For trendsetter and host extraordinaire Wendy Long, “No element is too small to be fussed over”—perfumes and home fragrances included.
Armed with the ability to elevate every experience, Singaporean tastemaker Wendy Long counts her eye for detail as her secret weapon for creating unforgettable events.
This Cancerian has indeed come a long way since her first encounter with French beauty brand, Guerlain. What began as a “coming of age” dalliance with its iconic face-illuminating Météorites powder has blossomed into a lifelong relationship, with Long incorporating Guerlain’s perfumes and home fragrances into her daily art de vivre. She unpacks her “cerebral beauty dossier” to share how she harnesses the poetry of Guerlain beauty to tell a story through scent.
What details do you meticulously focus on when hosting?
The table setting (which table and glassware? The style? Theme?) Floral arrangement (or just candles or both?). Food presentation. The guests’ experience (are they first-timers or regulars?) I like to keep it fresh for regulars and think of the mood I want to convey for first impressions. The menu (always considered and with a twist). My pet peeve is ubiquity, so the one detail I obsess over is avoiding ubiquity.
Describe the role of fragrances in setting the right ambience. Immense! Scent is a main character in the storytelling as it dictates the mood and atmosphere of the narrative. Olfaction is a primal instinct and the universe of fragrance is built on developing connections and creating memories within the system.
Unlocking the power of a home fragrance gives the hostess a prop to write the storyline. For example, at a Christmas party, we can use candles that have a spicy base, a touch of cinnamon and woody notes with a tinge of pine to create the ambience of a crackling fireplace.
What comes first, the gathering’s theme or the mood elicited by home fragrances?
The mood comes first. I like to pair a home fragrance to the space. Different parts of the house play different roles in the party. It is about scenting an identity for that space which, in turn, creates the mood.
The living room is usually the first point of connection for guests. I like to create consistency by leaving a signature scent. I love a touch of rose in my fragrance and Guerlain’s Rive Rose is my way of creating a scent association embedded in memories that will leave a lingering impression.
At the dinner table, it will be a mild neutral scent or if there is a connection to the overall menu, I’ll pair it with the course. For example, if it is a spring soirée with light dishes of edible flowers, crisp greens and olive oil-infused grilled meat, a scent like Figue Azur is complementary as it is reminiscent of the Mediterranean landscape, evocative of spring and summer sojourns.
In addition to curating scentscapes, you also love wearing fragrances. Tell us about your favourites.
Guerlain’s Angélique Noire has a touch of sensuality, mystique and seduction. It’s the juxtaposition of spicy florals from the herbaceous angelica flowers with warm and powerful vanilla that makes it intriguing. The combination of the contrasting notes makes it my ideal choice for a glamorous night out. It is like styling an androgynous look and finishing it with a spritz of Angélique Noire.
Another favourite is Jasmin Grandiflorum. It acts like a booster to the main fragrance, enhancing and empowering it. As an extract, it is intense and sophisticated, making it an excellent choice for layering. I love to mix and match it with the other perfumes. There are no fixed rules as it’s all about the mood of the day and that is fundamentally the beauty of a fragrance.
Top hostess gifts
“Champagne, chocolates and candles: a monogrammed Guerlain candle in Rive Rose, of course.”
Make a beauty statement in…
“Rouge G Luxurious Velvet in 880. A classic blue-red is quintessentially French. It brightens the complexion and makes one look like there’s make-up on when it’s only just that touch of red.”