The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
The 11 11 line began as Lake and Skye's signature, a clean fragrance built around intention. Azure is the aquatic interpretation of that original, designed to carry the same energy as the original but read differently: cooler, fresher, with the mineral clarity of the ocean replacing warmer elements. Working with perfumer Jérôme Epinette, the brand sought to translate the original's spirit into something that felt open and expansive. The result is a fragrance that captures the feeling of clean, sunlit water, with a brightness that feels effortless rather than forced. The collaboration brought together the brand's vision for a modern aquatic with the perfumer's understanding of how to balance freshness with depth, creating something that feels both contemporary and timeless.
What separates this from the typical aquatic is the hyacinth. Where most fresh fragrances lean on marine or ozonic synthetics, 11 11 Azure anchors itself in a green floral note that adds dimension without weight. Combined with lotus blossom, the heart avoids the flatness that sinks so many aquatic florals. The result is a fragrance with more complexity than its fresh profile suggests. Blue amber and oakmoss in the base keep it grounded long after the water notes fade, adding a richness that extends the wearing experience.
The evolution
The opening hits bright and immediate, bergamot lifting the water accord into something citrus-bright rather than purely marine. Within minutes, the hyacinth arrives, adding a green snap that keeps the aquatic notes from going flat. The heart unfolds as lotus and jasmine sambac emerge in a soft, almost translucent layer. This is the fragrance's longest phase, a clean floral that stays close to skin as it develops. The base reveals itself slowly: musk first, then blue amber's warmth, finally oakmoss grounding everything into something earthy rather than sweet. As the fragrance settles, only a clean trace remains, the kind of scent someone notices when they're standing beside you. The progression from bright citrus to aquatic freshness to grounded florals creates a complete arc that feels balanced and intentional, each stage building naturally on what came before.
Cultural impact
Clean fragrance sits at a specific intersection in the market: consumers who want transparency, simplicity, and intention without sacrificing complexity. 11 11 Azure occupies that space well, a scent that works as easily at midday as it does in the evening. It doesn't lean into aggressive minimalism, nor does it pursue the rarefied positioning of niche houses. Rather, it exists in its own territory, versatile enough to wear solo for a clean, aquatic presence or to layer with the original 11 11 oil to add depth to a signature scent.
The House
Lake & SkyeLake and Skye is a clean fragrance brand founded in 2015 by Courtney Somer. The label takes its name from Somer's two daughters, a personal origin that reflects the intimate, intentional ethos woven through every product. Rooted in the belief that fragrance can serve as a tool for well-being, the brand bridges the worlds of scent and wellness, creating perfumes and body care designed to uplift and center rather than simply scent. The brand gained recognition through its signature 11 11 fragrance, which developed a devoted following and established Lake and Skye as a notable presence in the clean fragrance space. In January 2025, after nearly seven years of partnership, Tru Fragrance acquired the brand, marking a new chapter while preserving its founding vision. The line is now available at Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom, and Blue Mercury, among other retailers.
The Creator
Jérôme EpinetteEpinette's style can be described as modern and sophisticated, with a focus on natural ingredients and clean lines. He has a knack for creating fragrances that are both wearable and interesting, often incorporating unexpected elements to add depth and complexity.
