhere completely different’. Not that easy then to choose exactly how to make it one to remember.

So keep it simple.

If there is somewhere she has always wanted to visit make all the arrangements, in detail, as soon as possible. And, this is vital be sure any suitable clothing and equipment for a surprise trip or activity is ready-packed or available. Quad biking may be something she had longed to do but not before a celebration lunch, while wearing (mothering) Sunday best.

And this is certainly the time to provide some delicious meals. You may choose to eat out or stay at home. Whatever you decide it must be somewhere special, that your mother loves. The important thing is that from breakfast to supper she enjoys meals she does not have to plan, shop for, cook or wash up after.

But mothers are not just cooks. On this day don’t let them worry about a thing. They should not have to pre-book any outings, treats or entertainment, even if they are not going to be a surprise. Nor should they be expected to do any

of the usual running around after children, pets, spilt food and drink or lost shoes.

Children can organise their own clothes, toys, equipment and the refreshments they want to take on outings, leaving mum time to get ready in the leisurely, uninterrupted time frame she so often dreams of.

If they could also sort out any quarrels and squabbles for themselves, without requiring her intervention, that would probably make her day too.

And, even though it will be for the next day, other people laying Monday’s breakfast table, packing school bags and putting out Monday morning’s clothes will give mothers all the more chance to spend the evening relaxing and reflecting on what has been a perfect day.

6

MAY 2016

|

mother’s day

To mother with love This Mother’s Day find easy ways to make favourite gifts items extra special.

E

very year, at this time, shops fling open their doors to doting dads and children clutching their pocket money, looking for the perfect present. Classrooms are full of pupils making painted cards and wobbly clay pots.

Florists, perfumeries, jewellers, department stores and spas all offer perfect presents and packages for Mother’s Day. Finding a gift for someone for whom the world seems inadequate takes thought and imagination. The trick is to go for something she would feel extravagant buying for herself; something that enhances her surroundings or self esteem or is associated with a sentimental occasion will be a happy choice.

Children’s home-made gifts and promises (to be kept) of extra help around the house will always be cherished. In other words, step away from the useful and go for what will make her feel special.

Load up on luxury. A pampering pick me up is what we all long for as summer approaches and spas and

wellness centres abound on Malta and Gozo. A little research will turn up the exact combination of pampering and perfecting to suit everyone, whatever they hope for from the experience. Present a voucher or pretty card describing the package and location in a fabulously wrapped box for extra glamour.

Scent always makes sense. And as most women are very attached to their perfume make it a bottle of her favourite. If you do try something new, choose from the type she likes, be it a musk, floral, citrus, vanilla or green element, to be sure of hitting the right note.

A gift of jewellery can be precious no matter what the cost.

Again, finding a sentimental link, considering whether she prefers silver, gold or white gold, classic or modern, sparkling gems or pearls, ear rings or necklaces and getting the ring size right will make your gift even more special.

Taste goes a long way so an edible present can work very well. Think luxurious chocolates, biscuits and macaroons, some herbal teas, interesting coffees or exotic honey. Packing your choice

in a pretty tin or jar means it will last long after it has been eaten!

A special trip, an evening’s entertainment, or dinner out somewhere romantic enough for a Valentine’s Day, planned for a

weekend after Mother’s Day would be a very welcome treat, especially if you’ve also prearranged a baby sitter.

Finally, never underestimate the power of flowers. A

gorgeous, carefully chosen bouquet is a joy to receive, while a terrarium, potted plant or hanging basket has the advantage of blooming for months or years to come.

Nature’s gift of motherly love A mother’s instinctive love for her baby is taken for granted but a delicate balance of hormones also plays a part.

T

he magical bonding of a mother and child begins during the baby’s growth in the womb. It has even been shown that a baby’s heart beats a little faster at the sound of its mother’s voice. It is also why we love our children, even through their tantrums and traumas, and why, however much it may change over the years, the bond remains as strong as ever.

