Bois des Iles (Chanel)


by Mark

When I think of luxury, I think of Chanel, and Chanel's Exclusifs are as luxurious as I can imagine anything to be.

Bois des Iles is a classic of the line, and from the first moment, Ernest Beaux's unique brilliance is apparent. All of his compositions project a complex clarity, a depth and beauty that I don't find in anything else. I imagine a three-dimensionality that I envision as light between sheets of glass, each pane a separate olfactory element.

Enough of the poetic hallucinations; what does it smell like?

My first impression was of florals amped on aldehydes, reminding me of Cuir de Russie without the dirty part. Instead of the dirt, we get a slightly spicy woody accord that some find reminiscent of gingerbread.

The scent is beautiful but not delicate; I did not feel it was particularly feminine, and despite the use of sandalwood, it avoided any masculine tropes. It also made me a little sad, but I don't think that Beaux necessarily intended that.

I was a bit surprised and disappointed that, after such a bold and brilliant start, it faded fairly quickly. The drydown is a very nice, muted affair of sandalwood supported by well-blended vetiver and vanilla.

This review is of the Eau de Toilette; I would love to try the parfum and see if it is more tenacious. I'll say it again; it's a beautiful scent.

Perfumer: Ernest Beaux
Year: 1926
Notes: Aldehydes, Bergamot, Coriander, Neroli, Peach; Jasmine, Rose, Lily of the valley, Iris, Ylang-ylang; Vetiver, Sandalwood, Benzoin, Vanilla, Musk.

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Posted by Mark Brand:

7 comments:

  1. I was also a bit disappointed when BdI faded to a whisper on my skin. Still beautiful, and still worth it just for the first hour, but I hope the rumour of Chanel bringing out EDP's of this line is true!
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  2. Well, you absolutely must try the parfum. It is definately more tenacious, with more depth. I like to spritz the EDT & then dab on the parfum. Best of both worlds
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  3. I agree Kathleen...so you just send your parfum our way and I promise you, we will splash with abandon!!!!

    Kidding of course...why did Chanel have to cut off the other concentrations??? I'm so mad at myself for not stocking up when I had the chance. :'(
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  4. I love BdI - thought must admit the first 5 minutes smell dreadful.

    I'm also dismayed at the lack of tenacity. To deal with that I spritz myself with abandon and it usually ends up lasting all day as a soft skin scent.

    I have the EdT - not sure I love it enough to spring for the parfum, though.
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  5. BdI makes me a bit sad too! The vetiver and sandalwood make me thing of permanently wet wood. And soggy autumn leaves and then the freshness of the cold breeze. Also, where on earth do you get the parfum concentration?! I've emailed the Chanel boutiques, but the sa's were completely unaware that it even comes in anything other than an eau de toilette :(
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  6. Laura - check out this link, and bring it Chanel if they don't believe you!

    http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Fragrance-Les-Exclusifs-de-CHANEL-BOIS-DES-ILES-PARFUM-120498
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  7. The most gorgeous scent I've ever smelled.
    Dying to try out the perfume now.
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