Byredo 1996 Eau de Parfum

Inspired by the photo of a young girl titled "Kirsten 1996," taken that year by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, "1996" presents the model's face as a juxtaposition of almost otherworldly innocence with a profound sense of beauty; her berry-colored lips suggest a double life yet reveal nothing—still, she seems to be carried by her experience, the goal of every perfumer! Starting with the icy, deep green beauty of juniper berries, "1996" elevates the wearer to another level, blending contrasts like the image itself, as the northern hemisphere yields to the soft iris root and delicate, somewhat flirtatious violets. The soul of this fragrance is a warm, almost sticky black amber, its deep cognac intoxication enveloping the wearer, and time stands still for a moment until the journey concludes in the delicate, sensual leather and patchouli of the East. "The scent is an olfactory snapshot not only of the image but of our emotional reaction to it," says Ben Gorham, Creative Director of Byredo. "1996" creates a visual language for perfume and, like all great collaborations, shared sensations.