Our take
What does L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme smell like?
Composed by Jacques Cavallier and launched in 1994, L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme introduced yuzu to a broad Western audience. The Japanese citrus, somewhere between mandarin and grapefruit, gives the opening a vivid, almost electric acidity extended by bergamot and lemon. The heart holds a surprise: nutmeg and cinnamon, warm spices handled with a very light touch, meet lily of the valley for a cool, slightly soapy effect. The base of sandalwood, vetiver and musk is dry and clean, like washed wood. The scent mirrors Issey Miyake’s aesthetic (pared back, luminous, free of needless ornament) and remains one of the crispest woody aquatics of its generation.
When to wear it
Made for daytime, the office and summer; it suits men looking for a bracing yet elegant freshness.
It belongs to the Woody, Aquatic family. L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme is one of 4 creations by Issey Miyake in our encyclopedia.