Iss (2003)
by Laura Tonatto

Opens up really green like a fourgere but gives way into a really fine, clean vetiver. Refreshing.

Iss is a very direct citrus / vetiver scent – refreshing, clean, and linear. It’s citrus opening sparkles because of the refined accord of neroli, lemon, and Petitgrain: I’ve loved this combination in every fragrance in which I’ve met it, and this one is as well done as any I’ve encountered – maybe even better. The opening’s longevity is remarkable: the top notes hold on my skin, gradually lessening in intensity, for almost an hour. As the citrus weakens, the vetiver strengthens – metamorphing the citrus dominance into a warm, light wood base. There are occasional whiffs of a rich warm musk floating in and out of the cooler vetiver movement, providing spasms of sensuousness within the cleaner, fresher main themes of the fragrance. Iss is solid, clean, now-and-then sensual, long lasting, and, as is typical of the Laura Tonatto fragrances I’ve tried, it sends out a very healthy sillage. Great stuff, this.