1– ‘The first distinct scent that captivated my senses was a drawer in my Grandma’s dresser. It was filled with all her essential items for leaving the house, a treasure trove that I perceived as the most intriguing, exciting, and glamorous Pandora’s box. I delighted in sifting through her collection of beads and jewelry, adorning myself with every piece, while learning the timeless art of removal as taught by Coco Chanel. I would admire my maximalist reflection in the mirror, enchanted by the olfactory symphony of wood, powdery rose from her lipstick, nail varnish, Elnett hairspray, and the heady floral concoction from the strings of beads that adorned her neck in her signature style.’

2 – ‘My love for fragrance has always been profound, yet I didn’t realize its significance until it became my party trick. I could effortlessly identify the scents my friends or my mother’s acquaintances wore with uncanny accuracy. My acute sense of smell allowed me to instantly recognize any fragrance, turning what seemed like a ‘useless talent’ into a source of amusement for my friends, who found my ability both amusing and impressive.’

3 – ‘Among the myriad of scents I adore, the fragrance of Lily Of The Valley holds a special place in my heart. I carried a delicate bouquet of these flowers when I wed in Rome, tied with an antique lace handkerchief. The scent is gloriously traditional, with each tiny flower contributing to an exquisitely beautiful and powerful olfactory experience that evokes cherished memories of my special day.’

4 – ‘The first fragrance my mother gifted me was Coco Chanel. I remember feeling incredibly grown-up and sophisticated. Launched in the 1980s, I was captivated by Vanessa Paradis, who embodied the essence of the fragrance as a bird in a gilded cage. I was enchanted by how the warm, heady notes of the perfume transformed on my skin, and to this day, I am drawn to floral notes such as rose, orange blossom, amber, and sandalwood, all of which harken back to that cherished beginning.’

5 – ‘I vividly recall saving my pocket money and taking the 96 bus to The Body Shop to purchase my very first bottle of White Musk. This experience was a joyous rite of passage that I savored, and I likely treated myself to a handful of bath pearls as well, making the day even more memorable.’

6 – ‘In my early twenties, I gravitated towards wearing Paco Rabanne, but eventually transitioned to Clarins Eau Dynamisante for work. This fragrance always exuded a clean and fresh aroma, making it perfect for layering and reapplication throughout the day. More recently, I have been enamored with scents like Bais from Dyptique and Rose from Le Labo, yet I always remain true to my Coco Chanel roots. However, my ultimate favorite will always be e11even!’

7 – ‘I absolutely adore the scent of nighttime in LA. The stillness and warmth of the evening air, combined with the aromatic notes of desert flora, jasmine, and eucalyptus wood create an enchanting olfactory experience that feels like pure magic.’

8 – Churches – ‘These sacred spaces have a timeless quality that offers a sense of reassurance, yet they also evoke a touch of melancholy. They remind me of happy moments spent with dear friends and family members who have passed, stirring a bittersweet nostalgia within me.’

9 – ‘The scent I adore on both men and women is e11even. It has a divine quality that seems to enhance every individual’s unique essence! Our perfume oil strikes a perfect balance between being relaxing, grounding, and uplifting. The clean and fresh rose accord mingles beautifully with geranium and patchouli, supported by woody undertones that warm on the skin, culminating in an intoxicating scent that leaves a lasting impression on everyone around.’

10 – ‘Elvis’s neck – I would have undoubtedly been among those eager women at the front of the stage in Vegas, impatiently awaiting a kiss or a neck towel, caught up in the electrifying atmosphere!’

11 – ‘Adam Clayton once recommended the book Perfume, by Patrick Suskind. He consistently has the best book recommendations! This dark adult fairytale unfolds in 18th century Paris, weaving a story that is both dark and obsessive, yet it beautifully illustrates the profound power of scent and its intoxicating effects in every facet of life.’

Cat Deeley’s Five Most Cherished Scents:

My Boys – ‘In the early morning hours, when they are still warm from their dreams, I adore the chance to kiss them all over and revel in their delightful, sweet scent that brings me joy.’

Coffee – ‘The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is something I cherish; it signifies the start of a new day. There’s truly nothing that embodies the essence of ‘good morning’ quite like the rich, invigorating scent of coffee!’

Christmas morning – ‘The delightful blend of pine, rosemary, and the savory aroma of turkey cooking in the oven evokes a childlike excitement that fills my heart with joy and nostalgia.’

Trudon Candle Spiritus Sancti – ‘We exchanged our vows in a quaint church in Rome named Sant Isidoro, where we burned these candles. Their scent harmonized perfectly with our surroundings, infused with the essence of church altars, aromatic incense, Lily of the Valley, and Labdanum. I find this fragrance both uplifting and comforting, a beautiful reminder of that special moment.’

The Beach – ‘The invigorating scent of the sea air is incredibly refreshing, rejuvenating for the soul, and a reminder of the beauty of nature!’