The enormous mixture of emotions that comes with motherhood is due to the release of the hormone oxytocin. It is known appropriately as the love hormone and it plays a huge part in all kinds of social behaviour from bringing up babies to beginning long-term relationships.

Throughout pregnancy this hormone is produced in increasing amounts. By the time a baby is born its mother is practically swimming in the feelings of euphoria and intense love it helps to create.

The chemical dopamine is also involved and is the main provider of pleasure in the brain. Holding and feeding a baby creates a rush of this chemical. So dopamine plays a crucial role in the bonding of a mother with her baby. This helps in the healthy development of the baby’s brain and provides the best start in life, plus a healthy self-awareness and consideration for others, a keenness to learn and a sense of trust.

Breastfeeding also causes the production of dopamine and its product, norepinephrine (adrenaline), which enhance energy and alertness and help maintain some of the effects of the early bonding and the pleasure of attachment.

It also helps regulate the baby’s stress control system.

If a mother is unable to hold her baby immediately or

doesn’t feel an instant bond, it doesn’t mean the hormones are not working. There is no time set for bonding. In fact, a baby only develops emotional ties when it is about seven months or eight months old. This means it will miss nothing as long as food warmth, security and human contact are in good supply.

We all have these hormones so it’s not only birth mothers who benefit from these hormones. With a generosity that has made the continuation and survival of the human race possible, nature ensures these hormones works for whoever is to be a mum.

Infants almost inevitably cry when they are left by themselves. Mothers who listen, to their neurons and hormones are encouraged to make the right responses; those which are best for their baby and its sense of security and contentment. Babies are made to be fed frequently, in a way that means skin-to-skin contact, cuddling, studying facial expressions and soft words or singing. Mothers and babies are more relaxed and both gain permanent, beneficial brain changes from just

such activities.

Adoptive parents also enjoy the feel-good effects of oxytocin and dopamine when they're with their children. And their children, like all those with a healthy attachment to their caregivers, will get regular rushes of dopamine by being with their parents, creating the bond between mother and child that both want so much.

The joys a mothers gets from feeding, cuddling, massaging and generally spending time with her baby are all encouraged by nature’s natural highs. Mothers who take advantage of these special times with their babies are happier and more relaxed, as their unique and exceptional bond both expands and tightens.

The love a mother feels for her child is a basic part of who she is. It doesn’t matter whether she is a birth mother, an adoptive mother or a step-mother. Mothers are made to form strong bonds with their children.

And children can be just as willing and happy to bond with them.

mother’s day

|

7

MAY 2016

Tiger mothers from history Working mothers today would be shocked at the methods their counterparts used to balance work and motherhood.

T

he famous Egyptian Queen Cleopatra’s manipulative form of tactical motherhood helped cement her hold on power and position. Her four children had Roman diplomats as fathers, giving her political influence in Rome and the freedom to rule in Egypt. As a woman her hold on the throne depended on her having a male consort. In 44 BC, after allegedly poisoning her coregent, who happened to be her younger brother, Cleopatra conveniently installed her first son, Caesarion, whose father, Julius Caesar, almost completely ignored him, as King of Egypt. Since little Caesarion was only three at the time, she naturally ruled instead of him.

Cleopatra went on to have twins, Alexander Helios

Romeo and Juliet.

Of Cleopatra’s four children only her daughter lived to adulthood. But all four helped her ensure Egypt remained independent for an extra 20 years.

Although she was the mother of three kings of France, Catherine de Medici, had an unhappy start in life. In 1533, aged only 14, she was married off to Prince Henry, the second son of the king of France, by her father, a powerful Italian prince, to cement an alliance between the two countries. Henry was already in love with another woman, 11years older than him.

