The Iris des Champs fragrance is a fresh, floral olfactory interpretation of the iris flower, feminine and overwhelming in its beauty. The new direction is reminiscent of the freshness of morning dew on the first days of spring, with the scent of bergamot and roses. The captivating and sensual heart reveals a bouquet of iris, jasmine, ylang-ylang and lily of the valley. In the background, the perfume recreates the velvety and sensual touch of iris petals and plays with seductive vanilla and hypnotic sandalwood.
The Eau de Parfum
Houbigant has modernised a classic crystal bottle from the early 20th century, originally designed and manufactured by Baccarat for Houbigant. The bottle was created for the ‘Idéal’ perfume for the World's Fair held in Paris in 1900, symbolised by the Eiffel Tower, which was built at the entrance to the exhibition.
The blue and gold packaging is reminiscent of the beautiful iris flower and opens to reveal fields of irises in bloom.
Iris, the precious raw material
Iris is a plant with elegant and stylish flowers that conceal a hidden treasure. Already considered sacred by the Egyptians, the iris, under the heraldic name of lily, became the symbol of royalty in France.
This aristocratic flower provides one of the most luxurious raw materials available to perfumers. It was Caterina de' Medici who made it famous in the 16th century. Since then, iris has been used in perfume compositions and to perfume gloves and powder.
The iris extraction process is very long and complex. The plant must grow for three years before it can be harvested. The rhizome, from which the ‘beurre’, or ‘iris butter’, is then extracted, must dry for at least three years before the perfumer can proceed with the extraction. Its scent is extremely present, almost invasive, with powdery facets, releasing woody-green accents that are reminiscent of the comforting smell of warm bread.
Surprisingly, it is not its sublime flower but its underground part that holds this treasure trove of scent. The rhizomes, the roots of the flowers, contain jonone, a uniquely fragrant and opulent molecule that makes up the iris notes. The flower itself has no scent.
