L’Eau d’Issey

In 1992, Issey Miyake asked for a perfume that smelled like water on skin. Perfumer Jacques Cavallier answered with L’Eau d’Issey, and the fresh, watery floral style of the ’90s more or less started here.

First impression: cool and dewy. Lotus, melon, freesia, cyclamen and rose water give it that transparent, just-rained feel.
Middle: lily, peony and carnation, clean and quiet.
Dry down: osmanthus, musk, cedar and a trace of tuberose, which keep it from disappearing too quickly.

It’s calm and minimal. On a humid summer morning it feels right, and in a quiet office it never gets in anyone’s way. The slim cone-shaped bottle with its silver ball cap is a design icon in its own right.

Eau de Toilette, 3.3 oz. If you love aquatic florals, Armani Acqua Di Gioia and Davidoff Cool Water share the same fresh spirit. See more from Issey Miyake.