It’s rare for me to go crazy over a fragrance launched by a major fashion house. It’s even more rare that I purchase bottles of the same scent back to back. Balenciaga Florabotanica, however, has been a staple in my fragrance wardrobe since its 2012 debut. Obviously a floral, Balenciaga projects its modern and edgy aesthetic in a garden inspired scent that gives us a fresh, confident, mature, and elegant bouquet.
Far from mellow, Florabotanica is a casual scent that is cool and crisp. Make no mistake, there is nothing ‘mass’ about it. Balenciaga emphasizes rose in this complex green floral and succeeds in making it more masculine than its powdery alternatives. It’s the freshly cut rose that evokes the unmistakable scent of the dewy flower shop. Green hints of moss and a touch of dirt complete the experience. There is nothing red, pink, warm nor heavy about the rose note in Florabotanica.
On me, this Balenciaga floral opens with a striking citrus more green than zesty. Definitely bright but not sharp — it is punchy without being aggressive. Add to that some mint with subtle hints of cannabis and a dry down of earthy vetiver root with a tiny bit of musk. Florabotanica is a pleasant mix of fresh, luxurious florals with a quirky herbal layer that is both modern and sophisticated. Its staying power is fantastic!
Inspired by botanical gardens of the eighteenth century, where the rare, exotic, beautiful and, poisonous flora blended together, Balenciaga bottles its scent in a couture flacon. Fun and unique, it is one of my favorite fragrances. Its aura is lively and energetic. Sadly, the face behind it is sulky and lacks energy. Why did Balenciaga choose Kristen Stewart for its campaign and that of its sequel scent Rosabotanica?
Mysterious but not dark, Florabotanica is an excellent daytime option or a summer weather pick. Lacking cloying fruity or random soapy notes, it’s an office friendly scent for those with whom it’s fun to work. If you’re the Head Bitch In Charge, however, you may want something heavier, more Femme Fatale.
Balenciaga Florabotanica retails for $70 (1oz), $100 (1.7oz), and $130 (3.4oz) and is vailable at Nordstrom.com, Sephora.com and other high end retailers.
