Florabotanica

The creation of a fragrance is rooted in chemistry, but the beauty of scent is shrouded in mystery. At first blush, the aroma reveals not only the wearer’s taste, but also ignites intrigue: who is the woman behind it? Balenciaga bottles this juxtaposition with Florabotanica, a heady composition of rose, vetiver, amber, carnation, and mint. The musky floral was created by Olivier Polge and Jean-Christophe Hérault, and as creative director Nicolas Ghesquière waxes poetic on the perfume, “It is a secret garden where you find surprising flowers that surpass the imagination. They are beautiful, but are they really that harmless? … What would a perfume that contained the charm and mystery of flowers be like?” The answer: Florabotanica.