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Best Iris fragrance, please help

post #1 of 149
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone!

I am on the hunt for a beautiful Iris based perfume where it shows itself front and center. The absolute love of my life is Chanel 19, (earlier formulation EDP and Parfum) and I guess I am trying to find not exactly a clone but something that has haunting beauty and powdery sadness of Iris. I have tried so far:

Serge Lutens Bas de Soie - not bad, by didn't blow me away
Chanel 28, La Pausa - made me sick
PG Iris Taizo - very nice opening but the base is too oriental

Any suggestions you might have will be greatly appreciated!
post #2 of 149
Iris Bleu Gris
post #3 of 149
Thread Starter 
Thank you WillC!

I just checked out Iris Bleu Gris on Fragrantica, sounds very interesting but it might be a bit too masculine for me? I am a girly girl and looking for something soft with a bit of naughty. In any case Iris Bleu Gris is definitely on my try list
post #4 of 149
+1 Iris Bleu Gris (not too macho IMO).
Also I suggest Prada Infusion d'Iris. For a subtler, knee-trembling beauty, try Chanel 18 (a bewitching iris/rose).
post #5 of 149
+1 Prada Infusion d'Iris ( and also Chanel No. 19 EDP but you love it anyway !!!!!!!! )
For something out of this world iris but very expensive- Irissss by Xerjoff.
post #6 of 149
PG IRISH ORIENTAL.

Cmax...
post #7 of 149
Another affordable, yet quite recommendable suggestion for testing may be Iris by L'Erbolario
post #8 of 149
Thread Starter 
Wow! Thank you guys for you recommendations. It looks like Iris Bleu Gris and Prada Infusion d'Iris got the most votes so far. They are both on my must try list! I am also intrigued by your recommendation for Irissss by Xerjoff, Mimi Gardenia: if something is sooooo expensive it must be sooooo good!!! If I win a lottery I will definitely give a try...

Mr. Ken_Russell where can I test and purchase Iris by L'erbolario?

Thanks again everybody!
post #9 of 149
Hermes Iris Ukiyoe
post #10 of 149
Iris Silver Mist
Iris Pallida
Iris 39
Citta di Kyoto
Dzongkha
post #11 of 149
So far, I only found online retailers like Amazon for purchasing L'Erbolario within the US, thus I don't know anything about their testing/sampling possibilities, but if I find a regular retail store within the US, I will return with another post
post #12 of 149
Strange, I had the opposite reaction, I strongly dislike the swampy metallic Bas de Soie, but love the fresh La Pausa.

I second hedonists suggestion of the (expensive) Le Labo Iris. Also, reports suggest that Guerlain Apres l'ondee has now turned into an elegant iris, but I have not smelled the reformulation.

cacio
post #13 of 149
Thread Starter 
Thanks again everybody!

I heard quite a bit about Le Labo Iris, will have to try this one as well. I am most intrigued about Iris Pallida but it seems like there is a slim chance I would be able to find it anywhere. Luckyscent offered it for a while, but I was too afraid to buy it blind. Now of course they sold out and I am regretting that I didn't take a chance.

What about TDC Bois d'Iris, can anyone tell me how it smells? I recently acquired their Jasmin de Nuit and though not big jasmine fan I fell in love with it.
post #14 of 149
Christian Dior - Dior Homme ??
post #15 of 149
The best is difficult to tell, but Prada Infusion D'Iris and D'Homme (wich is perfectly unissex) are great options, as Hermès Hiris.
post #16 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by hedonist222 View Post

Iris Silver Mist
Iris Pallida
Iris 38
Citta di Kyoto
Dzongkha

He meant Iris 39 =)
post #17 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitefluffy View Post

Thanks again everybody!

I heard quite a bit about Le Labo Iris, will have to try this one as well. I am most intrigued about Iris Pallida but it seems like there is a slim chance I would be able to find it anywhere. Luckyscent offered it for a while, but I was too afraid to buy it blind. Now of course they sold out and I am regretting that I didn't take a chance.

