Happy New Year! For my first write-up for the year, I wanted to begin on a positive note. It comes from an unlikely source of inspiration: an Armani fragrance. I’ve paid little heed to their Armani Privé line over the years, despite having relatively easy access to most of their offerings.
From time to time, I’ve dipped into the Privé collection and found some nice ones: Vetiver Babylone, Thé Yulong, and Bois d’Encens have had samples drained and enjoyed. So, it doesn’t come as a complete surprise that I would like a scent from the range. In the lazy, leisurely days between Christmas Day and New Year’s, I visited the department store and stumbled upon Iris Bleu, a new addition (2025) from the house. Like the vetiver and the tea, it forms part of their more reasonably priced Les Eaux range.
I must admit the name had me a little worried. Was this going to be another in the endless conveyor belt of mediocre “blue” shower gel fragrances? Fortunately, it’s not, and indeed it’s not very blue at all, other than perhaps creating an image of blue skies in your mind. Right from the opening citrus burst of bergamot and lemons, I imagine spring gardens flourishing under sunny, cloudless skies. It feels like the perfect scent for this lighter line.
The floral component doesn’t smell overwhelming or vintage, as some reviews might have led me to believe. Indeed, the jasmine smells green and airy, and Dora Baghriche renders the iris note buttery and smooth. It never becomes overly powdery or lipsticky. The galbanum note enhances the greenery and imparts a subtle, hazy ashy effect on the florals. At one point, it even reminded me of Celine’s Nightclubbing.
However, this one smells less of a cigarette ashtray than Nightclubbing and might pair well with a clean white shirt. It’s much more delicate than Nightclubbing, and, despite the galbanum/iris combination, it smells warmer than Chanel No. 19. It dries down to a lemony, soft pastel-green fragrance with musky, woody notes that give it some body. Ultimately, Iris Bleu veers more toward the clean, polished Prada-style iris.
There’s no mention of aquatic accords in the note pyramid, but Iris Bleu transports me to a place of calm overlooking a water lily pond. As it develops, there’s a fuzzy suggestion of dewy lilacs, lilies, and hyacinths blooming as the vernal breeze of spring carries the promise of new beginnings. It’s almost as if Dora Baghriche has used a Monet painting for inspiration. A lovely ethereal piece of work.
Have you sampled this one? Do you have a favourite from this Armani line?
Note: Bottle image from Armani. All the other photos are my own.
Nice overview, Daniel. I might just give Iris Bleu a try. The ones in the Armani Privé collection that I was most impressed with were Cuir Majesté and Oud Royal. Oud Royal was lovely, but I much prefer Périlleusement Vôtre by Serge Lutens.
Thank you, Flaconneur. Yes, it’s worth a try for sure. I’ve tried the leather (very well done), but not the oud. I’m a bit like you though, I seem to like a few in the line, but often find that I prefer something similar from another brand.
Happy New Year! I haven’t really explored Armani Privé. Watery and impressionist yet warm… sounds like a conundrum! I like the imagery, though.
Thanks, Nose Prose. Likewise. Yes, it does sound a bit contradictory, but, I think the contrast is why I enjoy the fragrance. The iris doesn’t give off that cold, grey, aloof character that it so often does. There’s a vibrancy here. The citrus top, the woody base and the other accompanying florals help to give it a warmer more welcoming disposition.
Beautiful images and great review. I am not familiar with Armani’s scents, will try this one when I have a chance. Have a great Sunday!
Thanks very much, Tetê. Yes. Let me know what you make of it. Enjoy your weekend.
I haven’t tried this one, but now that I’ve read your thoughts on it, I certainly will, dear Daniel. (I’m planning an iris post sometime this year as it happens.) A great post to kick off 2026, with your customary intelligence and gorgeous pics.
Thank you very much, Rich. Hopefully you get to sample it. I look forward to reading your iris post.
I used to like Armani Prive collection 15+ years ago. But it was too expensive for me back then. So, the only perfume that I bought back then was a refill bottle of Eclat de Jasmine. I still have and like it. Then – as one of my 2 blind buys – I bought their limited edition La Femme Bleue. Until this day, it’s a single most expensive perfume I’ve ever bought. I love it. I tried their next iris-heavy limited edition, and I liked it as well (but not enough to pay another $600). After that, I liked many of their perfumes to test, but I hasn’t been compelled to buy and wear any of them. So, now I am extremely curious to try this new one in their “regular” Prive line. I was at a store a couple of weeks ago, but I didn’t notice any new from the line. I’ll need to visit it again soon.
Yes, they’re all pretty expensive, but this one comes in a bit cheaper than some of the others. Hopefully you get to sample it next time, Undina.