1979 New Wave

lipstick kisses on polished black and white checkered tiles, film camera flash reflecting off of vinyl pencil skirts, julep-scented gasps, smudged liquid eyeliner, scented erasers hidden in a makeup bag. romantic but off-putting iris: unforgivingly cold and starchy, but sweetening up as you get to know her, nevermind her habit of spilling drinks—it's part of her charm, after all. there is a sparkling quality from the chilled effect of mint with dry orris root, which gives the impression of a carbonated cocktail, all with a hint of sweetened cigarette smoke lingering on a coat. sugar-sprinkled mojito and mauve cream blush. inhale the invigorating icy air in darkness, yes, deep breaths, yes, heartbeat faster and faster under dimmed neon lights. songs for 1979 new wave: it's not too grand by ruins, sex and trouble by deux, alcool by x ray pop, no hands by martin dupont, 3 am in france by sneaks.

I am a rabid iris fanatic. I can't even express in words how much I adore iris, it is my favorite fragrance note by a very long shot. So of course I had to test this. Wow. Opens with a blast of spearmint, reminiscent of Wrigley's gum or a fancy hipster toothpaste. Then the mintiness subsides in a few minutes (but doesn't disappear), and you have this gorgeous, wet, and rooty iris/orris on a creamy sandalwood background. It is so beautiful, and very unique. 30 ml bottle was immediately acquired. As to comparison with Neon Garden by DvN... no. Neon garden is a completely different take on Iris (that I also like) - bitter, medicinal, cotton-wool like and somewhat sterile. Very dry.

The opening is a wave of minty goodness, lifted by a swell of aldehydes and clean musks that feel bright and effervescent. As it settles, a cool, creamy orris unfolds, and gently softens the woody base, with just a whisper of cedar underneath. For the price, it’s hard not to wish it lasted longer or projected a bit more, but I was smitten from the first sniff. This is pure nostalgia in a bottle. It smells just like the loose stick of spearmint gum at the bottom of Mom’s purse, the wrapper crumpled, the gum slightly leathery, tinged with the faint taste of makeup and perfume. It’s immediately evocative and totally wearable. TAKE MY MONEY.

Silver Iris and neon green mint on a bed of vanillaish sandalwood. Fresh aldehydes swirl around. Like being caught inside a micro tornado in a very specialized French herb garden. Or chewing an esoteric and vintage brand of chewing gum that’s almost impossible to get hold of now. As it dries down it becomes sweetish sandalwood with a slight hint of anise. So so good. Amazingly good. But it doesn’t project much or last very long. Still that’s a price I’m willing to pay for this beauty. After all, beauty is temporary.

Very nice perfume and smells quite unique to me. Prominent buttery orris, just slightly earthy, but it’s given an extra natural feel from the nice mint note. The two blend surprisingly well. There’s sandalwood - the brand mentions Australian but it smells like Javanol to me (which I prefer). Although this would work in all seasons, there’s a summery feel to this, like doing light garden work in the sun near the fragrant mint bushes.