Iris.

Santa Maria Novella's I Giardini Medicei collection celebrates Florence's historic gardens, and L'Iris was conceived to honor the city's emblematic iris. In 2022 perfumer Gian Luca Perris returned to the house's heritage, creating a fragrance that uses the delicate petals of the iris flower as its central focus. The composition bridges medieval apothecary craft with contemporary elegance, resulting in a bright, vibrant tribute that captures the spirit of Florentine botanical tradition and speaks to modern sensibilities.

The opening juxtaposes bright neroli with a peppery kick of Nepalese Sichuan pepper, a nod to the spice routes that once supplied the Officina’s exotic ingredients. Galbanum adds a green, slightly resinous edge, while the heart gathers magnolia, jasmine sambac, geranium and champaca, creating a bouquet that feels like a Florentine spring. This layered approach lets the iris bloom later, preserving its powdery purity.

At first spray, the citrus-sharp neroli and the tingling heat of Sichuan pepper announce themselves, cutting through the air with a clean, almost medicinal sparkle. Within minutes, the green whisper of galbanum fades, giving way to a lush heart where magnolia's creamy petals mingle with jasmine sambac's honeyed richness, geranium's rosy bite and champaca's exotic depth, creating a rich, opulent mid-palette that feels both romantic and modern. As the composition settles, the iris takes center stage, its powdery violet nuance softened by warm musk and ambergris, creating a drydown that feels intimate and close to the skin. The fragrance offers a subtle trail that accompanies the wearer throughout the wearing experience, leaving a refined impression that balances floral delicacy with understated elegance.

The iris has long been a symbol of Florence, celebrated for its beauty and significance to the city. Santa Maria Novella's L'Iris pays tribute to this heritage, creating a fragrance that reflects the flower's symbolic importance within Florentine culture. The perfume invites contemporary wearers to connect with the city's rich botanical traditions, offering a modern interpretation that honors the iris's enduring presence in Florence's identity. Through careful composition and quality ingredients, the fragrance captures the spirit of the city while appealing to those who appreciate both historical resonance and contemporary elegance.