The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Lake & Skye built its brand on the original 11 11, a fragrance that became synonymous with the brand itself. That signature scent attracted a devoted following who returned to it again and again, finding comfort in its intimate character. When the house decided to expand the collection, the question became how to honor that legacy while offering something new. 11 11 Vanilla represents the answer: a flanker that retains the spirit of closeness and skin intimacy but shifts the olfactory register entirely. Working with perfumer Jerome Epinette, Lake & Skye approached this variation not as a simple vanilla addition but as a complete reimagining of what the 11 11 DNA could become when different materials take the lead.
The note selection for 11 11 Vanilla reflects a deliberate philosophy about balance and contrast. Rather than building a straightforward vanilla fragrance, Lake & Skye chose to open with star apple and sea salt specifically to prevent the vanilla heart from feeling predictable. Sea salt acts as a counterweight to the sweetness that passion fruit and marshmallow bring, ensuring the composition never becomes cloying. Teakwood in the drydown serves a similar purpose, grounding the warmer elements with subtle woody structure.
The evolution
The journey of 11 11 Vanilla begins with star apple and sea salt, an opening that surprises even experienced fragrance wearers. Star apple, also known as ch Star apple, delivers a translucent fruit note that carries a slight floral undertone while sea salt grounds the composition with mineral qualities borrowed from marine fragrances. This opening phase lasts roughly fifteen minutes before the heart emerges. Vanilla cream steps forward as the dominant heart note, its rich, buttery character softened by passion fruit's tropical sweetness. Marshmallow weaves through this middle section, adding an edible quality that makes the heart feel warm and inviting. As the fragrance transitions to its drydown, amber and musk create a skin-close foundation while teakwood introduces woody warmth that provides contrast to the sweeter heart notes. The entire arc moves from unexpected aquatic freshness through creamy sweetness to warm intimacy.
Cultural impact
11 11 Vanilla sits comfortably in the skin-scent category, fragrances that prioritize warmth and intimacy over projection and presence. It's the kind of fragrance that performs best in close quarters, the kind people notice when they're already leaning in. The sweet-fresh orientation appeals to a broad audience without pandering. The gentle sillage makes it work well for everyday wear, blending into spaces without announcing itself. There's a quiet confidence to how it wears, never demanding attention but leaving a soft, memorable impression.
