Iris has been used in perfumes for centuries, and this year, the iris note seems to be taking centre stage with the launch of beautiful new iris perfumes that are green and fresh, yet warm, soft and sophisticated.
Easy to wear, yet complex in makeup, iris perfumes vary from grey-silvery notes (think a metallic smell), to flowery, earthy, and vegetal, to soapy and powdery and sometimes even sweet and creamy. It really depends on which part of the plant was used to produce the fragrance. In fact, it is the roots of the iris (Pallida or Germanica) that is harvested (carefully dried for at least three to five years), rather than the blossom. This is the raw material that makes up the fragrant note called ORRIS – orris powder or orris butter. It smells like more earthy than the floral (think wet soil). Iris is one of the most expensive perfume ingredients in the world and as a flower, it is considered special, not common in bouquets or arrangements, because of its fragile nature. Although delicate, Iris oil is one of the “strongest” and maintains its quality for many years, especially in alcohol as perfume.
Fragrant Note: In order to strengthen earthy notes, vetiver and moss may be added. To strengthen the green aspect, violet leafs, galbanum, or other green notes are added. For a more silvery iris note, ambrette seeds. are added. The iris note is also combined with woody-creamy notes and musks in most of these fragrances.
Interesting fact: The three petals of the iris symbolize faith, wisdom and valour. As the ‘fleur de lys’ it was a symbol of French royalty, referring not to the lily, but to the many irises that grew along the river Lis.
Three Iris fragrances that are HOT right now!
Atelier Cologne Silver Iris * NEW at Etiket*
Following Collection Originale and Collection Matières Absolues, Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel unveil the Collection Métal. The bottles are covered in genuine precious metals, marking an industry first technology. Real silver gives the flasks a new personality. Silver Iris is one of the first two Cologne Absolue in this distinctive collection, an oriental earthy floral fragrance for men and women. This is a strong and long lasting cologne that opens with a punch of peppery tangerine and sweet black current. Shortly after, the earthy vegetal scent of the iris note becomes very apparent. It smells like carrots pulled from beneath the earth, but sweetened by delicate mimosa. Silver Iris lingers on the skin in a sexy powdery scent that is warm, and soothing, perfect for the cooler months.
Nose: Jérome Epinette
Cologne Absolue concentrated at 18%
Top notes: Tangerine from Italy, pink pepper from China, blackcurrant from Burgundy
Heart notes: Violet leaves from Grasse, iris Pallida from Tuscany, mimosa from Grasse
Base notes: Patchouli from Indonesia, white amber, tonka bean from Brazil
Olfactive Studio Lumière Blanche
A mild and enveloping perfume, Lumière Blanche is a comforting cocoon, between milky mildness and cold spices. It evokes the sweltering heat from the sun at the zenith, which erases colours, leaving only a blinding white hue; it surprises with its spicy freshness. For its creator, “Lumière Blanche is a fragrance with beautifully contrasting hot and cold notes”; a whirlwind of light and freshness followed by milky mildness and a distinct, warm, and sensual end note.
Nose: Sidonie Lancesseur
Top Notes: Cardamom, Star Anise, Cinnamon
Heart Notes: Iris, Almond Milk, Cashmere Wood
Base Notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Tonka bean White Musks
Penhaligons Iris Prima *NEW at Etiket*
A fresh and transparent bergamot opens the dance of Iris Prima: its citrus freshness mimicking the graceful flight of the prima ballerina as she leaps into the spotlight. Green amber softens the effect and contrasts with sparkling pink pepper, which resonates like the steps of the ballerina on pointe. Iris soon takes centre stage, eclipsing all around her with her natural grace and powdery charm, until she begins a sensuous pas de deux with potent Jasmine Sambac. In the base, Alberto introduces an intimate, musky leather note to represent the pointe shoe and then light touches of sandalwood, vetiver, vanilla and benzoin to signify the soul of ancient theatres.
Nose: Alberto Morillas
Top Notes: Bergamot, Green Amber, Pink Pepper
Heart Notes: Iris Absolute, Jasmine Sambac, Hedione, Paradisone
Base Notes: Leather, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Benzoin
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Join us for our next event at Etiket as we launch the newest fragrance from Atelier Cologne – Silver Iris!
Thursday October 10th
4:00 – 7:00pm
With the purchase of any 200ml Cologne Absolue, receive a complimentary 30ml Cologne Absolue of your choice with a personalized leather case!
Just for joining us at this exclusive event, you will have the chance to win a Collection Absolue gift set (Value of $275)!