Our take
What does B. Balenciaga smell like?
B. Balenciaga came out in October 2014. It was the house's first women's fragrance under creative director Alexander Wang. He wanted strong green notes with a darker woody touch. Domitille Bertier, now Michalon-Bertier, composed the eau de parfum at IFF. The opening smells of lily of the valley bells and crushed violet leaf. An edamame accord adds an odd green bean note. The heart slides toward iris and cedar. It turns powdery and a bit chalky, like pencil shavings. The base pairs ambrette seeds with Cashmeran, a soft musky wood. Compared with Chanel's No 19, another green iris, B. Balenciaga is sheerer and much less chypre. On skin it stays cool and quiet, closer to a crisp shirt than a bouquet. The pink bottle disappointed some fans, who felt it clashed with such a green scent. It has since been discontinued.
When to wear it
A spring scent for the office that bothers no one. Three sprays, as it sits close to the skin.
It belongs to the Floral, Green family. B. Balenciaga is one of 3 creations by Balenciaga in our encyclopedia.