Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947.

Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947.

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga)

      Fragrances offer a sense of escapism, but the most remarkable ones (at least in my view) transport you to a completely different time. Picture the Sunset Strip in the '70s, or the powder room of a Parisian speakeasy in the '50s, or an early 1900s villa in the snowy Austrian Alps. Balenciaga's latest fragrance blend (one of ten, to be clear) whisks you straight to Cristóbal Balenciaga's 1947 showroom, where he unveiled Le Dix, the Maison's very first fragrance. It took 15 years for the House archivists to rediscover this 78-year-old perfume relic, but upon its rediscovery, the brand decided to recreate the bottle exactly as it was, complete with the hand-tied cotton ribbon. As of today, you can officially claim this piece of fashion history for your own collection.

      The original Le Dix in its 1947 packaging (Image credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga) Le Dix perfectly embodies an olfactory time capsule; even its name, which means “the 10” in French, pays tribute to the original Balenciaga Couture salon located at 10 Avenue George V. The fragrance itself is both reminiscent and surprising, honoring its original form while updating it for the modern fragrance enthusiast. For instance, it merges the signature iris absolute with violet leaf and high-tech isolated iris aldehydes to enhance its vintage, powdery essence, along with incense essential oils (a connecting theme in the entire range) to infuse a spicy, smoky depth. Powdery fragrances, reminiscent of a sleek matte red lipstick, are gaining popularity among younger fragrance aficionados, particularly as overly sweet gourmand scents become more commonplace. To this demographic, these scents feel innovative and fresh—Le Dix stands at the forefront, redefining the concept of luxury fragrance.

      Balenciaga Le Dix Eau de Parfum Key notes: Iris absolute, isolated iris aldehydes, violet leaf, incense essential oils. The rest of Balenciaga's fragrance line similarly blends heritage elements with unexpected twists, incorporating notes such as oxidized rose and black mascara. There is undoubtedly a beautiful fragrance to suit every preference—be it floral, marine, green, gourmand, or a variation in between (though I certainly have a few personal favorites). You can find them all listed below, along with my own honest opinions.

      Balenciaga Twenty Four Seven Eau de Parfum Key notes: Vanilla absolute, amber, musk Twenty Four Seven is likened to the classic white T-shirt of fragrances, as noted during a brand preview. It embodies warmth, woodsiness, and a hint of sweetness, providing comfort with every spray. True to its name, it is a fragrance that evolves over the hours. Those captivating notes bloom uniquely on the skin from day to night.

      Balenciaga Muscara Eau de Parfum Key notes: Ambrette seed absolute, iris accord If I had to choose, I would say Muscara is my all-time favorite from the collection. At first sniff, it smells just like a layer of rich pigment (polished and powdery), but it evolves into a sultry dry-down, reminiscent of dramatic, fluttery lashes.

      Balenciaga 100% Eau de Parfum Key notes: Rosa Damascena essences This floral fragrance is entirely composed of roses yet is far from one-dimensional. It captures distinct characteristics of the traditional flower, including 100% "oxidized rose," lending a slightly metallic touch.

      Balenciaga No Comment Eau de Parfum Key notes: Spanish cypress oil, green synthetic molecules No Comment is arguably the lightest scent in the collection, presenting itself as a refreshing breath of air. Its green, pine needle-like characteristics evoke a sense of quiet confidence, which is fitting for a name that says it all.

      Balenciaga Getaria Eau de Parfum Key notes: Salty citrus, pink pepper, crystallized seaweed absolute Another refreshing scent is Getaria, inspired by Cristóbal's birthplace, a historic fishing town on the Urola coast in Spain. The fragrance captures a brisk, sparkling ocean breeze—salty, sunlit, and slightly spicy.

      Balenciaga To Be Confirmed Eau de Parfum Key notes: Kimono tulip accord, silver needle tea Some fragrances become even more delightful as the day progresses, and this is precisely true for To Be Confirmed. Its exclusive kimono tulip accord, derived from night-blooming flower extracts, possesses a captivating ambiguity. It also features a CO2 extraction of Chinese tea leaves, evoking the essence of a precious cup of steamed silver needle tea. The outcome? A scent that eludes exact description yet remains stunning in its own right.

      Balenciaga Extra Eau de Parfum Key notes: Pink pepper, black pepper oil This one is for lovers of spicy fragrances. It's lively, warm, and invigorating. This

Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947. Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947.

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Balenciaga has just introduced 10 fragrances with an extravagant scent profile, including a "forgotten" bottle from 1947.

These are my initial impressions upon first encountering it.