Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Collection Extraordinaire’
I’m so obsessed by the Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Collection Extraordinaire’ series. Each fragrance takes inspiration from a single ingredient and it is supported by other fragrance notes to help it reach it’s full beauty. The collection is made using the highest level of ingredients. Other fragrances in this collection are inspired by Vanilla, Oud, Amber, Gardenia and ylang ylang.
Fragrance Notes
Van Cleef & Arpels Bois D’Iris is centred around Iris, it also includes notes of Driftwood, myrrh, labdanum, incense, ambergris and Woods. The perfumer behind this fragrance is Emilie Coppermann.
Van Cleef & Arpels Bois D’Iris
Van Cleef & Arpels Bois D’Iris takes it’s inspiration from woody iris. Whilst this might conjure up the idea of an enchanted forest filled with sweet iris flowers, Bois D’Iris has a slightly more ‘mossy’ feel to it. Imagine sweet, classic florals, blended with woods, moss, incense and oud, as well as a more wet earthy feel to it with it’s salty driftwood, patchouli and oakmoss. The fragrance feels rich and complex in some ways, but in others it feels really pure and almost minimalist. The quality of the ingredients really stands out, the richness and the purity of the woods, iris and incense. It’s a little like a classic fragrance has been reimagined to make it more modern. Personally, I find this fragrance quite unisex, but when my boyfriend tried it on, he said it was too floral and powdery for him, so whilst I would say it is very feminine for this reason, it’s not girly or ladylike as it has a heavy hit of masculinity to it with it’s woods and incense. I think it’s my new favourite fragrance from the ‘Collection Extraordinaire’ series, which is quite a feat as I adore this collection! Next time you are in a perfume hall which stocks this collection, please do check it out and if this one sounds a little too woody and smoky for you, try Orchideé Vanille for a wonderful sweet, creamy vanilla which has a fresh and floral twist.
Van Cleef & Arpels Bois D’Iris is available from Selfridges and House of Fraser.
