Our take
What does Bois d'Iris smell like?
Van Cleef & Arpels launched its Collection Extraordinaire in 2009, with one star material per perfume. For Bois d’Iris, Emilie Coppermann took iris into woody, gender-free territory. The opening is dry. Frankincense brings a clear, almost lemony smoke while a salty note suggests sea spray. Then the iris appears. It is not lipstick powder but earthy and rooty. Vetiver and a driftwood accord carry it toward a winter beach, with wood bleached by salt. The base warms up with ambergris, labdanum, myrrh and a quiet vanilla. The whole thing stays hushed. Dior Homme also puts iris in a man’s wardrobe, but with a cocoa, cosmetic twist. Bois d’Iris is more mineral and more resinous. It is a skin scent more than a projection monster. People notice it when they lean in close.
When to wear it
Ideal in cold weather, at work or at the weekend. Three sprays, on skin and on a wool scarf.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Bois d'Iris is one of 20 creations by Van Cleef & Arpels in our encyclopedia.
