Opposites: The Scent of Ballet

Iris Prima by Penhaligon’s. Image courtesy of Penhaligon’s.

‘What does ballet smell like?’ is the thought-provoking question posed and answered by British fragrance house Penhaligon’s. The response of which is delicately bottled in Iris Prima, the new scent in partnership with English National Ballet.

Master perfumer Alberto Morillas captures the very essence of ballet through close observation of the secluded yet magical lives of English National Ballet dancers Nathan Young and Lauretta Summerscales from rehearsals to hushed glimpses from theatre wings.

English National Ballet dancer Lauretta Summerscales backstage. Image courtesy of Penhaligon’s.

The olfactory choreography resonates the effortlessly elegant and faintly melancholy of the Prima Ballerina. Bergamot is the fresh and transparent head note that opens the dance; with the powdery charm of iris gracefully taking centre stage and a musky leather as an intimate base note representing the pointe shoe.

Iris Prima is launched September this year.

The current English National Ballet Vivienne Westwood Campaign is styled by 100% Creative.