White Irissime (2012)

White Irissime by Jacques Fath, launched in 2012, was conceived as both a tribute and a modern continuation of the house’s celebrated fragrance legacy. The name itself—White Irissime—is a poetic invention, blending the French word "iris" with the superlative suffix "-issime", a term used in French to intensify meaning. Pronounced "ee-ree-seem white", it loosely translates to “the most iris-like”—now softened and made luminous by the addition of “White.” This name evokes clarity, light, and refinement, suggesting a perfume that embodies both purity and luxury.

The fragrance is a modern homage to Iris Gris, Jacques Fath’s legendary 1947 creation, revered for its ethereal beauty and rare orris content. White Irissime followed the 2009 release of Irissime, and like many contemporary launches of the early 2010s, the “White” iteration aligned with prevailing trends. At that time, perfumery had developed a taste for sheer compositions that emphasized luminous florals, delicate fruits, musks, and "clean" accords. “White” fragrances typically carried associations of elegance, freshness, and understated sensuality—qualities that appealed to a generation seeking polished femininity and soft sophistication over bold or animalic intensity.