New in Stores: Alaïa Eau de Parfum Blanche

The fragrance genre: Musky almond floral

The perfumer: Marie Salamagne, who also created Alaïa Eau de Parfum (2015), couturier Azzedine Alaïa’s very first scent, which won the Judges’ Choice Award at the 2016 Canadian Fragrance Awards.

The inspiration: While the original EDP was rooted in the fashion designer’s childhood memory of cold water splashing against hot chalk, this new version was inspired by his visit to The Alhambra, a palace and fortress in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.

The notes: As Salamagne described, “I aimed for a white, milky florality, a bit more solar, adding a powdery element, as well as the wealth of vanilla and a musky addition, in a timeless creation.” The notes include almond (top), heliotrope (mid), and musk and vanilla absolute (both in the base, which gives a “bare skin impression”).

The bottle: The design remains the same as the previous EDP, again engraved with the signature Alaïa laser cut, but this time the glass is colourless and see-through (a contrast to the previous opaque black).

Who it’s for: Those looking for the fragrance equivalent of Alaïa’s precisely tailored white cotton blouses—an ultra-sophisticated take on simplicity.

The launch date: Alaïa Paris Eau de Parfum Blanche, $122, 50 mL, will be available November at Holt Renfrew, Saks Fifth Avenue and select Hudson’s Bay stores.