The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
The 1.3 arrived in 2017 as part of Histoires de Parfums' This Is Not A Blue Bottle collection, each fragrance using the same iconic cobalt vessel while refusing to smell like the one before it. Perfumer Julien Rasquinet built it around blood orange's vivid brightness, rose and saffron's spice, and leather's enduring warmth. The scent opens with a zingy burst of citrus that feels almost tart, like biting into a ripe orange peel. As the top notes settle, the rose appears, soft and plush, while saffron adds a warm, slightly peppery heat that lifts the floral heart. Leather provides a sturdy base, a rich, slightly smoky note that lingers beneath the brighter layers.
Blood orange opens, but it doesn't stay. The initial burst is bright and juicy, a flash of citrus that hits the nose with a tangy sweetness before fading quickly into the background. The rose-saffron heart develops fast, warming into something that reads differently on everyone. Here the rose lends a soft, velvety floral note while saffron contributes a warm, slightly peppery spice that gives the heart a resonant heat. Together they create a layered middle that feels both delicate and daring. Leather anchors the base, but it's not the soft kind.
The evolution
The opening hits hard, blood orange, bright and unapologetic, citrus with a bite. Then the saffron and rose arrive together, the spice taking over the floral almost immediately. The leather establishes itself, adding a firm, slightly smoky depth that anchors the composition. Some people smell cold steel. Some smell warmth. Either way, they smell something. As the citrus fades, the rose and saffron become more pronounced, the rose offering a plush, romantic quality while saffron brings a warm, resinous spice. Leather dominates the drydown, with rose and saffron fading to a whisper beneath. Patchouli arrives last, adding an earthy counterweight that rounds out the blend. The scent announces itself clearly, drawing attention without overwhelming a room, and invites those nearby to notice its evolving character.
Cultural impact
This Is Not A Blue Bottle 1.3 has become a point of conversation among fragrance enthusiasts who look for scent experiences that break from the ordinary. Its bold blend of bright citrus, warm spice, and rich leather creates a memorable impression that invites comment and comparison. The way it mixes a crisp opening with a deeper, slightly smoky base makes it stand out in any lineup, prompting wearers to share their own interpretations and reactions. For those who appreciate fragrances that take a stance and invite discussion, 1.3 offers a vivid example of how a single bottle can spark a lively exchange of ideas.
