Best L'Eau d'Issey Florale by Issey Miyake Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

Beaufort’s latest fragrance, the confounding and aquatic leaning Fathom V, broadly takes it’s cues from Shakespeare. Throughout The Tempest, the writer conjures vivid images of violent weather, shipwrecks and magical islands but the name Fathom V itself stems from a phrase gleaned from ‘Ariel’s Song’ within the play:

“Full fathom five thy father lies; 
Of his bones are coral made; 
Those are pearls that were his eyes: 
Nothing of him that doth fade, 
But doth suffer a sea-change 
Into something rich and strange.”

The idea of this ’sea-change’ and the constant tidal flux of the sea is properly explored in Fathom V with the overdosed use of contrasting materials: salt and earth, fragrant herbs and mosses, pleasant floral notes and intense dark spices encompassing and outlining the push and pull of the oceanic torrents. 

Grooming Guru on Fathom V:

"Fathom V’s cleverness lies in its ability to take the concept of an aquatic fragrance and turn it on its head. Instead of following the bright and breezy, surf’s up approach that so many marine scents take, it plots an entirely different course, taking the wearer on a dark, foggy, Gothic adventure that conjures up images of dark, 17th century sea ports full of smugglers, ships with moss-covered hulls and illegally obtained barrels of spice."

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Candy Perfume Boy on Fathom V:

"How Does it Smell? Like gunpowder, lush vegetation, murky waters and the barnacle-covered hulls of pirate ships."

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Hakka is Japanese mint, which contains a higher concentration of menthol than the more familiar peppermint. This eau de parfum is an irresistible call and response between leafy green hakka, and the clear-as-a-bell appeal of jasmine, lily and lotus. White musk softly sustains this delicate, revivifying experience. Note: you may feel a cooling sensation from the minty menthol when applying on skin.

According to ancient religious scriptures, Mary mother of Jesus was informed of her destiny by the Archangel Gabriel when she was about 13 years old. Artists over the centuries have been captivated by the idea of this scene, a startled schoolgirl recoiling in shock from the supernatural being. The lily, symbolizing purity and innocence, is not only a common element of these artworks, but is also the inspiration for this extrait. In principio, Latin for “in the beginning”, is a meditation on the creamy radiance of lily, supported by the down-low sensuality of ylang ylang. Mace, sweeter than nutmeg and softer than incense, lends clarity, while sweet/tart kumquat sharpens the focus.

Limited to 58 bottles, 48% extrait.

Blended with:

White lily absolute, 
Kumquat essential oil, 
Mace absolute, 
Nutmeg tincture, 
Bitter orange essential oil , 
Ylang Ylang essential oil, 
Elemi essential oil, 
Tuscan cypress essential oil, 
Pompia essential oil, 
Turkish rose absolute, 
Rosewood essential oil, 
Frankincense rivae, 
Juhi jasmine absolute, 
Cistus tincture, 
Ambergris.

Important notice:

Zanini blends are living botanical compositions, crafted entirely from natural materials and free from synthetic fixatives or stabilizers. As with all things living, subtle variations are part of their nature: over time, you may notice a gentle evolution in colour, texture, or the appearance of natural sediment. These are not imperfections, but part of the character of the raw materials themselves.

These blends are olfactive smellscapes (but neither aromatherapy, nor ‘spray-and-go’ perfumes) and sensory experiences, closer to works of art created in the scented plane (rather than, say, visual or audio).

Certain essential oils and absolutes that are used in Zanini’s 100% natural blends may potentially cause allergies in some people. Please spray Zanini’s blends on fabric (on sleeves, scarves, etc.). 

Zanini advise that those who are prone to allergic reactions, pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with chronic illnesses to be extra careful. Before trying natural blends, study the list of ingredients and consult with a doctor if you are not sure or a had a history of allergies. If you do decide to put these blends on your skin (unable to resist the temptation) always test the blend on the inside part of your elbow first and wait.

Do not spray these blends liberally as a cloud in the way you would spray a conventional perfume. Zanini’s smellscapes need to be… carefully applied and experienced. Be mindful that some oils can also make your skin hyper-sensitive to UV.

