Lilas Exquis

The structure is what makes Lilas Exquis interesting rather than predictable. Lilac is not an uncommon note, it appears in dozens of florals, usually in supporting roles, rarely at the center. The choice to pair it with blueberry is the first move that separates this from a standard floral. Blueberry brings a tartness, a fruitiness that reads modern against lilac's known sweetness. The second move is the use of lilyflore and linden blossom alongside the expected floral pyramid, materials that add a watery, almost dewy quality rather than the typical heady, indolic richness. And the base is where the house's intent becomes clear.

The evolution

The opening arrives fast. Bergamot cuts through the blueberry within seconds, a tart, bright impression that reads as modern and fruity-green at the same time. Within minutes the hyacinth joins, adding its characteristic watery, dewy green that recalls the smell of stems just broken. As the top notes begin to settle, the florals make their presence known. Lilac takes center stage with an almost startling clarity, there is nothing tentative about this note. Magnolia, lilyflore, and linden blossom layer underneath, adding facets of cream and cool floral that prevent the lilac from reading as sweet or one-dimensional. Violet and angelica add a faint powdery green that keeps everything grounded, anchoring the sweetness with an herbal, slightly astringent undertone. The base reveals itself as the florals gradually soften.