Byredo 1996 Inez & Vinoodh

"1996" was inspired by the photograph of a young girl titled "Kirsten 1996," taken that year by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. The model's face embodies an almost otherworldly innocence paired with a deep 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! Beginning with the icy, deep green beauty of juniper berries, "1996" elevates the wearer to another level, blending opposites, much like the image, as the northern hemisphere yields to the soft iris root and delicate, somewhat flirtatious violets. The soul of this fragrance is a warm, almost resinous black amber, its deep cognac intoxication enveloping the wearer, and time stands still for just a moment until the journey concludes in the tender, 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.