When I heard the name for Estée Lauder’s new fragrance, Sensuous, I was surprised. The term “sensuous” isn’t unusual for a scent that folds jasmine, magnolia, amber and wood notes together, but in relation to the monikers for the rest of the brand’s perfumes, the name Sensuous sticks out. I think that the fragrances a brand creates, and the names that they are subsequently given, are all part of a company’s overall personality. They set a distinct tone and pattern. Ralph Lauren’s stable nods to the designer’s adventurous spirit with Safari and Polo Explorer. Then, of course, there is the ever-naughty Calvin Klein image with its nearly naked models and sexual undertones—Euphoria and Obsession. So next to Estée Lauder’s pure and delicate-sounding classics: Youth-Dew, Beautiful, Pleasures, Pure White Linen and Beyond Paradise, Sensuous just seems a bit saucy. Has my good-girl brand gone a little bad?
With the fresh-faced quartet of Gwyneth Paltrow, Hilary Rhoda, Elizabeth Hurley and Carolyn Murphy as the faces and voices for Sensuous, Lauder’s creatives couldn’t be feeling too racy—after all, the ladies were shot in the wardrobe staple of a plain white shirt. Or could they? Wanting to see how this very ladylike brand interprets sensuality, I went straight to spokesmodel Carolyn Murphy. With her surfer-girl good looks and model-turned-bohemian mom vibe, I knew her take would be enlightening.
What do you think of when you hear the word “sensuous”?
“I think of confidence and relaxation. I think of the word ‘touch,’ because we are naturally drawn to sensuality.”
Can you put an age on sensuality?
“I don’t think there really is an age for it, but I would say most women come into themselves with age. Personally, I feel more sensuous now at 34 years old, and I think it’s going to get even better as I get older.”
What makes you feel confident or sensual?
“I feel most confident when I am taking care of myself. For me, eating well, exercise, spending time with family and friends and being out in nature are most important. I also feel that finding quiet time and creativity is essential—gardening, sewing, riding my horse and cooking help me feel better.”
What’s your go-to sexy look?
“I have a vintage, lacy silk slip-dress from the ’30s, which is really pretty. I wear it more as an evening dress. It is baby blue, and I slip it on and get compliments. I’ve had the dress for about 10 years—it’s just so beautiful and very simple.”
It’s so important for young girls to be confident in themselves. How do you instill that in your daughter?
“My daughter is seven years old, and I find that at this age she is so full of awareness already—of her own body, her surroundings, her relationships—and she’s getting to know herself. It is my job as a mother to encourage her to love herself first, to like herself.”
Which iconic figures do you think epitomize sensuality?
“Grace Kelly was very mysterious and charming. And Catherine Deneuve—it’s that mystery, that confidence that she has.”
First published in FASHION Magazine September 2008
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