In a stressful year like this one, the underrated little moments of indulgence throughout our days deserve more celebration — the feel of cashmere on bare skin, the spritz of fragrance before you leave the house, the ten glorious minutes you spend applying your skincare routine in the mornings. These small moments might feel trivial and fleeting, but taking time for yourself is always an important act, no matter how brief that time is. Small acts of luxury and self-care every day help us feel more confident, manage stress, and make it easier to practice self-love — no matter what’s going on around us.

Since it made its debut in 1994, the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist fragrance has been a beloved daily indulgence for many women, a way to celebrate yourself with a spritz every single morning. You know it as the iconic fragrance, and for its instantly recognizable mix of Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley, and warm sandalwood. The resulting scent is luxurious, self-indulgent, and an unapologetic celebration of women. (The shape of the bottle even mirrors the contours of a woman’s body.)

The fragrance is back with a new, empowering campaign, and we spoke to models Lea T, Lais Ribeiro, and Khadijha Red Thunder about their journey to self-love, how they celebrate themselves every day, and the little indulgences they love to enjoy.

Khadijha Red Thunder

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist has been an iconic fragrance for over 25 years. How did it feel to be a part of the campaign?
It felt absolutely amazing and historical. I am so honored to be a part of this campaign. I remember seeing the campaign when I was a little girl and the fact that I get to be a part of it today is something that is so surreal — I’m still pinching myself. I first remember smelling Cashmere Mist on my mom when I was younger. I remember thinking, “Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to be a woman who can wear perfume one day.”

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist has been an iconic fragrance for over 25 years. How did it feel to be a part of the campaign?
It felt absolutely amazing and historical. I am so honored to be a part of this campaign. I remember seeing the campaign when I was a little girl and the fact that I get to be a part of it today is something that is so surreal — I’m still pinching myself. I first remember smelling Cashmere Mist on my mom when I was younger. I remember thinking, “Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to be a woman who can wear perfume one day.”

What outfit would you pair with a spritz of Donna Karan Cashmere Mist?
[The fragrance] makes me feel sophisticated and sexy. I would pair it with a cozy, oversized button-down shirt with sexy underwear, socks, and a soft, cashmere mohair fluffy blanket.

How do you celebrate yourself each day?
By playing into the universe with gratitude and love. No matter how major or minor, I always take the time to celebrate everything in life.

Lais Ribeiro

It’s important that we all take a little time each day for ourselves — what are some of your favorite ways to pamper yourself?
I have a variety of ways to pamper myself. I take some time throughout the day to relax, do a face mask, or even take a long bath once my son is asleep — or I like to take a walk in nature and center myself.

Tell us about your journey to self-love.
I’d say my self-love journey started after I had my son. I had my son at a young age, so as I became older I got more confident in my parenting and became more confident in myself at the same time.

What are some qualities that you love about yourself? 
I love how I’m constantly learning new things, I love how I am when I’m around the people I love, and I love how I’ve become more of a free spirit as I’ve gotten older.

What did it mean to you to be a part of the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist campaign?
It was amazing to be on set with such an amazing group of diverse women. This scent was one of the first luxury fragrances I ever used so it really brings me back to the beginning of my career, which I love. … There is an elegance about the fragrance. From the shape of the bottle to the scent itself. I love that it helps me tap into my femininity.

Lea T

What are some ways that you practice self-love? 
Every morning, I try to give myself some “me” time. It’s difficult to be a transgender woman … having a responsibility working for others and trying to balance everything. The most important thing for me is my mental health. Once I got to that place [of prioritizing mental health], it made it a lot easier for me to love myself, and then to share love.

What’s a power outfit that makes you feel unstoppable?
It’s not the clothes that give me power. Clothes don’t change the world, but who wears the clothes can change the world. I can be naked and feel sexy. I can be in streetwear or in a gown and feel sexy. I’m 38 years old and I finally know what I want. And now more than ever, I know what I don’t want. … It’s not about the clothes. Nothing can stop you when you feel confident. I don’t need clothes to make me feel empowered — I know what I want.

How do you pamper yourself and practice self-care? 
I like to sit with my animals — my ferret and bearded dragon, [and] I love sitting in my garden and doing yoga. I do this for an hour every morning. Doing my yoga, eating good food, taking care of my body, and being with my family is a perfect day for me.

What scent memories do you have of the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist fragrance?
It’s amazing to be a part of this project — Donna Karan is an iconic brand and one I have admired for years. I’m so grateful to be part of this campaign along with all these women of color and [diverse] backgrounds. I remember the first time I smelled Cashmere Mist — every time I smell it, it feels like home. It feels like a cuddle. A sweet, gentle, warm hug.

“A sweet, gentle, warm hug” indeed. Inspired by the luxurious feeling of cashmere against bare skin, a spritz of Donna Karan Cashmere Mist is a small, soothing indulgence to add into any self-care routine. A floral fragrance with a sheer, soft touch, it’s the ultimate layer of luxury for the modern woman, and a sophisticated celebration of self. Why not indulge yourself today?