• Beauty

“The Scent of My Mother”

The Word. contributors share the fragrances and notes that evoke memories of their childhood and the warm touch of their mothers.
  • ByMeghna Sharma

Olfactive memories hold an extraordinary power…they can work like portals, unlocking a flood of memories and connections.

For Mother’s Day, The Word. asked six contributors to share the notes and fragrances that remind them of their mothers, bringing comfort and joy to their senses.

MITHILA PALKAR, ACTOR

“For me, Mother’s Day is a day to honour my maternal grandmother, who raised me—and I lovingly call her ‘mumma’. When I think of her, I am reminded of mogra, her favourite flower. And every time I smell or wear a jasmine-based fragrance, it reminds me of her and my growing-up years…it’s a tactile feeling and it continues to be.”

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfum

DAYANA ERAPPA, MODEL AND ACTOR

“Growing up, the scents around me were like chapters of a story, each one a precious memory of my mother’s love.

Roses, her favourite flowers, always bring her nurturing spirit to my mind, alongside the calming embrace of sandalwood…while powdery fragrances take me back to school days, where she’d lovingly help me get ready.

But it’s the earthy fragrance of the first rain, mingled with the aroma of moist soil, that transports me back to cosy family dinners, where we shared laughter and love amidst the beauty of our garden. It brings back memories of love and happy times that I’ll always remember.

And amidst these memories, the delicate scent of Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne and the luxurious essence of Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense intertwine, adding layers to the narrative of our shared moments, enriching the tapestry of our bond with their unique fragrances.”

Jo Malone London Red Roses Cologne (L) and Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense

MEENAKSHI KUWADEKAR, LUXURY CONTENT CREATOR AND PODCASTER 

“My mother has always been a confident, loving, and stylish woman… The perfume she wore for years and I have memories of her wearing is Coco by Chanel.

My mum loves strong, lasting scents with woody notes blended with sensual florals like rose or jasmine, and Coco is one fragrance that beautifully complements the warm, vibrant woman that she is.”

Princess Diana chose to wear this dress by designer Christina Stambolian after then-Prince Charles admitted to his affair with now-Queen Camilla Parker Bowles on national television.

JUHI GODAMBE, CONTENT CREATOR

“The one scent that taps into my childhood memories is Classique by Jean Paul Gaultier. It is my mother’s favourite perfume, and I remember waking up to its fresh yet warm notes of orange blossom and vanilla. This fragrance is extremely special for me, and I stock up on it every time I pass by a Jean Paul Gaultier kiosk at any Duty Free.”

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau De Toilette

ISHA SUTARIA, CONTENT CREATOR

“Chanel Chance has been my mother’s signature scent for as long as I can remember… It has graced several special occasions, from my childhood birthday parties to annual days at school, and, of course, my wedding day. This fragrance forever embodies my mother’s warmth, love, and comforting embrace that I cherish and will carry with me, always!”

Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum

JOHN DOMINIC RAI, CONTENT CREATOR

“My mother was more like a friend to me, and ever since she passed away, I miss her every day. Devotion by Dolce & Gabbana often makes me nostalgic about my childhood. It has notes of orange blossom that remind me of the wonderful times
I spent with my mother at my maternal grandparents’ orange orchards. My mother and I used to pick oranges together and relish them together…moments that I will cherish forever.”

Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Eau De Parfum