What about TDC Bois d'Iris, can anyone tell me how it smells? I recently acquired their Jasmin de Nuit and though not big jasmine fan I fell in love with it.

TDC Bois d'Iris is nice, very nice in fact. I wear it when I want something perfume'y and fragrant. The iris, if any, is not prominent like in La Pausa or Bas de Soie. So deeply imbedded but adds to the overall goodness of the perfume.

Iris Pallida is very unique. Reminds me of Turtle Vetiver Exercise 1 in concept not in actual smell.


Quote:
Originally Posted by volley2 View Post

He meant Iris 39 =)

You must be an auditor by profession, if not, then at least by instinct.
post #18 of 149
Thread Starter 
Well, thanks to everyone's contribution I just ordered following samples:

Iris Bleu Gris
TDC Bois d'Iris
Heeley Iris de Nuit
Frederic Malle Iris Poudre
L'Artisan Dzongkha

I would have to order Le Labo Iris 39 from different source separately when my frugal conscience let me. As soon as I receive and process these "juicy" Irises I will be back with my thoughts. Meanwhile, thanks again for your caring and kind input, Basenoters are a kind folk indeed!
post #19 of 149
L'Eau d'Hiver by Frederic Malle - an icy iris ...
post #20 of 149
It sounds like you're off to a great start, but I'll add Lipstick Rose as an option - it's as much iris as rose, and is certainly a very fun, light-hearted take on iris.
post #21 of 149
I'm a no. 19(pre-reform.) fanatic too and I love Iris Silver Mist(Lutens). When I'm in the mood for something sweet then I go for Iris Poudre(Malle editions).

I liked Prada Inf. d'Iris okay but it's far too weak on my dry skin. Dior Homme is okay but too foggy, if that makes any sense. lolz.

I also love love love Calandre. I'm not sure if it's fits the bill as big-time iris scent but if there were no #19, it would be my number 1. There is some orris root in it IIRC.
post #22 of 149
Thread Starter 
Thank you, LaBoheme! This was very informative - as a fellow fanatic of early 19 you can relate to what I am looking for. Now I would definitely have to try Calandre and I am intrigued by Iris Silver Mist. Guess I would have to shell out for $7.00 sample at Perfume Court to check it out. Could you tell me a bit more about it, how similar it is to Chanel 19? Thanks
post #23 of 149
I'll say 1st that I've tried sooo many different perfumes to break my vintage no. 19 addiction (Silences, Scherrer 1, Niki St. de Phalle, Givenchy 3, Private Collection, Vent Vert, Heure Exquise, Vivre etc) and I'm still an Ebay haunting ghost. :<

I just haven't found anything that comes close. In fact, things with similar top notes like Silences and HE just make me frustrated! lolz.

That said, I don't think that ISM or Calandre actually resemble no. 19 at all in fragrance but they have a similar beautiful, strange, androgynous spirit, IMO.

I've got a few more on my list to try(vintage Quelques Fleurs, Jil Sander Scent 79 & Woman 3, Amazone) but I'm less than optimistic at this point. LOL ...Who knows, I might get a pleasant surprise one of these days. Meanwhile, the #19 hunting & hoarding continues.
post #24 of 149
In addition to all the very good recommendations above, I'd also suggest Prelude to Love--by Kilian. The top is citrusy, but after that the iris is very much front and center.
post #25 of 149
ISM is pure carroty iris with very little else going on. I love it but it took me a while. I also recommend Prada Infusion d'Iris, and most of the Chanel Exclusives are pretty irisy- particularly 28 La Pausa, Cuir de Russie, and 31 Rue Cambon. Have you tried the No 19 Poudre?
post #26 of 149
Thread Starter 
Hello, Kagey

Yes, I have tried 19 Poudre. Very nice and in your face but it is not stuff of my dreams. Too bad I read your post too late. I just ordered ISM and sounds like I might hate it just like I did 28 La Pausa. I love the powdery face of Iris but not the celery-carrot one. Oh well, the hunt continues....
post #27 of 149
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LaBoheme View Post

I'll say 1st that I've tried sooo many different perfumes to break my vintage no. 19 addiction (Silences, Scherrer 1, Niki St. de Phalle, Givenchy 3, Private Collection, Vent Vert, Heure Exquise, Vivre etc) and I'm still an Ebay haunting ghost. :<

I just haven't found anything that comes close. In fact, things with similar top notes like Silences and HE just make me frustrated! lolz.

