SEVEN GATES
HEROINE

2024

PERFUMER
Koray Sevinc

iris
white musk
ambroxan
vetiver
sandalwood
carrot seed
ambrette absolute
vanilla bean absolute
heliotrope
incense
cognac

‘Opens with voluptuous bouquet of cognac, a lingering veil of iris represents a preternaturally gifted aura. The harmony of earthy vetiver and creamy sandalwood infused with incense and vanilla extract gives the iris flower a unique powdery texture. Heroine is a powerful yet delicate perfume that is part of the skin to celebrate all the sensuality and confidence concentrates on the dark and mystical side of the iris. Heroine takes its inspiration from women who overcame adversity, broke through barriers and in doing so, making the world a better place. Her name can be Frida, Sabiha or Mahsa… The composition built around the strength and energy associated with female empowerment. Sparkling and exotic character describes the duality of being both fragile and predatory.’ – Seven Gates

As an iris-lover, I couldn’t pass on sampling Heroine first from Seven Gates. And while I think there are 1-2 so far from the brand that are a bit more exciting, for someone who’s taste aligns with this one, it’s still hard to beat.

Straight away this opens with that iris and it starts to lean far into the carrot side of iris (and of course the listed carrot seed). As expected, powdery. Also goes pretty sweet. As it dries it becomes more woody, but this is quite a focused fragrance with not too many distractions. It grows a bit sweeter again, in that transparent ambroxan-esque way, but Heroine remains minimal and never loses sight of its rooty carotty iris until the late warm skin-scent drydown.