To help you deal with hard times…

LILA ROBERTS,

ELLE fashion assistant

As a student, Prada Candy was my elixir. Sweet, punchy and lingering, I remained faithful to its syrupy charms for years. Then I graduated, cut refined sugar from my diet and something switched; call it scent association, but I couldn’t wear it without wanting to eat the one thing I’d just sworn off.

I moved on, and although I knew Prada Candy would forever hold a piece of my heart, I doubted I’d wear it again. But six months after graduating, a close university friend suddenly died. Subconsciously, his passing catalysed a mental retreat to the heartening perfume that bookended our friendship. During those first few months, I needed a comfort blanket and I found it in the unlikely form of this scent. Just like having a ‘song’ together (we didn’t – we danced to everything and anything), it took me back to detailed memories. With just one whiff, I could go from lying on my bed with my head deep in the pillow, to a cocktail bar in Cardiff, laughing and joking with my dear, dear friend.