That said, I don't think that ISM or Calandre actually resemble no. 19 at all in fragrance but they have a similar beautiful, strange, androgynous spirit, IMO.

I've got a few more on my list to try(vintage Quelques Fleurs, Jil Sander Scent 79 & Woman 3, Amazone) but I'm less than optimistic at this point. LOL ...Who knows, I might get a pleasant surprise one of these days. Meanwhile, the #19 hunting & hoarding continues.

It is disheartening to know that there is nothing that comes close to vintage Chanel 19, and I will now hoard mine with more vigor. Ebay, I love you, I love you, I love you....
post #28 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitefluffy View Post

Hello, Kagey

Yes, I have tried 19 Poudre. Very nice and in your face but it is not stuff of my dreams. Too bad I read your post too late. I just ordered ISM and sounds like I might hate it just like I did 28 La Pausa. I love the powdery face of Iris but not the celery-carrot one. Oh well, the hunt continues....

Well, give it a try and you may end up loving it too!
post #29 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by moore View Post

The best is difficult to tell, but Prada Infusion D'Iris and D'Homme (which is perfectly unissex) are great options, as Hermès Hiris.

Plus 1 Hermes Hiris (and has the most in common with the uber pricey Irissss by Xerjoff) IMO

Iris is tricky because the powdery aspect can be because of the addition of other notes.

edited to add- you won't like Hiris and Irissss... they have the carrot Iris notes
post #30 of 149
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by knit at nite View Post

Plus 1 Hermes Hiris (and has the most in common with the uber pricey Irissss by Xerjoff) IMO

Iris is tricky because the powdery aspect can be because of the addition of other notes.

edited to add- you won't like Hiris and Irissss... they have the carrot Iris notes

Thank you, now I don't have to worry about winning lottery to afford Irissss.
post #31 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitefluffy View Post

Thank you, now I don't have to worry about winning lottery to afford Irissss.

I'm very glad I went back and read your post more thoroughly
post #32 of 149
No love for Divines L'Homme De Coeur? It's one of my favorites and has a great fresh iris vibe to it.....Definately worth sampling in my opinion.
post #33 of 149
Hermessssssss Hirissssssssssss
post #34 of 149
Thread Starter 
Hello, everyone! Thanks again for great advice and your kindness. I am still waiting on the sample of ISM to arrive but meanwhile wanted to share my thoughts on the ones I have tried so far:

Iris Bleu Gris - Wow, isn't it something? The opening is especially impressive, but the middle reminded me of the more romantic version of Caron's Yatagan. Iris Bleu Gris is definitely very complex and interesting scent but I couldn't wear it as there is brooding dark masculinity in it. As mentioned earlier I am a girly girl and when I smell Iris Bleu Gris I imagine some dark stranger in a black leather, dangerous and very handsome walking through the ruins of a castle in a early foggy morning, wet grass and horse manure sticking to his boots...A men wearing Iris Bleu Gris could sweep me off my feet.But I digress...

Iris Poudre - Gorgeous, just gorgeous, if a bit sweet. Exquisite scent for femme fatale. Could definitely see it in my collection but would have to start with a decant first as I have a suspicion that I might get tired of it after a while.

TDC Bois d'Iris - Very pleasant, unoffensive, great all around scent. I loved light woodsiness of it, but there is nothing haunting in it. It's just very pleasant with limited longevity and unimpressive dry down. Not stuff of my dreams.

Dzongkha - Very unique, spicy. I don't know what to make of it. Reminded me Sl's Bas de Soie in the middle, but Dzongkha far more interesting and complex. I will hold on to my sample and keep exploring it. To me it is one of those scents where you need to make friends with first, ask them on a date, buy dinner...

