scent memories

For This Victoria’s Secret Model, Love Smells Like Lasagna

Photo: Getty Images, Courtesy of Apotheke

Call it the Proust effect: Memories are often triggered by smells. Scientific studies confirm that, of all the senses, smell offers the best recall. In Scent Memories, the Cut asks people about the scents they associate with different times in their lives. Next up is model Jacquelyn Jablonski, who collaborated with home-fragrance company Apotheke to create a special candle that benefits Jablonski’s foundation Autism Tomorrow, which seeks to help adults with autism reach their fullest potential in an inclusive and supportive society. With notes of sea salt, dark patchouli, palo santo, and sage, the candle has a broody yet bright scent; 50 percent of the proceeds from its sale go to Autism Tomorrow. The Cut caught up with Jablonski to talk matcha, lasagna, and hard-boiled eggs.

My first scent memory is: Our Christmas tree. My mom would always buy one that was way too large for our house — it would be the biggest, fattest one — and it would hardly fit in our living room. But it was always the prettiest one; she was right. She’d make my dad trim the top so it would squish in there.

Happiness smells like: A fresh bouquet of flowers. Flowers definitely make me the most happy. I know everyone probably says that, but it’s so true. A fresh bouquet in a home or a pleasant surprise from a loved one or a friend; that makes me the happiest.

Love smells like: Currently, the artichoke lasagna at I Sodi, which is now my and my boyfriend’s favorite date spot. Literally, it’s the best thing on the planet. You should try it.

Friendship smells like: Ginger-turmeric matcha. My friends’ meet-up joint has been Cha Cha Matcha lately for catch-ups.

Heartbreak or loss smells like: Rainy days. That’s pretty depressing and sad, and nothing’s worse than your denim getting soaked while running errands and that damp smell.

Regret smells like: The burger I didn’t order because I opted for a healthy menu item. And then the table next to you gets it and you’re like, God damn. Come on.

Success smells like: Definitely Champagne. Always Champagne. I have Champagne for anything celebratory. I remember when I first got my place it was just Champagne everywhere.

A pleasant surprise smells like: Popcorn. The other night I was coming home from an event and I was walking upstairs in a gown and I could smell fresh popcorn being made, and it was such a pleasant surprise because I was starving from the event. You know, at fashion dinners, you don’t really eat because you’re talking so much and catching up, so that was a 10 p.m. pleasant surprise.

The worst smell is: When the random person on the plane brings hard-boiled eggs and there’s no escaping; you can’t walk away, you’re just stuck. That, for me, is hell.

Vacation smells like: Salt water. I grew up near the beach, and most of my vacations are at a beach location. The second I get off the plane and get to wherever I’m going, the first thing I do is jump in the ocean. Even if it’s nighttime and it’s freezing; it just makes me happy.

Sunday morning smells like: Bacon and crispy fries. I love brunch, breakfast food, and a long-weekend brunch situation.

Monday morning smells like: A double batch of pour-over coffee. I started making it at home. The smell of that alone wakes me up even before the first sip, even on Mondays, which are rough.

My home smells like: Our new Autism Tomorrow candle with Apotheke! Sea-salted ozone, palo santo, sage … I’ve been burning those candles that we created for Autism Awareness Month.

If I could have one smell on my hands forever, it would it be: Lavender, because it’s so calming, clean, and fresh. That would be heaven.

I smell like: Tom Ford Santal Blush. I love it; it’s been my go-to for years.

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For This Victoria’s Secret Model, Love Smells Like Lasagna