Causing a scentsasion
Antonio Banderas is in SA to launch his new perfumes
SPANISH Actor and photographer, Antonio Banderas landed in South Africa on Sunday night for the first time, to launch his latest series of perfumes, the Secret Temptations.
Banderas’s perfume journey started in 1997, when he decided to collaborate with Puig, the fashion company.
His first fragrance released in 1997, Diavolo for Men, was a huge success since all he wanted was a sensational exploration of his personality, values, emotions ,artistic vision and undeniable capacity for seduction.
Blue Seduction followed in 2007, three years later, he also released The Secret, which was then followed by The Golden Secret in 2011.
However, in 2008, Banderas added something for the ladies, releasing Blue Seduction for Women. Her Secret also came out in 2012, followed by Golden Secret in 2013. The King of Seduction was launched in 2014, then King of Seduction Absolute came out in 2015.
Banderas has since added more feminine scents to his perfume collections and released Queen of Seduction in 2016, and now he’s launching two new bold fragrances, Secret Temptation, for men and women.
Secret Temptation is an introduction to the next chapter in a story of temptation. It is a journey into the sensuality and attraction.
The Secret Temptation for men blends the heady scent of woods, enhanced by a spicy note.
For her, Secret Temptation is a combination of fruit with top notes heightened by spices, with a feminine, young, seductive and floral fragrance.
In this latest collection Banderas once again explores and shares his photography talent. Golden moments photo shoot, titled “Women in Gold” is Banderas’s second photo collection, after the success of his first photo collection in 2010, “Secrets on black”.
Women in Gold portrays the features that Banderas thinks are the essence of a woman.
“This photo collection was inspired by an independent woman. I see every picture as honour in a way, it’s what I want for my daughter, to be free and independent”, says Banderas.
These images which resulted in a personal vision of the details that evoke his admiration, respect and desire, as a response to women’s suggestive femininity, will be a limited edition.
The money made from the auction will be donated to Nkosi’s Haven.
Nkosi’s Haven is a home for mothers and children affected by HIV/Aids. It was launched in 1999 by young Aids activist, Nkosi Johnson and his adoptive mother, Gail Johnson.
Nkosi died in 2001, after being the child to live the longest with the virus at that time.
The non-government organisation cares and supports destitute HIV/Aids infected mothers and children.
“There is a morality problem in our society that we have to confront. I’ve been doing this for the past 21 years and when I visited Somalia in 1994, the kids didn’t ask why I did it, the thing of someone being there and doing something for them was enough.
“It’s not important why I’m doing it, the important thing is I’m doing it”, says Banderas.
Banderas will host a fundraising gala dinner at the Marble in Johannesburg for Nkosi’s Haven, today.
Antonio’s top 3 perfumes
King of Seduction is an elegant and harmonious combination of freshness and masculine strength. It opens the door to the ultimate moment of seduction with sparkling pineapple and a green apple note. Bringing strength and magnetic appeal is a juicy hint of cantaloupe melon.
To add personality and character to the fragrance, there is a marine note. This is illuminated by fresh, notes of grapefruit and bergamot.
And finally, the moment reaches a fascinating crescendo with warm and mysterious spices combined with a floral bouquet, which gives way to wood and amber, creating a sophisticated contrast between daring masculinity and easygoing appeal. Joining the King of Seduction collection is the fifth feminine fragrance by Banderas, Queen of Seduction. Made for the woman who is sophisticated, feminine and full of personality, this elegant and sensual fragrance was inspired by the power of attraction. Suffused with a modern floral heart where iris, jasmine and peony reign, the seduction begins with a swell of watery, transparent freshness that’s enhanced by a sparkling, luminous note of grapefruit and vibrant raspberry.
The ultra-feminine bouquet of flowers is wrapped in a smooth note of pink pepper to heighten it’s sensuality and glamour. At the base lies an original suede accord, a simple and refined contrast with an attractive amber note and the character of cedar wood.
The Golden Secret is the perfect combination of singularity and elegance. Opening the doors of seduction is the ultimate secret, a golden enigma.
This fragrance has a perfect combination of spice, wood and leather.
Its top notes are defined by masculine freshness, combining aromatic and minty tones with an effect of green apple liquor. At the heart of the fragrance is an explosive cocktail combining the force and exotic nature of red and black pepper with the spiciness of nutmeg and cumin seeds.
Lastly, boosting its masculinity and seductiveness are cedar wood and leather, which give depth and sensuality.