Top 5: Inspiring Iris Perfumes
One of the most versatile and diverse flower species in the world, the iris has lent its distinctive aroma to a huge number of scents, while the dried roots of the plant (known as 'orris') have been employed for centuries in scent going all the way back to Roman times. So varied are the colours of iris flowers that the plant itself takes its name from Irida, the Ancient Greek goddess of rainbows, who was said to travel on the celestial arc in order to bring messages from the gods to man. No wonder then that this delicate little plant has come to be so revered among fragrance fans, and these five perfumes represent some of our favourite Iris scents available right now.
1. Aedes de Venustas Iris Nazarena
One of the most famous names in niche fragrance, Aedes de Venustas is the signature range of scents from the New York perfume emporium of the same name. Blending a piquant mixture of juniper berry and star anise in the top notes, Iris Nazarena is a beautiful celebration of its namesake flower, grown in the mountains to the east of Nazareth. Leather, oud, and rose cavort freely without overwhelming its rich aroma, lending a sensual aromatic ambience to the scent of the precious flower.
2. Imaginary Authors: Yesterday Haze
Supple, creamy, and utterly addictive, Yesterday Haze is a dreamy take on a traditional iris scent. With notes of tree bark, fig, and sweet walnut bitters, nose Josh Meyer has created a defiantly modern iris fragrance that yields a creamy, nutty, and temptingly sweet character, the perfect floral to envelop yourself in on a nippy winter's day. An ode to the Californian countryside, Yesterday Haze will transport you to the Golden Coast whatever the weather with its fun, and playful take on a classic scent.
3. Nobile 1942: Ponte Vecchio
Taking its name from the famous 'Old Bridge' that has come to symbolise the beauty and tranquility of Florence's medieval architecture, Ponte Vecchio features at its heart a note of precious Florentine iris. A combination of rich florals and precious woods give a rich body to the scent, while a light hint of tangerine in the top lends a fresh and summery appeal to this wonderfully refined fragrance. Fragrant incense lends a subtle smoky accord that enriches the beguiling aroma without dominating the more ephemeral of bergamot and pink jasmine.
Founded in 1775, the house of Houbigant originally specialised in producing gloves and bridal bouquets before turning their attention exclusively to fragrance. Renowned for producing some of the most famous fragrances in French olfactory history, including Fougère Royal and Quelques Fleurs, the house has maintained its historic reputation to this day. With Iris des Champs, Houbigant have turned their significant talents to producing an iris fragrance of exquisite provenance, and the results are simply stunning. Refined, powdery, and exquisitely elegant, Iris des Champs is an opulent rendering of the precious flower in all its glory.
5. E. Coudray: Iris Rose
Edmond Coudray established his olfactory empire in 1822, quickly finding favour with British royalty and the aristocracy of his native France. Today, the compositions of E. Coudray continue to be beloved and admired by many, and Iris Rose is no exception. Created by nose Randa Hammami, the scent makes use of both iris absolute and beurre d'iris for a rich and sumptuous scent that captures the very essence of this wonderful flower. Alongside a delicate combination of Bulgarian rose, blonde woods, and white musks, Iris rose is a clean and refined composition that speaks to the deft skill with which it was constructed.
Did you know that you can now search our online perfumery for notes and noses to find your desired scent? Try it out and let us know what you think! You can visit our perfumery over on our website, here.
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