EF'ASHION

Perfumes have colorful past

FROM EARLIEST recorded times, women have
sought out fragrant flowers and herbs to make
themselves more attractive.

The opening up of trading routes with the Far East
after the Crusades brought some of the most alluring
scents to the western world through Britain.

These perfumes were highly prized, but very hard to
come by, and very unsophisticated compared to mod-
ern formulations.

They were generally made by crushing flowers in
spirits and then diluting them in bath water.

Lavender water has always been a favorite and in-
deed there are many references to it in English litera-
ture.

This cool, clean scent was thought to have
restorative powers -—- refreshing those suffering from
headaches, swoons and even palsy.

There were also other more doubtful but amusing
claims made by ancient writers, who maintained that
lavender ‘‘quickers the wits and senses of the dull-
minded and clears the brains of poets and preachers."

The blossoms were said tc bring luck to the wearer,
while sprigs of lavender were believed to ‘‘bewilder
witches and confuse evil spirits.’”

The best lavender in the world has always been
grown in England, which accounts for the popularity
of this fragrance in that country.

Other perfumes popular long ago were made from
roses, violets and other fragrant flowers.

By the 1800s, these scents were used in the
manufacture of soaps, powders, rouges, lip salves and
perfumes. Often they were combined with ochre for
added color.

During this period in England, fashionable London
women vied with each other in wearing the most
fragrant and appealing cosmetics then available. As a
result, perfume and soap makers of London did a
thriving business.

Perfumes, soaps and cosmetics are more popular
today than ever, as women, and increasingly men,
come to rely on these products for everyday use in
their pursuit of youth and beauty.

BOXING DAY
SALE

EVERYTHING IS

HALF

PRICE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, ’89

ALL SALES FINAL * NO EXCHANGES OR REFUNDS

SORRY — NO GIFT EXCHANGES DURING THIS ONE DAY SALE

9,7 ~
FORD TOWN CENTRE
ee WN ‘GENTRE 7

27 - Sunday, December 24, 1989 - North Shove News

Designer sweaters soid

STRONG COLORS and varied sade ovt cf satural fibres in-
textures characterize: the cluding mohair, cotton and wool.
poilovers:.and cardigans of Jeena © The sweaters range from casual
Delaney. . eon v to dressy and heave a special em-.

fashi

Sale starts Dec. 26/89
While quantities last

the Knit and Stitch Shoppe

PARK ROYAL NORTH 922-1023
ARBUTUS SHOPPING CENTRE 754-7210

nonesuch

boutique

5th Annual

BOXING DAY SALE

UP TO 70” OFF

SELECTED MEN’S & LADIES’ WEAR
10 - 5 p.m.

- lobby level, hotel vancouver 688-9454