Iris de Nuit - This one is on my must buy list. Both Iris Poudre and Iris de Nuit have carroty opening that made me sick in 28, La Pausa but did not offend me for some reason in these two fragrances. Iris Poudre is in your face gorgeous where Iris de Nuit is more subtle and has that haunting sadness of Chanel 19 that cuts through the heart. Iris de Nuit succeeded in evoking similar images that Chanel 19 did though Iris de Nuit is very quiet and polite with little powder.

I will be back as soon as I get ISM

Thanks again!
post #35 of 149
Thread Starter 
Well, I got ISM finally, and... Oh my goodness, it is definitely an Iris of them all! So irisy I don't know what to do with myself. I feel like I need to grow up to understand and appreciate it. I can only imagine admiring ISM from the great distance for the true masterpiece that it is. It is like wearing Mona Lisa, intimidating! May be too much for me...
post #36 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitefluffy View Post

Well, I got ISM finally, and... Oh my goodness, it is definitely an Iris of them all! So irisy I don't know what to do with myself. I feel like I need to grow up to understand and appreciate it. I can only imagine admiring ISM from the great distance for the true masterpiece that it is. It is like wearing Mona Lisa, intimidating! May be too much for me...

LOL!! It is amazing, isn't it?
post #37 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitefluffy View Post

Well, I got ISM finally, and... Oh my goodness, it is definitely an Iris of them all! So irisy I don't know what to do with myself. I feel like I need to grow up to understand and appreciate it. I can only imagine admiring ISM from the great distance for the true masterpiece that it is. It is like wearing Mona Lisa, intimidating! May be too much for me...

I had a similar iris quest to you... And wound up in the same camp. Iris Silver Mist is amazing, if too much for me for regular wear, I've still yet to find an ''ultimate iris" that tops it.
post #38 of 149
Sounds like fun, lots of good recommendations.

A few more that might be worth trying if you can find a sample or decant:

Apres l'Ondee (Guerlain) The latest formulation favours the iris over the heliotrope, I believe.
Mon Numéro 8 (L'Artisan Parfumeur) Limited Edition.
La Femme Bleue (Armani Collection Privé) Limited Edition. Beautiful, very elegant, not cheap.
post #39 of 149
@dmnw: yes, I wear l'Home de Coeur by Divine finding it calm, limpid, full af grace.. great suggestion!

Bois d'iris, Van Cleef, for me an angelic smile! Myrrh blended with iris, vanilla and labdano, reveals an interesting spirituality. It results a comforting , gentle scent with woody soul ,pleasant to wear every day.

Although reading your request I think they are not iris types you're waiting for, I desire to mention
Felanilla by Parfumerie Generale, an iris powder very particular that develops uncommon old pharmacy appeal..
Naiviris by Huitiem Art, bold and bright red iris.Woody and lipstick effects in perfect balance.

Good research! :-)
post #40 of 149
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LaBoheme View Post

LOL!! It is amazing, isn't it?

Yes, it is absolutely amazing!
post #41 of 149
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sugandaraja View Post

I had a similar iris quest to you... And wound up in the same camp. Iris Silver Mist is amazing, if too much for me for regular wear, I've still yet to find an ''ultimate iris" that tops it.

I agree, it seems too much for everyday wear, that is why Iris de Nuit is still on top of my must buy list. May be one day I will acquire full bottle of ISM...
post #42 of 149
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by leuconoe View Post

yes, I wear l'Home de Coeur by Divine finding it calm, limpid, full af grace.. great suggestion!

Bois d'iris, Van Cleef, for me an angelic smile! Myrrh blended with iris, vanilla and labdano, reveals an interesting spirituality. It results a comforting , gentle scent with woody soul ,pleasant to wear every day.

Although reading your request I think they are not iris types you're waiting for, I desire to mention
Felanilla by Parfumerie Generale, an iris powder very particular that develops uncommon old pharmacy appeal..
Naiviris by Huitiem Art, bold and bright red iris.Woody and lipstick effects in perfect balance.

