EXCLUSIVE: 'The Woman King's' Thuso Mbedu Fights Over This Iconic Dior Fragrance With Her Niece
The actor even learns from our editor the art of fragrance “layering.”
Fragrance is universal and evokes a series of emotions. For women, perfume often taps into a vertical of nostalgic memory passed down from generation to generation. When someone reminds you that you smell good, it can often be an open unintentional love letter to your mother, grandmother, aunt or cousin, which brings back the fondest of times. This was the case for actor Thuso Mbedu, who swears by Dior Beauty‘s latest “Gris Dior” scent.
Mbedu shared that this past December, she shared “Gris Dior” with her nine-year-old niece with which she fell in love, so much so that when the The Woman King star’s niece smelled it on her, she was distraught to find that her Aunt had worn the fragrance without her as this was the bond they shared alone. This opportunity is the perfect example of why Mbedu was tapped to represent the “Dare in Gris Dior” celebration and campaign alongside some heavy hitters such as Jenna Ortega and Liu Yu Xin.
This wasn’t Mbedu’s first entry into the world of luxury perfumes. “Love Dior” was her first love affair with Dior’s fragrances; the rest was history.
Hypebae Beauty was able to sit down with the star and even teach her a thing or two about the art of fragrance layering.
Read on for more.
As a black woman, what is your connection to fragrance and what is the story from childhood into your adulthood?
So the question in itself has that answer for me. Cause my connection to the fragrance is a connection itself without memories. As an actor within the space, it’s all about the details. We create our character story from things we touch, see and smell.
One very strong memory that’s quite recent is last December I was with my niece. She’s nine years old, and I did this thing where I shared my favorite scent with her, and then the next day she was in her mom’s room; I came in and she came to me and she smelled me and goes, “I’m offended. You wore it without me.” All I could do was laugh but that’s a memory we will always embrace.
Do you like to layer your fragrance?
Mbedu: I don’t. I did not know that that was the thing. How does that work?
Stixx: It can start very simply. I like to add oil behind my ears with perfume and the notes combine to create a different smell that’s unique to me.
Mbedu: This is something I’m going to have to try. This is new information.
Do you wear fragrance to bed?
No, I don’t. I tried to be as minimal as possible when I go to sleep.
I recently even taught myself about evening skincare as well. I’m a person who likes to shower at night and just smell like soap.
This interview has been condensed for clarity.
For those wanting to experience the decadent scent of “Gris Dior,” the brand has opened an experiential pop-up boutique in Los Angeles in honor of the perfume.
Beauty enthusiasts and those alike will be able to immerse themselves in all the glory from April 14 to April 16. There, fans will get to experience an iconic art gallery, photo opps and of course shopping to fully experience the treat of “Gris Dior.”
Starting at $125 USD “Gris Dior” can be purchased via Dior Beauty’s website.
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