As an outsider Catherine could have been quickly done away with. But after 10 years of marriage she produced an heir and nine more children! Thus, when King Henry II, died and their eldest son Francis became king, at the age of 15, her position was secured. But Francis’s death a year later brought his 10-year-old brother, Charles, to the throne and Catherine became

scheming. However, when her third son, Henry III came to the throne, she was still a powerful advisor to him.

Catherine was active in politics till she died. She toured the country on behalf of her son, working to keep the loyalty of all its war-torn territories. But she had an artistic side too. She was responsible for building and extending some of the finest buildings in Paris and personally acquired vast collections of books and paintings. In 1589, during the wedding of one of her granddaughters, Catherine became ill. She died a short time later.

Queen Olympias was originally named Polyxena.

Just before her arranged marriage to King Philip II of Macedonas. Following a win by his race horse in the 356 BC Olympic Games, Philip bestowed on her the name of Olympias. That year her first child was born.

He grew up to be Alexander the Great, who commanded an empire stretching from the Mediterranean to the Himalayas. Olympias and Philip also had a daughter called Cleopatra.

Mosaic depicting the birth of Alexander the Great

Drawing of Cleopatra by Michelangelo and Cleopatra Selene and a son, Ptolemy Philadelphus, whose father was the Roman politician and general, Marcus Antonius.

Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra married four years after the twins were born, and he appointed his wife ruler of Egypt, Cyprus, Crete, and Cyria. For this the Roman Senate branded him a traitor and the family fled to Egypt.

As their situation became desperate, Cleopatra spread rumours that she had committed suicide. Sadly, she neglected to inform Marcus Antonius about her plan first. Consequently, on hearing she had died, he stabbed himself to death. When this news reached Cleopatra she in turn took her own life, by allowing herself to be bitten by a poisonous snake. All very

Portrait of Catherine de Medici regent to King Charles IX. During Catherine’s rule, France was divided by civil strife and religious wars between Catholics and Protestants. Catherine did everything possible to keep a control on things for herself and her children.

But in 1572, Charles IX, a Catholic, gave an appalling order. While thousands of visiting Protestants were in Paris he ordered the city gates to be closed and most of them were killed.

Being blamed for the massacre cemented Queen Catherine’s reputation for being treacherous and

MANUKA HONEY is proven to contain a high level of active antioxidants that neutralise free radicals which are responsible for skin cell damage. Assisting in the growth of new cell and tissue regeneration, Manuka Honey hydrates, nourishes and helps prevent signs of ageing. With this in mind, Good Things skincare has launched a Manuka Honey skincare range. Good Things Manuka Honey skincare range will appeal to customers wanting an anti-ageing aspect tailored with hydrated, healthy, balanced skin in simple, effective products at affordable prices. The range consists of: • Good Things Manuka Honey Creamy Cleanser 150ml- a gentle, creamy cleanser to effectively remove daily grime & keep skin hydrated. Contains Royal Jelly and Beeswax • Good Things Manuka Honey Refining Scrub 150ml- an exfoliating scrub to balance and smooth skin. Contains Oat Meal and Sweet Almond oil • Good Things Manuka Honey SPF 15 Daily Moisturiser 100ml- hydrates, replenishes and prevents signs of skin ageing. Contains Royal Jelly and Bee Venom • Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask 100ml - brightening face mask to hydrate skin and promote skin radiance. Contains White Clay and Bee Venom Good Things Skincare is exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel: 2144205

Olympias, was Philip II’s fourth wife. Their marriage was feisty. Her forceful character and determination made her unpopular. She was even accused of sleeping with snakes. When Philip took yet another wife, named Cleopatra, she went into exile, taking Alexander with her and staying in Epirus with her brother. She returned only when Philip was assassinated.

It is said that Olympias had a part in the assassination and she certainly had Cleopatra and her infant child murdered, thereby securing the succession for Alexander. She was also accused of poisoning another of Philip’s sons, Philip III. He survived but with brain damage.

