Do you believe in coincidences, chance encounters? Or do you think that everything happens for a reason?
Even before stepping foot into one of the most magical places I’ve been to, Saint Paul de Vence, I’ve had dreams to one day move there and pretend to be an artist. I’d imagine hanging out with my friends (musicians, painters, designers) around the plaza, drinking wine at La Colombe d’Or and dance all night to the tunes of celebrated musicians. Not sure where this thought ever came from – maybe a book I read or a movie I watched?
Regardless of its origins and probability of happening, this dream has stuck with me and one way or another, one day, it will come true! Mark my word.
In the meantime, to support and boost my imagination, I make it a point to visit my all time favorite village as often as possible. I walk around, have coffee, eat, take pictures, walk some more and just take it all in.
SONIA GODET, A VERY SPECIAL NOSE
Somehow, I must have not walked all the way through because I had clearly missed the jewel of the village – La Maison Godet, a perfume shop like no other. I first got attracted to its holiday decorations which weren’t the usual ones. And since I was looking for a new and unique scent I decided to walk in and check it all out. What was meant to be a quick inquiry turned into a love story, first with the boutique itself then with its owner Sonia Godet. Both shared a style and vibe I couldn’t stay indifferent to. Every corner, every detail of the shop was a reminder of the history of the brand and the genuine love for perfume. Godet isn’t just a perfume brand, it’s a love story. And that, I totally felt upon meeting Sonia, the young, bubbly and oh so French owner of the brand. Her passion and excitement were contagious. So much that I ended up buying two bottles and asked to come back for a quick chat!
Maybe our meeting was a pure coincidence, maybe not. All I know is that I left the store with a heightened sense of purpose, energy and drive. I was once again reminded of the power of love, imagination and living your dream. When the passion is alive, all fear goes out the window – not to say that there isn’t any but the fear of not doing what you’re meant to by far surpasses the fear of failing.
Just watch this quick and spontaneous video shot on my iPhone and you’ll get what I’m talking about. We didn’t need special lighting, makeup or styling because Sonia’s essence and energy were enough.
PAR AMOUR
I had been desperately looking for a new scent, one that fits me but also unique and not easily found or smelled on everyone. I’ve always been drawn to non commercial brands with a story, and Godet totally fit the bill. After smelling every single scent in the boutique, the one I kept being drawn to was “Par Amour”. What a beautiful name, and it gets even prettier because of its story! It’s the perfume that Sonia’s grand-father created to propose to her grand-mother, the love of his life, in 1951. It’s made with the special Rose of Grasse called Rosa Centifolia as well as some very sensual ingredients like Amber, Tonka beans and Patchouli.
I’ve been wearing it ever since I got it and can’t get over how the smell changes and settles throughout the day. It becomes more and more sensual as the day progresses. Best part of all, I can wear it all year round.
A BIT OF HISTORY
117 years of creation and innovation, 15 exceptional collections. It all began in 1901 when 21-year-old Julien Joseph Godet, entrepreneur at heart and passionate of flowers and women, decided to become a “nose” in the city of Grasse. To do so, he learned everything he could and sought territories no one had before – he dared to combine new scents and new ideas. He set trends before anyone else and became a signature brand.
1903 – Grand opening of the first Godet boutique in Paris, rue de Rivoli
1908 – Julien-Joseph Godet meets painter Pierre Bonnard whose wife, Marthe, chose Fleurs de Reine as her fragrance.
1920 – Grand opening of the first Godet boutique in Nice. Julien-Joseph Godet is introduced to Henri Matisse by Pierre Bonnard.
1925 – Folie Bleue won the gold medal at Paris’ Art exhibition. Henri Matisse’s muse, Henriette Darricarrère was wearing Folie Bleue in 1925.
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