Balenciaga has just released 10 perfumery creations with extravagant scents—among them is a "forgotten" bottle dating back to 1947.

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga)

      Fragrances naturally foster a feeling of escape, yet the truly exceptional ones (at least in my view) transport you to an entirely different time period. Picture the Sunset Strip in the '70s, the restroom of a Parisian speakeasy in the '50s, or a villa from the early 1900s tucked away in the snowy Austrian Alps. Balenciaga's latest fragrance (one of ten, to clarify) whisks you back to Cristóbal Balenciaga's showroom from 1947, the venue for the debut of Le Dix, the Maison's first-ever scent. It took 15 years for the House archivists to unearth this 78-year-old perfume relic, but upon its rediscovery, the brand opted to recreate the bottle identically—right down to the hand-tied cotton ribbon. And starting today, you can officially claim a piece of fashion history for your own collection.

      Le Dix, packaged as it was in 1947 (Image credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga), serves as an olfactory time capsule; its name, meaning “the 10” in French, nods to the original Balenciaga Couture salon located at 10 Avenue George V. The fragrance itself blends nostalgia with innovation, honoring the original while adapting it for today’s discerning fragrance lovers. For example, it features the signature iris absolute alongside violet leaf and high-tech isolated iris aldehydes to enhance that vintage, powdery essence, as well as essential oils of incense (which is a common element throughout the entire collection) to infuse a spicy, smoky depth. Powdery scents—often reminiscent of a bullet of matte red lipstick—are gaining popularity among younger fragrance enthusiasts, particularly as overly sweet gourmand fragrances risk becoming clichéd. For them, these aromas feel refreshing and contemporary, with Le Dix leading the way, redefining the concept of luxury in 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 follows a similar concept, incorporating traditional elements while adding intriguing details—ranging from oxidized rose to black mascara. There's a stunning blend for every preference—whether you favor floral, marine, green, gourmand, or a blend of scents (though I do have a few personal favorites). Discover them all below, along with my candid impressions.

      Balenciaga

      Twenty Four Seven Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Vanilla absolute, amber, musk

      Twenty Four Seven resembles the quintessential white T-shirt of fragrances, as I was informed at a recent brand preview. It’s warm, woody, and subtly sweet, bringing comfort with every spray. True to its name, this fragrance evolves with each passing hour, with captivating notes that truly blossom on the skin from day to night.

      Balenciaga

      Muscara Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Ambrette seed absolute, iris accord

      If pushed to choose, I would say Muscara is my top favorite. At first sniff, it genuinely resembles a coat of inky pigment—polished and powdery—but then it reveals a sultry dry-down, reminiscent of dramatic, fluttery lashes.

      Balenciaga

      100% Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Rosa Damascena essences

      This floral fragrance is entirely rose-based. However, it offers more than a single note. It isolates distinct characteristics of the classic bloom, such as "oxidized rose," imparting a slight metallic nuance.

      Balenciaga

      No Comment Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Spanish cypress oil, green synthetic molecules

      The lightest blend in the collection is No Comment, which is truly a breath of fresh air. Its green, pine-like quality conveys quiet confidence, aptly reflected in a name that speaks for itself.

      Balenciaga

      Getaria Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Salty citrus, pink pepper, crystallized seaweed absolute

      Another refreshing option is Getaria, inspired by Cristóbal's birthplace—a historic fishing town on Spain’s Urola coast. This fragrance offers a revitalizing, sparkling ocean breeze—salty, sun-kissed, and subtly spicy.

      Balenciaga

      To Be Confirmed Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Kimono tulip accord, silver needle tea

      You know those fragrances that become even more delightful as the day progresses? That perfectly describes To Be Confirmed. Its exclusive kimono tulip accord, created from extracts of night-blooming flowers, exudes an enticing ambiguity. It also incorporates CO2-extracted Chinese tea leaves for a note reminiscent of fine steamed silver needle tea. The result? An elusive yet beautiful scent.

      Balenciaga

      Extra Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Pink pepper, black pepper oil

      For spice lovers, this one’s for you. Extra is vibrant, warm, and exhilarating