With the most precious and oldest ingredients, this eau de parfum reflects on the roots of the art of perfumery and is thus ahead of its time.
In the world of fragrances, iris has a particularly high status: its purchase price exceeds that of gold, and its unique aroma can only be extracted six years after planting. In Iris Nazarena by Aedes de Venustas, the rare floral root note comes to life. Combined with incense, it develops into a mysterious and sensual accord that runs through this beguiling eau de parfum.
Perfumer Ralf Schwieger had long wanted to interpret the iris note in a contemporary way – without relying on its well-known olfactory effect, which is so strikingly expressed in Chanel's ‘No. 19’. Schwieger considers this fragrance, launched back in 1971, to be ‘the benchmark for iris-based perfumes and a blueprint that is difficult to surpass.’ However, he now wanted to give the fragrance notes, which have a certain darkness about them, a transparency that results in a beauty that is both mystical and lasting.
Iris Nararena takes its name from the rare Iris Bismarckiana species, also known as Iris Nazarena because it grows mainly in the mountainous region east of Nazareth. Karl Bradl, co-founder of Aedes de Venustas, was immediately captivated by the incredible beauty of the flower with its brown or purple-red speckles and delicate bluish-red veins when he discovered it on a postcard. Thus, in 2013, the flower became the muse for the second eau de parfum by Aedes de Venustas.
The flower itself has no scent – like most types of iris. Instead, it is its root that provides the ingredients highly prized in perfumery. To develop its full aromatic diversity, an iris plant must first bloom for three years. Only then can its root be harvested. Before being ground and distilled, it undergoes a three-year drying process to allow its characteristic notes of powder, wood and violet to mature. Only after this elaborate procedure does the majestic scent of iris awaken. A journey that reflects the history of the country in which it grows.
In Iris Nazarena Eau de Parfum, the velvety petals of the mysterious iris flower are traced with a subtle sfumato in brown, purple and white. Ambrette casts the delicate light of dusk on the top notes. Rose contributes its floral sensuality, while the cool, lively notes of green star anise represent the stems and leaves of the flower. Resinous juniper berries, patchouli and vetiver refer to the roots that are deeply anchored in the earth and rock. Above this, the sacred smoke of altars with mineral, leathery aspects intertwines with clove, oud and incense.
Incense is the olfactory thread that runs through almost all of Aedes de Venustas' Eaux de Parfum. The smoke used to make offerings to the gods thousands of years ago marks the beginning of the history of fragrances. After all, the word “perfume” comes from the Latin words “per fumum”, meaning “through smoke”.
Those who wear Iris Nazarena surround themselves with a lush, sensual fragrance full of harmony, which draws its expressive power from one of the most precious ingredients.
Aedes de Venustas Iris Nazarena is now presented in a high-quality, sophisticated bottle: peacock blue accents mark the ribbed bottle. The cap is matt black and embossed with the brand's insignia. It is a harmoniously sleek yet powerful and striking design with which Aedes de Venustas begins the next chapter in its success story.