Good research! :-)

I am a big fan of Parfumerie Generale and Huitieme Art! I was contemplating a sample of Naiviris but also Cuir d'Iris by PG. Have you tried Cuir d'Iris? Thanks
post #43 of 149
Thread Starter 
Sorry, double post
post #44 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitefluffy View Post

I am a big fan of Parfumerie Generale and Huitieme Art! I was contemplating a sample of Naiviris but also Cuir d'Iris by PG. Have you tried Cuir d'Iris? Thanks

IMO Cuir D'Iris smells like an oily dirty skin or a dirty hair, don't you think?
I have even posted it in here: http://www.basenotes.net/threads/291...59#post2471159
post #45 of 149
Did you happen to try L'Artisan Iris Pallida? I didn't see it mentioned in the thread.
post #46 of 149
Been loving this thread. I have been on a similar journey too! I have STILL never got to try Iris Silver Mist. Must make it a priority.

Cuir D'Iris will take you into different territory, that of Leather/Iris.

Equistrius by Parfum D'Empire hasn't been mentioned yet. Beautiful Iris.
post #47 of 149
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by moore View Post

IMO Cuir D'Iris smells like an oily dirty skin or a dirty hair, don't you think?
I have even posted it in here: http://www.basenotes.net/threads/291...59#post2471159

I had no idea it smelled so bad. Thanks for saving me from the goat I can't stand even the smell of the goat cheese, though goats do look very cute.
post #48 of 149
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foustie View Post

Been loving this thread. I have been on a similar journey too! I have STILL never got to try Iris Silver Mist. Must make it a priority.

Cuir D'Iris will take you into different territory, that of Leather/Iris.

Equistrius by Parfum D'Empire hasn't been mentioned yet. Beautiful Iris.

Thanks for the recommendation of Equistrius, I didn't even think about it. I love sensible prices of Parfum D'Empire offerings and currently own their Azemour Les Orangers, very classy. Would definitely have to check out Equistrius...

Buy the way, what are your favorite Irises that you have discovered so far on this journey?
post #49 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitefluffy View Post

I had no idea it smelled so bad. Thanks for saving me from the goat I can't stand even the smell of the goat cheese, though goats do look very cute.

Lol! They're really so cute, but also withdrawn!
post #50 of 149
The favourites? Well, lets see...Iris 39, Naiviris, Iris De Nuit, Cuir D'Iris. Also Dior Homme is a great everyday choice. Has that not been mentioned yet? But I did go down the Leather/Iris route too. I betcha you will go there....
post #51 of 149
Dior Homme by a mile
post #52 of 149
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foustie View Post

The favourites? Well, lets see...Iris 39, Naiviris, Iris De Nuit, Cuir D'Iris. Also Dior Homme is a great everyday choice. Has that not been mentioned yet? But I did go down the Leather/Iris route too. I betcha you will go there....

I very glad to see that Iris de Nuit is among your favorites, definitely on my next purchase list. As for Iris 39 it has been mentioned numerously in this thread, looks like I must give it a try. As for leather/iris route, it is too late: I am already heading down this path. I absolutely love Cuir de Russie and contemplating Cuir Ottoman, especially, when it is affordable comparing to extravagances such as Xerjoff Irisss. I do love leather/iris combination when I want to be a bit naughty, but I also wanted something that smelled like a pure Iris to put me in a romantic mood. Iris de Nuit and ISM are the ones that can do that, though I can't imagine wearing ISM without casting my eyes down in the presence of its Majesty.
post #53 of 149
Hi whitefluffy!
Following romantic iris mood and your love for beautiful Iris de Nuit, I thought Guerlain Vol de Nuit too , can be a possibility.. soft like Heeley, more complex , romantic, oniric...

yesterday I read about Iris Prada Exclusive that it dries in sort of "fluffy" skin scent:this seems just right for you nick!

for your question:Cuir d'Iris not yet, 1 sample is arriving 'cause various comments got me curious !! Others PG animal notes in Cuir Venenum and Ombre fauve are an heavy affair indeed!
post #54 of 149
I can appreciate the lengths the OP is going to look for a No.19 clone. It doesn't exist yet, I'm afraid.

