Io by La Perla c1995

"Io" by La Perla was launched in 1995, in collaboration with Morris, and it's sometimes referred to as "Io La Perla." The name "Io" means "I" in Italian and "Je" in French, reflecting its intimate and personal essence. Daniella Roche Andrier, a perfumer from Givaudan-Roure, was responsible for crafting this fragrance. It's known for its elegant and sensual blend, capturing the essence of femininity.

Fragrance Composition:

Notes at a glance:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a crisp fruity chypre fragrance for women. Described as a "fruity-woody-vanilla" scent.

• Top notes of mandarin, peach, blackcurrant, pineapple, lily of the valley, coriander, plum and osmanthus
• Middle notes of heliotrope, dahlia, tuberose, Egyptian jasmine, Grasse rose, passion fruit, Florentine orris, ylang ylang, and orange blossom 
• Base notes of cedar, vetiver, benzoin, sandalwood, cinnamon, patchouli, vanilla and oak moss

The top notes offer a delightful blend of fruity and floral accords, creating a bright and vibrant opening. This combination suggests a fresh and juicy introduction with the citrusy brightness of mandarin, the sweetness of peach and pineapple, and the tartness of blackcurrant. Lily of the valley adds a delicate floral touch, while coriander provides a subtle spicy undertone. Plum and osmanthus likely contribute to the overall richness and depth of the fragrance. That being said, it sounds like a beautifully balanced mix that sets the stage for the luxurious journey of "Io" by La Perla.

The heart notes create a lush and opulent floral bouquet with a hint of fruity sweetness. This combination suggests a rich and complex floral composition with the creamy and powdery facets of heliotrope, the lushness of tuberose and jasmine, and the romantic allure of rose and orange blossom. Passion fruit adds a touch of exotic sweetness, while orris likely contributes a powdery and earthy quality. Ylang ylang might provide a hint of creamy floral sweetness and depth. Overall, these notes promise a luxurious and captivating heart that complements the bright and fresh top notes of the fragrance.

The base notes offer a warm and comforting foundation to the fragrance. This combination suggests a rich and woody base with a touch of sweetness and spice. Cedar and vetiver likely provide a woody and earthy foundation, while benzoin and sandalwood add warmth and depth. Cinnamon might introduce a hint of spice, enhancing the fragrance's richness. Patchouli contributes an earthy and slightly sweet aroma, while vanilla adds a creamy sweetness to the blend. Oakmoss provides a classic chypre element, adding depth and complexity to the base. Altogether, these notes create a sophisticated and sensual drydown, ensuring a long-lasting and memorable impression of "Io" by La Perla.

Bottle:

The bottle for "Io" by La Perla is elegant and modern. The angular heavy glass and triangular opaque cap, designed by Anna Cleto of Valneri,  reflect the fragrance's luxurious and sophisticated character. The angular shape of the bottle suggests a contemporary and sleek design, while the opaque cap adds a touch of mystery and refinement. Thoroughly, the packaging seems to complement the fragrance's qualities, creating a cohesive and stylish presentation that enhances the overall experience of using "Io" by La Perla.

Fate of the Fragrance:

It's unfortunate to hear that "Io" by La Perla has been discontinued. Fragrance discontinuations can be disappointing for fans who enjoy a particular scent. However, the world of perfumery is constantly evolving, with new fragrances being introduced regularly. If you're looking for a similar scent or something new to try, exploring other fragrances within La Perla's collection or from different brands might lead you to discover a new favorite.