Prada Infusion d'Iris

.../> With this new fragrance Prada breaks away from their embrace of the stronger, darker range of Prada Eau de Parfum (2004) and Prada Eau de Parfum Intense (2005) where patchouli and amber were the most prominent notes. Infusion d'Iris is a distinctive, light and fresh perfume that is probably already popular with many classic and chic fragrance fans.

''' The bottle '''

In tradition with Prada style, the bottle is ...
...rectangular clear bottle has a Prada Milano in grey letters engraved on a plate. The engraved logo is surrounded with a delicate chain motive crowned with an emblem on the top. The box is light green and somewhat oversized.

''' The fragrance '''

''' Top notes:''' mandarine, orange blossom

Prada's new addition starts out with a clean, fresh citrus note which was slightly woody and smelled like bitter, ... more

Launched: 2007
Group: Woody oriental

Thought I prefer wearing perfumes from the renowned French fragrance houses such as Guerlain, Lancome and Cacharel, I also regularly follow what the most notorious fashion design houses are up to in terms of new fragrance releases which are often in fact olfactory reformulations of known, classic perfume blends.

With this new fragrance Prada breaks away from their embrace of the stronger, darker range of Prada Eau de Parfum (2004) and Prada Eau de Parfum Intense (2005) where patchouli and amber were the most prominent notes. Infusion d'Iris is a distinctive, light and fresh perfume that is probably already popular with many classic and chic fragrance fans.

The bottle

In tradition with Prada style, the bottle is of the well-known understated simplicity and elegance and has a 'pre-war' luxury feel. The tall, rectangular clear bottle has a Prada Milano in grey letters engraved on a plate. The engraved logo is surrounded with a delicate chain motive crowned with an emblem on the top. The box is light green and somewhat oversized.

The fragrance

Top notes: mandarine, orange blossom

Prada's new addition starts out with a clean, fresh citrus note which was slightly woody and smelled like bitter, green orange.The first minutes on my skin of this very attractive, classic and chic fragrance revealed that Infusion d'Iris is a woody oriental and not an oriental woody perfume. For me the difference lies in the woodiness, which is a lot drier and more pronounced here than in most orientals and the oriental feel only adds a nuance to the fragrance.

Middle notes: orris, neroli

The fragrance then nicely developed into a warm and sensual heart, with the iris flower coming into full bloom. An addictive combination! I noticed smelling it on myself over and over again. To my disappointment, this phase only lasted for a couple of hours though I applied the fragrance generously.

Base notes: benzoin, frankinsense, cedar

What I was left with was a a soapy and woody base - with all the flower notes gone! This drydown smelled rather masculine or like an aromatic unisex fragrance at best. Apart from my skin chemitry this must be due to the somewhat upside down development of the woody and floral notes. As the woodiness is apparent throughout from the start it will only be fleetingly replaced by delicate florals and will eventually dry down to a woody base - making it a delicious and unusual fragrance but somewhat disappointing though.

Conclusion

The lack of heavy base notes such as the ones used in Prada Eau de Parfum makes Infusion d'Iris very light and delicate - whether that is an advantage or a disadvantage depends on the wearer.

Overall, Infusion d'Iris is a balanced fragrance in that the florals do not dominate over the green notes. A fine fragrance that has the perfect combination of delicate freshness, floral sweetness and woody earthiness in a unique and sensuous blend.

It is currently one of the most expensive perfumes on the market
as you'll probably have to use double the amount for a decent wear for an eau de parfum. Try it for a day to see how much you need to spray on. Ideal as a gift as its delicacy is likely to appeal to all ages and tastes not to mention the designer tag!

Price:

Available: department stores (John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser)

Now I understand why these unusually big sizes for an eau de parfum!

£ 42 / 50 ml eau de parfum
£ 52.60 / 100 ml eau de parfum
£ 61.20 / 200 ml eau de parfum
£113 / 400 ml splash + 30 ml refill bottle

Infusion d'Iris is also available range of other products such as scented tissues, linen water, bath and shower gel, body lotion, soaps and candles. Prices from £23.50 (2 x 50 ml soaps) .

Staying power: 3 / 5
Composition: 5 / 5
Value for money: 4 / 5
Overall value: 4 / 5

Thanks for reading my review.

©powered by lillybee

Summary: A fine fragrance with the perfect combination of fresh, sensual florals and masculine undertones. 

...less