Considered sacred by the Egyptians and often compared to Greek deities, the iris has always held a special place in all civilizations. It is often associated with the rainbow due to its iridescent sheen and fascinating natural hues.
Sourced from France, China, Italy, or Morocco, this flower is highly prized and widely used in perfumery, where it is often associated with floral notes, rose, jasmine, or violet.
It was Catherine de' Medici who made it fashionable in the 16th century, notably by wearing gloves perfumed with wild flowers from Grasse. A symbol of royalty since the Renaissance, iris is one of the most expensive raw materials, as it must be dried for three years before being distilled.
So this is a note for prestige perfumeries, found in both women's and men's fragrances.
Today, the iris accord can be found in perfumes such as Guerlain's L’Heure Bleue, Chanel n° 19, Hermès' Hiris, Guess' Double Dare, and Caron's Fleur de Rocaille...
The expert's opinion
In a perfume composition, it serves as a base note due to its powerful sillage and long-lasting scent.
With its white, almost musky notes, enhanced by nuances of green or dried fruit, the scent of iris is as mysterious as it is captivating.
A noble ingredient experiencing a resurgence in popularity, iris is a delicate flower with powdery, floral, and subtly woody notes that are both powerful and refined.
