Innocent when you dream

Thierry Mugler has been referred to as the "prophet of futurism." This French designer is known for clothes that are based on body aesthetics: They should create elegance in a simple form and structure and add a defined shape to the body. So, the quest for clothes that fit perfectly now ends for both men and women. What a sigh of relief!

However, self-expression does not end with merely wearing fashionable clothes. Mugler created sensational perfumes like the Angel, Celestial Sparkle, Fatal Star and my everyday favorite, Mugler Cologne. Believe it or not, he started as a dancer and is a professional photographer as well. Now, that’s what I call multitalented.

From the cult classic Thierry Mugler Angel, the brand introduces its baby sister – Angel Innocent. This perfume, which was launched in the wake of Angel, has a personality of "indulgent fruitiness." This is an oh-so-feminine yet oriental fragrance, which instantly seduces us with its sparkling fruity cloud. Its tender, delicious mist comes in a pure, Art Deco crystal-like bottle with a star, of course, and which reminds me of a blue dawn. Like Audioslave lead singer Chris Cornell’s eyes.

"Angel Innocent is open to interpretation but it has a mischievous side," says John Marangos, PR director of Thierry Mugler for Asia Pacific. "Women have the power to seduce and disturb. She embraces the candor of childhood and a woman’s desire. Deceivingly innocent is the duality of the fragrance." Angel Innocent is considered a "fruity gourmand" – very edible, delectable and yummy.

I just love this perfume; it’s very sweet and light. The top notes include bergamot, mandarin and helional, which give a refreshing sensation. The heart notes of honey, passion fruit, dewberry, and black currant are very sweet and fruity. And the base notes of sugar almonds, meringue, amber and musk give a sugary scent like cotton candy. Simply delicious, indeed!

The Angel Innocent collection includes a shower mousse, crystal shower gel, delicate body milk and body cream and a tender roll-on deodorant. As the fragrance philosophy goes, wear it whenever – depending on your mood, whether it is casual daytime or evening-wear glam. It is just perfect for trendy women. Just make sure your outfits are as fashionable as this fragrance.

Mugler believes that the intellect is the servant of the spirit. With his success as an artistic individual, he wanted to give back a little something to the community. His goal was to "celebrate innocence" by way of a photography auction for innocent angels such as the abused, neglected girls and school dropouts in Iloilo.

Rustan’s, together with Thierry Mugler, recently held this event hosted by Tim Yap for the Chameleon Association Inc. This foundation protects and rehabilitates girls in Panay Island aged five to 16 who are suffering under difficult circumstances. They also provide educational assistance through sponsorship programs to the unfortunate children of Passi City, Iloilo.

"Since Mr. Mugler is a photographer, the idea of this auction was to get six Philippine photographers to interpret the word ‘innocent’ in order to raise money for this good cause," explains Marangos.

The photographs that were auctioned off included works of Alex Van Hagen, Sara Black, Wig Tysmans, Raymund Isaac, Xander Angeles and Neal Oshima. The photographs showed children having a laugh on the beach or playing and holding flowers showing such innocence. Women were depicted in a "deceivingly innocent" way, showing off the naked torso, or poised in a fetal position.

"The cosmetics industry is not about looking good but feeling good as well. Events like these can be fragmented and superficial, but we have to look on the bright side: It is very positive and we just want to raise money for girls and help them become women."

Now, that’s what I call the true beauty of innocence.

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Thierry Mugler’s Angel Innocent collection is available at Rustan’s Department Store. For more information about Chameleon Association Inc., call (033) 320-1317, visit the website chameleon_phils@yahoo.com.