Irida
Fragrance notes
Character
Violet leaf and Tunisian neroli open the scent with a crisp, green snap that feels bright before the heavier elements arrive. Carrot seed and clove give the heart a slightly rough, earthy texture that prevents the orris and violet from floating away completely. The wood and resin base holds those florals down for an extended period, and the scent stays near the body rather than pushing outward across a space. It is powdery in a dry way, not a cosmetic one, with ambrette adding a soft musk that rounds the sharper spices.
Angelos Balamis composed this 2018 release for both women and men, and the mix leans into that shared ground without flattening the differences. Cinnamon and jasmine add warmth while vetiver and guaiac wood keep the foundation dry and slightly smoky in feel. The aquatic and ozonic accords in the record sit quietly beneath the iris, showing up as a cool breath rather than a wave of seawater. It suits someone who likes floral powder but wants an earthy, woody anchor so the scent does not drift into something overly delicate or sweet.
Wear it in cooler weather when the spices feel natural against the air, and let the carrot seed and labdanum do the work of making the florals feel grounded. The sandalwood and amyris smooth the edges of the clove so the spice reads as warm rather than sharp, and the neroli lingers just long enough to remind you of the opening before the woods take over entirely. The balance stays on the dry side, with the musky base pulling the violet back whenever it threatens to
Smells similar
Built from the same materials — ranked by how unusual the shared notes are, not by how many.
