The Essence of Nature in the Heart of Perfume
By Emily Fincher
Picture a bright spring day, stepping outside, being surrounded by nature that fills your senses. Birds chirp while the sun hits your face. The air of spring rushes in and with it comes the aroma of fresh blossom and oak trees. The stream running by the grass gives off an effervescent scent of natural life. You can almost feel nature hug you back. The song and dance of spring are caught in the latest scent from the Issey Miyake L’eau Range of perfumes. Find out more in The Essence of Nature in the Heart of Perfume. Image on left Jason Yates
“The soul of water embracing a woman’s essence.”
Issey Miyake
Over 30 years ago, Issey Miyake entrusted the perfumer Jacques Cavallier, with complete freedom to encapsulate “the soul of water embracing a woman’s essence” in a fragrance. This epic partnership birthed L’Eau d’Issey, paving the way for one of the earliest ‘aquatic’ scents tailored for women, followed by a men’s version shortly after.
Its creation marked a departure from traditional scents. This departure from the norm sparked a revolution in scent composition, inspiring other perfumers to explore unconventional olfactory territories.
An innovative approach to fragrance, L’Eau d’Issey, evoked water’s purity and freshness. This song and dance is exactly what Issey Miyake replicated with his perfume. A living dialogue between the water and other elements, the flowers and the wood in its makeup. It is the essence of nature in the heart of perfume.
Its clean, minimalist scent challenged stereotypes associated with femininity, offering a new olfactory identity for women who sought modernity and sophistication. By capturing the essence of water on a woman’s skin, the fragrance transcended mere sensory experience; it became a symbol of liberation and empowerment, allowing women to embrace their natural beauty confidently.
The initial release of L’Eau d’Issey targetted women who desired a scent that whispered rather than shouted. Its launch was so successful it scaled up into an annual release. Consequently, marking the collection timeless to the brand.
Now in 2024, Issey Miyake unveils two exhilarating additions to its fragrance collection: L’Eau d’Issey Solar Violet and L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Solar Lavender.
The brand’s memorable fusion of water and fragrance initially served as an ode to nature’s beauty. Years later, L’Eau d’Issey Solar Violet and L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Solar Lavender strive to do the same.
The new olfactory scents pay homage to the essence of water while intertwining it with two groundbreaking elements still inspired by the splendour of the outdoors.
This new unique fragrance celebrates where water blends perfectly with the gentle scent of Violet and the strong aroma of Lavender. It’s like experiencing the warm sunshine of spring. The perfumer taking the reigns here is Marie Salamagne.
With L’Eau d’Issey Solar Violet, one whiff reveals the influence of cool refreshing water revitalized by the soft kiss of a spring breeze. The powdery and luminous essence of violet leaf absolute is at its heart, a second whiff details the scent of a violet bursting with sunshine. The perfume is ripe for spring with facets enhanced uncovering a sun-kissed Pear, bursting with succulent sweetness. The texture features a silky Iris accord, enveloping this bouquet of moist flowers.
The Violet is a flower of solitude and peace, the perfume leaves a trace of sensuality, and elegance while maintaining its modesty.
In L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Solar Lavender aquatic and aromatic intertwine. The everlasting essence of Lavender is richly comforting as it bursts with contrasting elements, like Sichuan Pepper and Cedarwood. The fragrance maintains warmth and gains spontaneity.
But these fragrances aren’t just about smells but also about ingredients. These two new fragrances capture the divinity of Mother Nature. The projects are vegan and include natural ingredients, such as 100% natural Violet leaves from Egypt and ethically sourced Lavender that comes from Provence.
The perfume’s love letter to nature is most evident in the subtle art of design with the two bottles. Fashioned solely from wood, devoid of any plastic, the perfume resonates with the core of underrated, vital plant life. Designed with minimal and refinery in mind, a light ombre floats down both bottles.
A campaign punctured by our environment. A collection that knows the value of creation. A fragrance influenced by the sounds and senses of spring. A design that reflects life. The beauty of nature has never been more breathtaking.
L’Eau d’Issey Solar Violet is available here and L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Solar Lavender here and The Perfume Shop here
If you enjoyed reading The Essence of Nature in the Heart of Perfume then why not read From Tanneries to Trendsetters Here
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