L'Iris de Fath by Jacques Fath c2018

Jacques Fath wanted to bring back the mythical Iris Gris in all it's glory so they launched a special nine month campaign extended to international perfumers. Under the supervision of Parfums Jacques Fath  Creative Director Rania Naim, five perfumers around the world presented their best versions which they based on the recomposed sample of Iris Gris from Jean Kerleo's Osmotheque, The International Conservatory of Perfume, as well as vintage examples. A committee of experts, including Luca Turin, had chosen the blend masterfully composed by Patrice Revillard, Perfumer and Yohan Cervi, Creative Director of Maelström.

Irissime by Jacques Fath c2009

Irissime by Jacques Fath: launched in 2009. Created by Marie Salaman.


It is a magnificent tribute to Fath's magical, but long discontinued perfume, Iris Gris.

Iris Gris by Jacques Fath c1947

Jacques Fath’s fragrance Iris Gris, launched in 1947, is a quintessential example of post-war olfactory elegance. The name Iris Gris translates from French as "Gray Iris," a term that subtly combines the delicate beauty of the iris flower with an evocative, subdued color. This choice of name suggests a refined, understated sophistication, distinguishing the perfume from more overtly named contemporaries.

In the context of the late 1940s, the name Iris Gris would have conjured images of a serene and somewhat enigmatic floral landscape. The iris, a flower associated with both the classic elegance of its purple and the more modern interpretation of gray, symbolizes purity and mystery. The use of "gris" (gray) in the name adds a layer of complexity and modernity, reflecting the post-war yearning for sophistication and a move away from the exuberant excesses of earlier decades.

Iris Gris was created by the renowned perfumer Vincent Roubert and features a floral fruity composition enriched with powdery and woodsy notes. The perfume's sharp, tangy elements lend it a cool and refreshing quality, which would have resonated with women of the time who were emerging from the shadow of wartime austerity into a period of renewed glamour and style.

The late 1940s marked a transitional period in fragrance, where there was a shift from the heavy, opulent perfumes of the 1930s to lighter, more nuanced scents. Iris Gris fits within this trend, offering a fresh and sophisticated take on floral fragrances. Unlike the more dominant chypres and aldehydic florals of the era, Iris Gris stands out with its unique blend of powdery and woodsy undertones, presenting a modern twist that would have appealed to women seeking both elegance and innovation in their fragrance choices.

Overall, Iris Gris encapsulates a moment in time when the fragrance industry was exploring new expressions of femininity and style, blending classic floral elements with a refreshing and contemporary edge.