Imperial Purple

The Florentine iris is a precious Tuscan flower, exported all over the world, called giaggiolo by the Tuscans and known to the eyes of the world as the lily of Florence. Because of its extraordinary resemblance to the elegant tropical flower, this marvellous flower, also known as the orchid of the poor, grows spontaneously in our region. To admire the flowering of the Florentine iris, it will be enough from late spring to go just outside the city. The intense and persistent scent is reminiscent of violets and literally inebriates the senses. What makes the Florentine Iris unique in the world does not lie in the beautiful flower. The rhizome jealously protects its exceptionality underground. Using almost manual artisan techniques, the latter is collected, processed and processed for sale and export. Imperial Purple, masterfully created by Ane Ayo, takes its name from the iris flower, purple, of course. When I think of Imperial, I can't help but relate it to the Medici family, Imperial implies royalty, and the Medici dominated Florence during the 15th century. Ayo's creation puts the seductive powdery purple flower on the backbone while other elements rotate around it, namely smooth leather and gourmand vanilla. While the formula of dusty green iris bedecked with leather and vanilla isn't groundbreaking, the result here is nothing short of mind-blowing. The scent begins with a floral explosion, a heavy verdant and powdery accord with lipstick-like undertones. Though dominant and intense, underneath is a faint citrus undertone of what I assume is a blend of bergamot and orange peel that lingers for a while. The initial stage is all about dry, waxy, and powdery iris. A sweet and slightly gourmand accord announces the arrival of the heart. On one side, spicy and pastry-like vanilla strives to mitigate the make-up nuance released by the iris rhizome. On the other side, a burnt musty nuance, a bit nutty, balances the scent emitted by the cereals. In the middle of this concoction, I get a dewy, jammy, and dry rosiness tinge, as if rose petals were also present. It is not too prominent and does not turn the fragrance into a rose-centred kind. Unexpectedly, in the dry-down Imperial Purple turns chocolaty and leathery. The former comes from the pralines, while the latter is a smooth suede, not the raw leather we meet in Full Moon over the Desert or Ombré Leather (2018) EAU DE PARFUM, whose powerful animal smell could be disturbing. The fragrance notes include vanilla, which I don't get too much. Instead, the smooth butteriness of the iris is still taking centre stage; other notes do not subside it. When I smell it closely, the leather note is quite distinct. A powdery and leathery accord remains on the blotter many hours and days later. A formal and classy fragrance, best suited for cold weather during the evenings and nights of fall and winter. It may not be as strong as the other pieces in the same series, but both projection and longevity are above moderate. It is similar to iris-based fragrances from the house Dior and Valentino, and the quality is superior to ZARA standards. I'm basing my experience on a bottle I've owned since April 2023.

Zara has been KILLING IT with these Men's Fragrances. Because they are perfectly Unisex and smell Niche. Better than 98% of the fragrances I've been sampling lately from a number of expensive niche houses. Kid you not. I'm not saying these will have the best longevity but so don't so many niche brands tbh. This one smells very Orris (Iris) to me and has something in common with another new favorite of mine - Phlur Not Your Baby. Except this would be a touch more Unisex compared to that one that leans more Feminine. This is a beautiful fragrance, if you like yourself a powdery iris/orris note then go ahead and try this. RECOMMENDATIONS for Other Great Zara Fragrances: Majestic Green is another great one (better version of Xerjoff Italica)... Intense Dark Exclusive is fantastic too, as well as Warm Rich Addictive (this one is a little weaker in projection but still a nice scent)... the Sand Dunes one is really good but doesn't last super long, maybe 3-4 hours (still love it though!)... Ebony Woods is a favorite of mine as well, very unique and has become addictive to me)... Energetically New York is fantastic if you want a lighter (but still present) version of Le Labo 33 (just be aware that some people's body chemistry can make this smell of pickles - personally I don't get that)... and Hipster Oud is a great "baby oud"... I would consider these all to be Unisex! Other ones that are more feminine-leaning: Fields At Nightfall is really good (This Is Her dupe)...lastly Rose Gourmand is good if you don't already own one of the many similar fragrances that's out there (I slightly prefer Roses Vanille though but they're very similar)... Oh yea - and Rose Marshmallow Candy smells very similar to Kilian Love Don't Be Shy. Hope this helps someone!! Go get yo'self some good cheapies!!

Since picking this one up several month ago, I've noticed I have a trend with this one. I find myself wearing it after a shower from working outside doing yard. Between Givenchy Gentleman Reserve Privee and Imperial Purple, these two are perfect fragrances to just enjoy their aura. The Iris, Praline and Vanilla generate that sweet, powdery creamy texture to rest on a base of woods wrapped in leather. Relative to Gentleman Reserve Privee, Imperial Purple feels overall lighter, but more dense in the sweetness. Especially in the opening. If these two were blankets, Imperial Purple would be airy and fluffy, where Reserve Privee would be thick and wooly. Both fantastic for their own reason. And different enough to warrant owning both. Not to mention, Imperial Purples Price is hard to resist. An absolute love from me.

I agree with other who says it has a powdery vib from Iris. On my skin, I don't pick up any leather tones. Instead I felt like it came across with a hint of petetulom vib..not as strong as Dior Fahrenheit. After it settled, I was able to pick some warm woodsy vib. After a good 2hrs, I was able to pick up a sweet notes mixed with green leaf..almost violet vib. I'm able to see why they called this cologne Imperial Purple. Longevity was decent, Sillage could have been better. In all, for the price point you shouldn't expect that WOW factor. All considering, it's not a drugstore cologne either. I'm going to give it a second try, I'm almost ready to buy it..one more sniff to be sure. 6.5/10

Passing by Zara i had the chance to smell this one along with regal white the latter is okay but imperial purple is really beautiful, i loved the iris and leather combination the praline adds some sweetness character to the fragrance. I have Valentino Uomo intense and samples of DHI, i think Imperial purple smells like Valentino more, not exactly a copy but on the same category. I love it so i bought it, and i still have to wear it and update on the performance. The price on this one is really good compared to the price of Dior :) I still have to try magnificent black