VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
BOIS D’IRIS

2009

PERFUMER
Emilie Bevierre Coppermann

Iris
Driftwood
Vanilla
Incense
myrrh
Sugar
Amber
Ambergris
Vetiver
Labdanum

Bois D’Iris has been a much worn fragrance in my collection, although always standing ever so slightly in the shadow of Dior’s Bois D’Argent.

It opens a little brighter, with a more floral iris and overall it’s not as powdery or chalky as most other iris-forward scents; it’s rather smooth and light. I feel like it centers more around vanilla, than iris, but that doesn’t mean that it’s overly sweet. In fact, comparing it side by side to Bois D’Argent, I’d say my Bois D’Iris is a tad less sweet, although more of a sugary sweetness than just vanilla.

It’s more subtle overall, which makes for a super versatile, pleasant to wear sweet ‘blond’ woody scent. Add to that a touch of smokiness from the incense and it becomes a mix of Bois D’Argent and Nakuna Iho. I honestly can’t say I detect anything resembling ambergris or saltiness, although it’s listed and other people seem to pick it up.

Because it’s a bit brighter and lighter, the performance on my skin is mediocre. It projects well, but it doesn’t seem to last that long. Which is too bad, because it smells amazing. It doesn’t fully substitute Iris Fauve or Bois D’Argent for me, but it’s a great alternative, especially since it’s quite a bit cheaper. Aside from that, it’s just an amazing soft vanilla scent, with a hint of incense and woods underneath.