Once heralded as the King of Cling, the iconoclastic fashion designer Azzedine Alaїa, now 75, was born in Tunisia which he left for Paris at the age of 17. He has now ventured into new territory, the perfume game, by launching his first perfume Alaїa Paris Eau de Parfum.

In Malta C + M Marketing, the sole distributors of this new perfume, launched it with elegance last week at City Lounge, in Old Theatre Street, in Valletta. It was my first visit to this state-of-the-art Grill and Bar, which is next to Karen Millen.  The narrow door tells you little about the inside. As in so many properties in Valletta it is much bigger than it seems. But best of all the terrace overlooking St George's Square has stunning views of the Palace. And from the balcony overlooking Old Theatre Street, one can watch the world go by.

 After drinks, Jessica Inglott, Brand Manager, gave a presentation about the designer and the perfume. I have been to many a presentation but I have to say that this was one of the slickest. This competent young lady is articulate and was clearly very well acquainted with her subject and kept her audience interested.

Alaїa has said that his first perfume is filled with "paradoxical sensations, those that have brought me the most beautiful rencontres of my life. " He was Inspired by the female form and his childhood memories of Tunisia ­- his grandmother pouring water over his head for example.

 At the end of the presentation we were invited to try the fragrance.  It is an intoxicating blend of pink pepper, freesia, peony and musk. The bottle is in a translucent black glass and embellished with the designer's  laser-cut pattern which Alaїa has used since 1992. It is topped off with a gold-threaded bobbin-like cap reminiscent of a spool of golden thread, and as unique as the perfume's creator.  Very, very elegant.

It was time for dinner. We found some delicious 'Sicilian' starters already on the table, so there was no waiting around. I understand that the proprietor is none other than Frankie Grima so Angus beef was very much on the menu and although I enjoyed my sword fish very much I must say the Angus steaks looked delicious. Bowls of chips were placed on the table and there was a salad bar from which the more health conscious of us helped themselves. We were very well looked after by a young lady who is probably Maltese and two waiters: one a Serb and the other Bulgarian. It was an excellent and caring service.  One of them came round with slices of all kinds of cakes but I resisted and immediately patted myself on the back.

Diana Grech, the low-key, hardworking managing director of C + M Marketing was present. I haven't seen her for ages and she hasn't changed since we met many years ago.  Although a baby when compared to me, those creams she has at hand must help. I asked her and she agreed.  Diana is not one to appear on covers of magazines and TV programmes. With her team she simply gets on with life without too much fuss. A most enjoyable and well organized evening. After such an evening where most of the guests are young and slim and well-toned I always make the same resolution: diet tomorrow, but it is so very difficult to abstain from good food.

Funerals and such

I don't go to many funerals. They depress me and remind me (as if I have to be reminded!) of those I have loved, and still love, who are now no longer with us. But sometimes, if I can make it I do go and I went to one last week. I was moved to hear the priest speak of the one who died and in spite of her crosses still managed to go to mass everyday and retain her faith.  One thing I absolutely dislike about funerals here: the clapping. I find it almost insulting and I have now vowed that I must leave instructions regarding my funeral and one of them will be: no clapping or I shall haunt all members of my family. I so loathe it.

Inevitably on such occasions we ask ourselves the same question: is there a hereafter? Priests always speak as if there is no question: of course there is. But, in the end, who knows?

I remember reading a piece by Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, minister of Maidenhead Synagogue and editor of Assisted Dying ­- Rabbinic Responses. I find his approach realistic: 'Rabbis are adamant tht we should concentrate on what we can control ­- the here and now - with everything else being speculation that is interesting but unproven. We should live this life with an exclamation mark and leave a question mark over the rest."