L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam

Floral at its core, L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam is a 2020 edition from Issey Miyake for women, composed by Marie Salamagne. Spice, woods, amber and citrus play smaller supporting roles.

The top is fresh and airy: grapefruit gives a tart, juicy brightness, freesia a light, clean floral sweetness, and cardamom a cool, aromatic spice. The heart is the most distinctive part, pairing May rose and jasmine sambac with basmati rice, which adds a soft, milky, slightly toasted note. In the base, cedar brings a dry, pencil-like woodiness and ambergris a warm, salty, skin-like glow.

This is a gentle, luminous floral with an unusual comforting twist from the rice note. It suits spring and summer days, the office and everyday wear, and its soft character keeps it discreet in close company. It will appeal to anyone who likes fresh florals with a quiet, slightly creamy and spiced edge.

L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam — unisex fragrance by Issey Miyake (released 2020). Top notes: Grapefruit, Freesia, Cardamom. Heart notes: Jasmine Sambac, May Rose, Rice Basmati. Base notes: Ambergris, Cedar. — Parfica open fragrance database