Balenciaga has just released 10 extremely luxurious-smelling perfumes, which includes a "forgotten" bottle from 1947.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga)
Fragrances possess the ability to transport us, and the finest ones (in my view) can whisk you away to an entirely different time. Picture the Sunset Strip in the '70s, the powder room of a Parisian speakeasy in the '50s, or a villa from the early 1900s nestled in the snowy Austrian Alps. Balenciaga's latest fragrance (one of ten, to be specific) takes you straight to Cristóbal Balenciaga's 1947 showroom, where he revealed Le Dix, the Maison's inaugural fragrance. After 15 years, House archivists rediscovered this 78-year-old perfume relic, leading the brand to recreate the bottle exactly as it was—right down to the hand-tied cotton ribbon. Starting today, you can officially claim a piece of fashion history for your own collection.
The original Le Dix, packaged in 1947 (Image credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga) Le Dix embodies the essence of an olfactory time capsule; even its name, which means “the 10” in French, pays homage to the original Balenciaga Couture salon located at 10 Avenue George V. The fragrance inside is both nostalgic and surprising, honoring the classic while modernizing it for today’s discerning fragrance enthusiasts. For instance, it features the blend's signature iris absolute combined with violet leaf and high-tech isolated iris aldehydes to enhance that vintage, powdery quality, along with incense essential oils (a common thread in the entire line) to introduce a spicy, smoky depth. Powdery fragrances—those that evoke the scent of a matte red lipstick—are increasingly popular among younger fragrance fans, particularly as trendy gourmand scents risk becoming oversaturated. To them, these scents feel fresh and contemporary—Le Dix leads the way, redefining what it means to smell opulent.
Balenciaga
Le Dix Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Iris absolute, isolated iris aldehydes, violet leaf, incense essential oils
The rest of Balenciaga's fragrance collection adheres to a similar formula, incorporating heritage elements while adding a surprising twist—from oxidized rose to black mascara. There’s a beautiful blend to suit every fragrance preference, whether you prefer floral, marine, green, gourmand, or something in between (I have some personal favorites). Discover them all below, along with my honest impressions.
Balenciaga
Twenty Four Seven Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Vanilla absolute, amber, musk Twenty Four Seven is akin to the white T-shirt of fragrances, as I learned at a brand preview. It’s warm, woody, and subtly sweet, offering comfort with each spray. True to its name, this perfume evolves with each passing hour, revealing captivating notes that blossom differently on the skin from day to night.
Balenciaga
Muscara Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Ambrette seed absolute, iris accord If pressed, I would say Muscara is my absolute favorite from the collection. At first scent, it really does resemble a coat of dark pigment ( polished and powdery) but transitions into an undeniably sultry dry-down, reminiscent of dramatic lashes.
Balenciaga
100% Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Rosa Damascena essences This floral fragrance is composed entirely of roses. However, it’s not one-dimensional; it isolates distinct characteristics of the classic bloom, featuring 100% "oxidized rose" for a hint of metallicness.
Balenciaga
No Comment Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Spanish cypress oil, green synthetic moleculesPerhaps the most ethereal blend of the collection, No Comment is quite literally a breath of fresh air. Its greenery evokes serene confidence, which aligns perfectly with a name that speaks for itself.
Balenciaga
Getaria Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Salty citrus, pink pepper, crystallized seaweed absolute Another fragrance leaning on freshness is Getaria, inspired by Cristóbal's birthplace, a historic fishing town along Spain's Urola coast. The scent captures the essence of a refreshing ocean breeze—salty, sunlit, and with a hint of spice.
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 To Be Confirmed epitomizes this. Its unique kimono tulip accord, derived from night-blooming flower extracts, exudes an enticing ambiguity. It also includes a CO2 extraction of Chinese tea leaves, inspired by a delicate cup of steamed silver needle tea. The outcome? A scent that remains elusive yet undeniably stunning.
Balenciaga
Extra Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Pink pepper, black pepper oil Spicy fragrance enthusiasts will prefer this one. It is lively, warm, and invigorating, delivering an undeniably sizzling experience.
Balenciaga
Cristóbal
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Balenciaga has just released 10 extremely luxurious-smelling perfumes, which includes a "forgotten" bottle from 1947.
Here are my initial impressions.
