Scent of the rose

ROSES are known for their exquisite scent which is probably the reason many perfume brands love to use the flower in their creations. Among them are Annick Goutal Rose Absolue, Rose by Paul Smith, A Drop Of Rose by PureDKNY, Emporio Armani Diamonds Rose and Tom Ford’s Cafe Rose.

Sisley, the Parisian beauty brand, is the latest company to capitalise on the natural fragrance of roses.

Launched early this year, Izia is the signature fragrance of founder Isabelle d’Ornano.

Izia, pronounced Ijia, was d’Ornano’s childhood nickname growing up in Poland.

It is said that d’Ornano had planted many different types of roses in her garden and among them was one that was adorned with flecks of gold.

For years, d’Ornano made bouquets with this rose, that blooms only for two weeks in late May. When mixed with other flowers, its fragrance overpowered all others.

One day, she wanted to create a fragrance based on this flower to capture its short-lived scent. This rose - now known as Rose d’Ornano — is the heart of Izia.

Izia features top notes of white bergamot, pink pepper and aldehydes; heart notes of Rose d’Ornano accord, transparent floral accord and angelica; and base notes of cedar, amber accord and musk.

The combination of ingredients for the fragrance’s top, heart and base notes is described as a distinctive bouquet with an assertive and sensual character.

I am not a fragrance expert but the combination of the notes gives the perfume its character.

The smell of roses in Izia is subtle, and long-lasting, which is a good thing. It works well with me, which is a surprise because I don’t usually like rose in a perfume.

I love rose as a flower but in a perfume, the smell can sometimes be too sweet and overwhelming.

I love the bottle, designed by Polish sculptor Bronislaw Krzysztof. It looks like two pebbles delicately balancing on each other, with the colour of the Rose d’Ornano.

Tried & Tested