Issey Miyake A Drop

Issey Miyake A Drop d'Issey (often simply referred to as "A Drop") is a fascinating and relatively recent addition to the Issey Miyake fragrance line, launched in 2021. It represents a modern interpretation of the brand's philosophy, focusing on water, nature, and unique perspectives. The nose behind this creation is Ane Ayo.

Concept and Bottle Design: The "drop" concept is central to this fragrance. It's meant to evoke the purity and simplicity of a single drop of water, inviting you to "look at the world from a whole new perspective." The spherical bottle, designed by Todd Bracher, is a key visual element, unique in its ability to be laid on its side, resembling a magnifying glass or a droplet, enhancing this idea of a new viewpoint. The packaging also emphasizes sustainability, with the bottle made from recycled glass and the use of upcycled ingredients in the fragrance itself.

Fragrance Family: Floral Musk / Floral Green

Scent Profile & Key Notes: A Drop d'Issey is known for its luminous, clean, and modern interpretation of florals, particularly lilac, with a creamy, musky base.

• Top Notes: Almond Milk and Damask Rose.

  • The opening is soft and inviting. Almond milk provides a delicate, creamy, and subtly sweet nuance that's comforting and unique. Damask rose adds a touch of classic, fresh floral elegance.

• Middle Notes (Heart): Lilac, Solar Notes, Jasmine, Star Anise, and Orange Blossom.

  • The lilac is the absolute star of the heart. Since lilac cannot be naturally extracted, it is a recreation (an "accord") by the perfumer using green chemistry. This creates a fresh, dewy, and authentic lilac aroma.

  • Solar notes contribute a radiant, warm, and bright quality, evoking the feeling of sunlight.

  • Jasmine and orange blossom add further white floral nuances, while star anise provides a subtle, fresh, and slightly spicy aromatic twist that makes the floral heart more complex.

• Base Notes: Musk, Vanilla, Ambroxan, and Atlas Cedarwood.

  • The drydown is clean, warm, and enveloping. Musk gives it a soft, skin-like, and clean sensuality.

  • Vanilla adds a gentle, comforting sweetness.

  • Ambroxan (a synthetic ambergris note) contributes a clean, woody, slightly salty, and radiant warmth, enhancing longevity and adding a modern touch.

  • Atlas Cedarwood provides a smooth, elegant woody base.

Overall Impression: Issey Miyake A Drop d'Issey is often described as:

• Clean and Fresh: It has a distinct "clean" or "soapy" quality for many, reminiscent of high-end lotion or fresh laundry, but in a sophisticated way.

• Modern Floral: It's a contemporary take on a floral fragrance, particularly for lilac, avoiding overt sweetness or heaviness.

• Creamy and Soft: The almond milk and vanilla contribute to a smooth, creamy texture in the drydown.

• Luminous and Uplifting: The solar notes and fresh florals give it an airy, bright, and optimistic feel.

• Versatile: It's well-suited for everyday wear, especially in spring and summer, and can be worn casually or in professional settings due to its unobtrusive freshness.

Flankers: Following the success of the original, Issey Miyake has released flankers that explore different facets of the "drop" concept:

• A Drop d'Issey Eau de Parfum Fraîche (2022): A fresher, more aquatic version with "rain accord" and a prominent focus on lilac and damask rose, evoking a raindrop's journey.

• A Drop d'Issey Eau de Parfum Essentielle (2023): Emphasizes green and vegetal notes, with "crisped leaves accord," magnolia, lilac, and musky notes, depicting a raindrop's journey through lush nature.

A Drop d'Issey is a popular choice for those who seek a unique, clean, and elegant floral fragrance with a comforting and modern twist.