Our take
What does Florabotanica smell like?
Balenciaga launched Florabotanica in 2012, composed by Olivier Polge and Jean-Christophe Hérault. It steered away from the polite roses of the time. The opening is green and cool. Mint is frank, almost menthol, and caladium leaf brings the smell of snapped stems and watered soil. You could be in a greenhouse at dawn. The heart warms things up with a clove-like carnation, spiky and a bit retro, which rose softens. Some reviewers also pick up a hemp accord, which would explain the slightly hazy herbal side. The drydown is dry. Vetiver leads, softened by a discreet amber. What you get is an angular green floral that smells more like a plant than a bouquet. It has become hard to find at retailers, though the house has never officially announced its discontinuation.
When to wear it
Spring and summer, for daytime or the office. Three sprays, because the mint burns off fast and the base sits quietly.
It belongs to the Floral, Green family. Florabotanica is one of 4 creations by Balenciaga in our encyclopedia.
