L'Eau Bleue d'Issey pour Homme Issey Miyake 2004

A mere 25 euros for 75 ml of this designer fragrance. Generally, I recognize the distinctive creations of the Japanese brands Kenzo and Issey Miyake, but most of the time they are a bit too floral and "feminine" for my personal taste. Not so with LBI (abbreviated for simplicity). The scent is described as woody-spicy, but like almost all "blue-marked" fragrances, it also has a pronounced freshness component. No wonder with ingredients like lime, mandarin, and ginger. While the light pepper note adds a bit of sharpness, rosemary, juniper, and cypress blend into a herbaceous-green scent cocktail that reminds one of a Mediterranean forest walk - the air dry, the warmth palpable, a light sea breeze approaching.

One of my favorite perfumers, Monsieur Cavallier-Belletrud, has done an excellent job once again. The woody base provides a natural undertone, like pine needles scattered across a soft ground. LBI is certainly a noticeable scent, but never overwhelming: warm without being sweet, fresh without smelling like deodorant, masculine without any smoky undertones. On my skin, I currently compare it (probably solely due to the name similarity) with Bleu de Chanel. Both fragrances represent the Mediterranean for me, BDT more the leisurely stroll along a beach promenade, while LBI represents the rocky wilderness above the coast.

Close to nature and perhaps for that reason, a little olfactory vacation for city dwellers like me! But: unfortunately, I miss a bit of sensuality and seduction in this scent. Maybe a hint of vanilla would suit it well or just a little less herb... that's my impression after a few weeks. My initial enthusiasm has indeed waned a bit, as I currently smell just like my rooftop terrace! ;-)