With 3 new fragrances launched in the first half of 2021, Diptyque has undoubtedly been very prolific as of late.
Diptyque's strong artistic vision often produces interesting results that pique my interest - Orphéon, released earlier this year, was a solid release which was not only unique but also very wearable, and so my hopes were high for Ilio.
My expectations were not only met, but exceeded - one breath of Ilio, and I'm whisked away to a beach resort in summer, iced juice in hand.
The name Ilio is derived from the Greek word ήλιος (ílios), which means the sun - and it definitely lives up to its name.
Prickly pear, the star of the show, manifests as an incredibly juicy pear-like note with some tartness. Its presence is supported by the sweet, fruity aroma of jasmine grandiflorum and just a touch of zesty bergamot for additional freshness.
Undergirding the entire composition, however, is a gossamer veil of iris. Without it, the fruity-floral composition would undoubtedly be pleasing, but the almost make-up-like smooth silkiness it brings adds another dimension - a sort of je ne sais quoi - that adds incredible radiance and elegance to the scent.
On the whole, Ilio is a delightful, bubbly summer scent that doesn't resort to any summer/tropical stereotypes (aquatic notes, coconut, melon, ylang ylang), yet still remains chic and elegant. Whenever I catch a whiff of it, I can't help but smile - it's the olfactory equivalent of a ray of sunshine falling on my skin on a clear summer's day. Wearing it makes me feel optimistic and carefree.
If I were to compare other similar scents to Ilio, first up would be L'Artisan Parfumeur's Champ de Fleurs. I think it is the closest olfactorily, as it shares a similar pear/jasmine accord that is just as radiant as Ilio's - however, I feel that the iris note in Ilio truly sets it apart and adds a chic sillage.
Chanel's 1932 also blends pear and iris, but remains cold, aloof, and metallic - almost formal in comparison, whereas Ilio is more youthful and beckoning. Finally, the pear and mimosa in Penhaligon's The Favourite also gives it a similar olfactory texture, but feels denser and less satin-like in texture to Ilio, which feels more airy, sheer, and exuberant.
Ilio is a much-needed update to the fruity-floral genre, which has been laden with dense, calorific compositions lately - so do give it a try if you can. It might surprise you as much as it did for me!
Diptyque - Ilio
Perfumer: Fabrice Pellegrin
Notes: Prickly pear, Jasmine, Bergamot, Iris
Ilio can be purchased as a limited edition Eau de Toilette at £102 for 100 ml on Diptyque's website.
The bottom line: Ilio is probably my favourite release of 2021 so far. It abounds with breezy, youthful - but not immature - optimism and yet manages to balance that with chicness and style. Check this one out if you want something to make you smile every time you catch your own sillage. (9.5/10)
Disclaimer: The bottle of Ilio was purchased by myself. The opinions in this post are all mine.
Comments