The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
The N° collection presents each number as a distinct fragrance, and N° 11 White Iris showcases iris as its central element. White iris brings a cool, powdery character that anchors the composition. Bulgarian rose and honeysuckle accompany the iris, adding warmth and sweetness to the blend. The combination creates a floral profile that balances cool and warm notes. Iris provides the powdery foundation while the supporting florals keep the scent from feeling stark. The overall effect is one of layered florals where each note maintains its presence rather than disappearing into a single impression. Trish McEvoy's approach treats these numbered fragrances as distinct compositions rather than variations on a theme.
White iris leads the opening with its cool, powdery presence. Bulgarian rose adds warmth alongside honeysuckle, which contributes a sweet, slightly green quality. The interplay between the cool iris and the warmer florals creates initial tension in the composition. As the scent develops, honeysuckle remains present without overwhelming the blend. Bamboo leaf and sandalwood arrive in the later stages, grounding the sweeter florals. The structure moves from a cool, powdery opening through warmer middle notes before settling into a softer close.
The evolution
White iris opens the composition with its distinctive cool, powdery quality. Around it, honeysuckle adds sweetness and a green undertone while Bulgarian rose contributes warmth. The first hour maintains this balance between cool and warm elements, neither settling fully into either direction. The heart of the fragrance introduces freesia and jasmine, which deepen the floral character and add richness. Violet and lily of the valley provide freshness that keeps the florals from becoming heavy. As the scent progresses, the floral heart expands and layers become more apparent. The drydown reveals bamboo leaf and sandalwood, which settle close to the skin. Musky elements emerge gradually, adding presence without force. The final stages leave sandalwood as a lingering base that remains close and intimate.
Cultural impact
N° 11 White Iris combines powdery iris with warmer florals in a way that creates distinct contrast. The cool quality of iris meets the sweeter, greener honeysuckle and the warmth of Bulgarian rose. This combination offers an alternative to purely aquatic or clean-smelling fragrances of comparable periods. The powdery iris note stands out against warmer floral support, creating a distinctive signature. The fragrance occupies a space between cool minimalism and richer floral compositions. Its structure demonstrates how iris can anchor a blend while remaining responsive to surrounding notes.