Le Labo Iris 39 is more green-floral than iris, lacks the icy aloofness of No.19. And the civet is more a pussycat.
SL Iris Silvermist is very rooty, an iris overlord (overload). Impressive but it may wear you out.
FM Iris Poudre is weak, barely-there iris. Outrageous, given the price.
TDC Bois d'Iris is dry & lipsticky. No staying power.
SL Bas de Soie reminds me most of No.19 but it lacks depth and complexity.
28 La Pausa is fresher and elegant but little by way of iris.
Naiviris by Huiteme Art - iris & woods. Warm, dry but not spicy. Understated but nice.

I would also recommend a sampling of Xerjoff Shingl - loads of iris, some carnation over rum & amber. I find this to be more mesmerizing than Irisss. Unfortunately both are equally ridiculously pricey. But the collection set offers better value imo.
post #55 of 149
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foustie View Post

The favourites? Well, lets see...Iris 39, Naiviris, Iris De Nuit, Cuir D'Iris. Also Dior Homme is a great everyday choice. Has that not been mentioned yet? But I did go down the Leather/Iris route too. I betcha you will go there....

I can't believe right now on BN it took 50 posts to put Dior Homme out there.
However it smells average to me and like the previous BN scent de jour TdH it is gone from my skin and clothes in minutes not hours.
Since you didn't like 28 La Pausa I'd recommend Iris Silver Mist.
post #56 of 149
I know only a few Iris (Dior Homme, Dior Homme Intense, Prada Infusion d'Iris, Infusion d'Homme, Paul Smith, Le Labo Iris 39 and Iris Silver Mist) and to me, Iris Silver Mist is one of the most beautiful fragrance i have ever smelled. You can have a split from the split board for a really good price.
post #57 of 149
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone!

I have Prada D'Infusion Iris and Huitieme Art Naiviris coming soon and as soon as I get them will be back with more thoughts. So far Iris de Nuit is still top of my list. I don't think I will be getting ISM as I prefer to wear my perfume instead of the other way around - I don't want to be lorded over by ISM

Dzongkha update: After I took Dzongkha out on a few dates I can definitely see it in my collection. As a big fan of pepper and incense fragrances I was going to get CDG Ouarzazate, but Dzongkha has it all plus Iris, a clear winner for me. To me Dzongkha sits between Bas de Soie and Ouarzazate and much more interesting than both. When I wear it I feel cool, calm, collected, and vicious, just like that blond lady from Kill Bill
post #58 of 149
Lubin's Bluff has a good Iris note though it does not dominant rather mixed in with other notes.
post #59 of 149
No one has mentioned it yet, but I really like Acqua di Parma's Iris Nobile (check out the EDP concentration if possible). It's similar to Malle's Iris Poudre, but different in a way that's hard to describe. It simultaneously carries the weight of a classic Chanel (I think it would make a fantastic wedding scent) while still being something a very exceptional girly girl (or a truly urbane man) could wear regularly.

Also, as stated before, there's a reason Dior Homme gets so much love around here. It's a wonderfully creamy chocolate iris with fascinating green facets that's easily a contender for the best iris in production today. Don't let the "Homme" fool you - it's great for anyone.
post #60 of 149
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rogalal View Post

No one has mentioned it yet, but I really like Acqua di Parma's Iris Nobile (check out the EDP concentration if possible). It's similar to Malle's Iris Poudre, but different in a way that's hard to describe. It simultaneously carries the weight of a classic Chanel (I think it would make a fantastic wedding scent) while still being something a very exceptional girly girl (or a truly urbane man) could wear regularly.

Also, as stated before, there's a reason Dior Homme gets so much love around here. It's a wonderfully creamy chocolate iris with fascinating green facets that's easily a contender for the best iris in production today. Don't let the "Homme" fool you - it's great for anyone.

Thank you, it was really enlightening, I was keeping my eye out for Iris Nobile and wondering what it smells like; now I know I need to sample it for sure. As for Dior Homme, I don't know...still cant get past the "Homme" part.
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