Penhaligon’s Iris Prima Eau de Parfum Review
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I went to the most beautiful launch for Penhaligon’s latest fragrance this week, Iris Prima.
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| Penhaligon’s Iris Prima Eau de Parfum Review |
Its tag line is, “The Spirit of the Ballet. Bottled.” Iris Prima is a unisex fragrance created for Penhaligon’s by master perfumer Alberto Morillas who was granted exclusive access to Nathan Young and Lauretta Summerscales of the English National Ballet.
He worked to capture the essence of ballet in all its dimensions. Here are the notes:
Top Notes: Bergamot, Green Amber, Pink Pepper
Heart Notes: Iris Absolute, Jasmine Sambac, Hedione, Paradisone
Base Notes: Leather, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Benzoin.
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| Penhaligon’s Iris Prima Review |
The various notes echo the different facets of dance, the surroundings and the passions and emotions. I am going to share Penhaligon’s description with you because I think it really brings Iris Prima to life:
“A fresh and transparent bergamot opens the dance: its citrus freshness mimicking the graceful flight of the prima ballerina as she leaps into the spotlight. Green amber softens the effect and contrasts with sparkling pink pepper, which resonates like the steps of the ballerina on pointe.
Iris soon takes centre stage, eclipsing all around her with her natural grace and powdery charm, until she begins a sensuous pas de deux with potent Jasmine Sambac. A sense of luminosity comes courtesy of two innovative molecules; Hedione and Paridisione.
In the base, Alberto introduces an intimate, musky leather note to represent the pointe shoe and then light touches of sandalwood, vetiver, vanilla and benzoin to signify the soul of ancient theatres, as well as the rehearsal studios and corridors of English National Ballet’s home in South Kensington, Markova House.”
It is soft and sensual and has a smooth and earthy drown which balances the uplifting and bright bergamot (my fave) that it opens with. I think I’ll like it for the evening and can see it suiting men and women equally, although not all of the men I know will be encouraged by the ballet element if you know what I mean!
Penhaligon’s Iris Prima will launch in the UK UK at Penhaligon’s boutiques, online at www.penhaligons.com and with selected department stores on 9th September 2013. £85 for 50ml and £120 for 100ml.
Ree
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It sounds utterly delicious! I’m here in the USA, so I hope it will be sold on this side of the pond soon.