Iris

Iris is the most expensive floral in modern perfumery, more expensive than rose, almost rivalling oud. The scent does not come from the flower but from the dried rhizome, which has to age for three to five years before it develops its powdery, cool, almost cucumber-like fragrance. Florence is the world's centre for orris production, and a kilo of orris butter can cost more than fifty thousand rupees. By Vedic logic, iris is Venus and Saturn: Venus in its refined, almost couture beauty, Saturn in its slowness, its quiet, the years it takes to develop. Iris is the flower of restraint. It reads as old money, as ballet slippers, as makeup left on the dresser, never as obvious sensuality. On skin it is cool, slightly suede-like, faintly floral. Wear it when you want elegance without effort. Pairs with sandalwood, leather, and cedar.