English rose
Known for her cool style credentials and quirky Britishness, Poppy Delevingne is the quintessential Jo Malone London Girl. The blooming beauty talks weddings, scents and serendipity
We speak to the face of Jo Malone London, British It girl Poppy Delevingne. Elsewhere we test skincare for city dwellers and try out all things blue
What is your first memory of fragrance? My mother. She always smelled so floral when I was a child—of lilies, jasmine and violets. I have no idea where these fragrances came from, but she always had shiny, sparkling bottles piled up on her dressing table—and I’ve been fascinated ever since. What drew you to working with Jo Malone London? When the opportunity arose, I leapt at the chance. It’s a brand that’s been part of my life for a long time and I’ve always loved it. It’s British like I am, and there’s something infinitely special and quirky about it. I mean, who doesn’t want to smell like Blackberry & Bay? When and how did you discover Jo Malone London? I started wearing Red Roses when I was 22. I smelled it on a friend of mine, loved how gentle and sweet it was, and begged her to tell me what it was. The very next day I was at Jo Malone London buying my own bottle. It was at the same time that I met my now-husband, James. The first thing that drew me to him was his scent. When I asked him what it was, he said, “Amber & Lavender by Jo Malone London.” I saw that as a sign. He still wears it now and whenever I travel without him, I take a small bottle
with me. Do you match your scent to how you are dressed? I usually apply my scent before I get dressed, ideally straight out of the bath. I start with a bath oil, then body cream and finally cologne. Depending on which scent I choose, that will determine what I wear that day or night. Scent, for me, always takes pole position. Do you have a wardrobe of scents? I usually adapt my scents to the seasons. It’s simple. I like something fresh and floral like Peony & Blush Suede when the sun is out, and for the colder months, something a little richer and more intoxicating like Pomegranate Noir. What scents do you use at home? I’m bonkers about candles and can be known to light hundreds, even in the middle of the day. When I want to relax I love Wood Sage & Sea Salt, as it reminds me of holidays and the sunny outdoors. When I have people over I love the famous Lime Basil & Mandarin, as it fills every corner of the house and reminds me of naughty late nights. You got married in London and Morocco last year. Tell us how you included scent? A friend told me I needed a wedding scent so that whenever I smelled it, it would remind me of the best day of my life. Jo Malone London sweetly helped me find the perfect one: Orange Blossom. We scented the Kensington Orangery with Orange Blossom candles and diffusers, and I wore the cologne. The bottle sits happily on my bedside table; I won’t let it out of my sight. The wedding in Marrakech was scented with laughter and long, wild nights.
What is your bath-time ritual? A bath with Jo Malone London Red Roses Bath Oil and a few candles is a dangerous combination. You might not see me until the morning.