Moon Valley

I have not smelled the original Iris Gris, so I can't tell you if Moon Valley is similar or not. I'm evaluating Moon Valley strictly on its merits as a stand-alone perfume. Some people assume all-natural perfumes are going to be simple in nature, more like aromatherapy blends than perfumes. That is not the case with Moon Valley. This one has depth, complexity, layers and moods. I smell quite a bit of peach when I first put it on, but it's juicy natural peach--no cream, no sugar. There's an animalic, leather-y essence as well, present throughout the perfume's evolution. Another sniff reveals a classic musty oakmoss aroma (think Guerlain's Mitsouko) and rooty orris now in play. Assorted flowers and green sort of bend around these dominant aromas, smoothing rough edges and adding soft texture while remaining fully in the background. The visual it brings to mind is a jacket constructed in soft green suede. Moon Valley has a very vintage vibe about it--green, mossy, no sweetness (the peach is actually a bit tart here), a hint of leather. It's sophisticated and thoughtful, with a tinge of melancholy. It brings to mind classic scents like Femme and Mitsouko and will likely appeal to fans of classic chypre scents. Men who enjoy those classic scents will no doubt feel comfortable wearing this one, too. Moderage sillage and longevity 3-4 hours--good for a natural perfume. I love it! Thank you to Esscentual Alchemy for the chance to try this scent.