Olympias’ political wrangling eventually made her an enemy of Antiater, Macedonia’s ruler, and Cassander his son. When Cassander finally captured Olympias, in 316 BC, Olympias was executed, having outlived the son for whom she was so ambitious, by seven years.

At SPAtopia we recognize that stressful lifestyles can leave your skin in need of some serious pampering! The SPAtopia Spa range encompasses mineral rich, energizing Dead Sea Salts and super moisturizing, nourishing Argan Oil for the ultimate in spa therapy. Argan oil is widely recognized for its amazing skincare benefits- it is exceptionally rich in Vitamin E and Omega Essential Fatty Acids and therefore well known for its anti-ageing, moisturizing and anti-oxidant properties. Our SPAtopia range combine essential oils with Argan oil to nourish your skin and leave you feeling pampered and revitalized.

SPAtopia is exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel : 21446205/6

8

MAY 2016

|

mother’s day

1.

2.

SCENTS FOR MOTHER’S DAY:

5.

3.

FIVE OF THE BEST Perfume is the gift that keeps on giving..to the giver and recipient alike. Here is a selection of some of the hottest new fragrances on the market for this Mother’s Day:

4.

Paco Valentino, 1 Rabanne, 2 Valentino Olympea Acqua Donna

Valentino, 3 Valentina Poudre

Carolina Nina Ricci, 4 Herrera, CH 5 L’Extase eau de Parfum Caresse de

The legendary fashion house Paco Rabanne brings back aquatic fragrances with editions inspired by athletic spirit, competition and victory, Invictus and Olympéa.

The new releases, Invictus Aqua and Olympéa Aqua further emphasise the aquatic character of these compositions. Olympéa Aqua opens with the freshness of Calabrian bergamot, aquatic accords and petitgrain that lead to the heart of ginger flower. The power of the fragrance is reflected in the base of salted vanilla, ambergris and cashmere wood. The perfect mother’s day gift for the heroine in your life!

Valentino has unveiled “Valentina Poudre”, the new Valentina fragrance, for the mysteriously romantic and passionate woman. The sensuous and feminine scent is a fusion of ethereal notes that embrace the body with the invisible embodiment of the house’s beauty world. The charming scent is based on an accord of terracotta powder with creamy floral notes of iris and tuberose, mixed with vanilla and sandalwood for a deeper sense of intimacy. The journey to sophistication continues with the nude-toned bottle embellished with a captivating flower, making the scent even more ethereal and feminine.

Sublim

Valentino Donna is luminous and sensual. Its floral oriental fragrance revolves around a contrast of noble ingredients.

Rose essence, generously blended with notes of bergamot and iris Pallida, illuminates the fragrance with refined radiance.

Warm, intense notes of leather, blended with patchouli and vanilla, express an exquisite sensuality. The glass surface of the bottle is entirely cut in prisms that resemble studs, but could also be the ashlar masonry of an Italian palazzo.

The essence of the CH Eau de Parfum Sublim woman is based on a combiantion of sensuality and spontaneity. She is fun, cheerful and charming, charismatic but with a hint of mystery which makes here even more special, intriguing and irresistible. This perfume recreates the traits and qualities of the CH Eau de Parfum Sublime woman. A sophisticated, feminine, sensual, passionate woman with sense of humour.

roses

In 2015, Nina Ricci laid bare a new feminine dream: L’Extase.

This musky floral oriental is an evocation of feminine desire, an Eau de Parfum infused with eroticism. This year, Nina Ricci is extending this intimate, skinsensitive journey into the heart of the senses with an Eau de Parfum Légère, L’Extase Caresse de Roses. Like a unique and erotic jewel, this new creation awakens an arousing femininity. L’Eau de Parfum Légère Caresse de Roses is an adornment of roses, where the carnal smoothness of Bulgarian rose essence and Turkish rose absolute whisper to the delicate freshness of peony and violet notes, enhanced with an unsettling and captivating breath of white musk.