Issey Miyake was a Japanese fashion designer famous for his innovative use of fabric by incorporating technology to produce interesting and note-worthy garments. He was born in Hiroshima in 1938, wherein he witnessed and survived the atomic bombing of the city during World War II. His extensive knowledge of fabrics resulted from his study in graphic design. Then, he moved to Paris and worked under Guy Laroche and Givenchy. He also lived in New York, where he had an opportunity to work with Geoffrey Beene.
Miyake’s knowledge and experience led to the invention of A-POC, or “a piece of clothing.” Since then, his brand has been known to have more accessible clothing pieces. As he expounded his fashion venture, he released colognes in the market.
He also incorporated a sense of humor by using multi-lingual puns in his colognes. This became his trademark even after the conjunction between his company and Shiseido.
L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme
Mellow & Inoffensive
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme was part of the cologne line of Issey Miyake which was launched in 1994. It was made under the creative mind of Jacques Cavallier.
This cologne is the most inoffensive fragrance in the whole Issey Miyake line. Its opening act is the light and refreshing embrace of citrusy notes, followed by the comforting scent of honey. It is sweet but not overpowering. Then, it dries into a delicate, woody scent, leaving you with a well-blended fragrance.
If you’re searching for a nice daily cologne that’s not headache-inducing, this is the one for you. It can stay up to 12 hours after a few sprays.
L’Eau Bleue d’Issey Pour Homme
Top Pick for Fall Season
The L’Eau Bleue d’Issey Pour Homme was officially released in 2004. It was formulated under the nose of Jacques Cavallier.
Being mysterious is sometimes good, especially when we’re talking about colognes. The L’Eau Bleue d’Issey Pour Homme is a cologne with extremely complicated but well-blended ingredients. It makes it hard for people to guess what the scents are. First, a mixture of blue and green, almost forest-to-sea scent, is highlighted. After a while, it will tone down into a herbal and spicy scent with a hint of sweet tonka.
It is a great pick for the fall or autumn season.
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Intense
Most Refreshing Scent
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Intense was a rendition of the classic L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme. This was launched in 2007 and made by the famous perfumer Jacques Cavallier.
This cologne intrigues many men for its scent. Initially, you will be greeted by a potent smell of citrus and cinnamon. However, even if it seems strong and concentrated, the scent will die after an hour. It will then be replaced by a refreshing, woody scent that balances the sticky, sweet, opening fragrance.
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Intense’s sillage and longevity are quite good. It can be used daily and on any occasion.
Nuit d’Issey
Best Office Cologne
Nuit d’Issey was a cologne released by Issey Miyake in 2014. It was developed by Dominique Rapion and Loc Dong.
The composition of this cologne is dominated by a mixture of woody and spicy scents with a few leathery notes. Its opening act will make you feel like a creature living in the woods: mysterious, sharp, and magical. The faint trail of woody scent it leaves mixes with an aggressive citrus aroma. And the result is a wonderful burst of flavors. It smells natural, organic, and inoffensive for most people.
From the opening to the dried-down scent, the Nuit d’Issey gives the wearer a clean and mellow smell. It is perfect for gentlemen working all day in the office.
L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme Noir Ambre
Most Sophisticated Cologne
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Noir Ambre was made by the well-known perfumer Christophe Raynaud. It was launched in the market in 2016.
To describe L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Noir Ambre, think of the finest gentleman from Italy wearing his non-wrinkled suit with a signature leather bag, emitting such elegance and class. That is this cologne. It has a perfect mix of sophisticated leather and the sexy scent of amber. The balance of the two fragrances complements the clean smell of cinnamon as it dries down.
Wear this during winter since the cold weather highlights the warmth of this cologne.
Nuit d’Issey Pulse of the Night
Top Pick for Cold Weather
Nuit d’Issey Pulse of the Night was an additional leather cologne of Issey Miyake. It was launched in 2019.
This one-of-a-kind fragrance offers a unique take on leather scents because, aside from its vintage scent, it is accompanied by sweet vanilla and Tonka beans. As the first few spritzes of it register to your nose, you will inhale a perfect balance of smokiness, which can last for more than eight hours. The sweet tone will retain as it dries down, but a mild woody smell will eventually accompany it.
If you’re looking for a cold-weather fragrance, you must try Nuit d’Issey Pulse of the Night.
L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme Sport
Best Leathery Scent
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Sport was launched in the market in 2012. This was made by perfumer Jacques Cavallier.
As the name suggests, this cologne was meant to be an energetic and unconventional scent. The L’Eay d’Issey Pour Homme Sport has a vibrant citrus fragrance at the beginning that gives an instant energy boost to the wearer. Soon after, you will notice a spicy combination of nutmeg and leathery notes. Finally, you will feel luminous and vivid as it dries to a strong and masculine scent.
It has great sillage and can last for more than eight hours. You can wear this every day and on any occasion.
L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme Fraiche
Top Pick for Outdoor Activities
Christophe Raynaud was the perfumer behind Issey Miyake’s L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Fraiche. It was released to the masses in 2015.
This cologne’s airy and fresh fragrance reflects the concept of energy and dynamism. The energy of grapefruit meets the bursting power of patchouli. Combining these will result in a refreshing aroma incomparable to other colognes. As the initial notes subside, rich and warm woody fragrance will join the party. Its overall scent is great, and the sillage and longevity are to die for.
It is best worn in the summer and spring seasons. It is also perfect for outdoor activities, getaways, and casual gatherings.
L’eau Super Majeure d’Issey
Ultra Masculine Scent
L’Eau Super Majeure d’Issey is a work of art by Aurelien Guichard and Fabrice Pellegrin. This was launched in 2018.
The L’Eau Super Majeure d’Issey smells super masculine. It has a good amount of salty, woody, and earthy fragrances with a little smokey vibe. As this goes away, an herbal and aromatic fragrance will appear, settling into a clean and refreshing scent. In terms of longevity, this cologne can stay up to 8 hours.
It smells very masculine, perfect for gentlemen with strong personalities. You can wear this to formal parties, dinner dates, business meetings, and conferences.