The abandoned chapel of a Cistercian abbey. Cold stone walls, covered in moss. The waxen wood of ornate pews, the linseed oil of an unfinished painting. Myrrh and frankincense linger in the air, along with  . spicy white lilies. The subtle scent of golden pollen mingles with that of solemn green leaves. The call of the divine.

Perfumer: Hugo Lambert

Intoxicating and smooth, the Damascena rose radiates throughout. A twist of pink pepper brings a touch of freshness. The velvety touch of rose petals combined with vanilla creates a luxurious veil. 

Furthermore, there is a dark, green undertone from the davana herb which contrasts with the silkiness of the rose.

On a hot, dry terrain, through the cracks of rocks, enigmatic flowers flourish. Every now and then, great beauty requires great contrasts. The fragrance opens with a vibrant burst of orange (South Africa) and zesty ginger (Nigeria), followed by a complex floral heart of rich rose (Morocco), powdery iris (Ivory Coast) reminiscent of sand swirling below the flowers, and bright chamomile (Egypt). It finishes with a narcotic base of sensual sandalwood (Somalia) and creamy vanilla (Madagascar).

Réserve en Afrique eaux de parfum feature responsibly sourced naturals, and are free from parabens, phthalates, UV filters and colorants. Their natural alcohol base is derived from beetroots, and they are a PETA-listed vegan & cruelty-free brand.

Heaven on earth: Alamut.

If we were to believe Marco Polo’s story - Alamut was the fortress and headquarters of the order of assassins. In Alamut among other things, according to Marco, the new recruits could experience the demo version of heaven. An assassin to be would be inebriates by some potion (even though Marco never mention which drug it was, highly likely it was hashish). Then the recruit would be taken to a pleasure garden with drinks, food and beautiful maiden. Afterwards the head of the order would explain that absolute loyalty and fearless determination would guarantee an afterlife of this kind.

Lorenzo Villorezi’s Alamut is an intense sensual rose resting on a cloud of ambergris.

California is a land of abundance: sunshine, flowers and fruits. The fragrance is a sunny swirl of magnolia, apples and lemons, all of which flourish in this west coast wonderland. Sandalwood and musk bridges the flora to the skin, turning you into a delivery system for smiles.

I was inspired while visiting Kew Gardens in London in May. Every May there are hundreds of blooming magnolia trees in different sorts, sizes, scents and colours. Usually it is a very rainy season and my inspiration was to create a scent of the water and rain on magnolia trees.  

The symbol of this modern perfume is an American modern dance pioneer Ruth St. Denis. She is not only a very talented performer, but also very feminine. 

Divine Dancer is an ethereal, watercoloured, light, fresh, feminine floral perfume. It is modern and vivacious fruity floral scent .

The Divine Dancer perfume is dedicated to one of the first American modern dance and ballet performers Ruth St. Denis.

Her vibrant and spirited art of dance, influenced by the East and South Asia, her divine body move and incredible costumes made Ruth St. Denis a worldwide well known star. Her body projects as Temple of femininity. 

When the dancer emerged from the darkness of the stage, her presence was immediately captivating, the air suddenly fragrant with her appearance. Adorned in jewels from head to toe, radiant in a special gold sari, her hair crowned in jasmine, she is an embodiment of divine feminine, mirroring the images of goddesses of Lakshmi and Saraswati but with the talented Ruth St. Denis touch of modern dance and ballet movement.

“Shaan” is a Sanskrit name meaning greatness and majesty. The  perfumer intertwines the name with the legend of the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose, the conquering leader whose final battle was foretold by the oracles. Ember Shaan is a fragrance that shifts and evolves, reflecting the concept of victory intertwined with sorrow. With a variety of ouds and frankincenses, this extrait explores how a bright fire fades into a smouldering ember, while also deepening into something more profound. Coffee, rose and sandalwood combine their rich effects into an olfactory syrup that infuses the woods, while spicy opoponax and stony gunpowder add punctuation and surprise.