The Kenzo poppy has been sweetened with delicate cherry blossom petals for 2023 and I’m here for it. Ikebana has beaten Kenzo World as my favourite ever Kenzo perfume. I love how Kenzo have reimagined the flower line, and has focused on the most famous Japanese flower and the famous art of flowermaking for this launch. Perhaps as a subtle homage to Kenzo Takada?
Even though Flower is the real icon, this perfume smells so good; I have a feeling this uber floral-feminine fragrance will excite fans of the poppy, but also bring in a new audience as it still has the flower DNA everyone loves, only sweeter, warmed and more feminine than ever.
What Does It Smell Like:
Kenzo are calling this a woody floral fragrance, and I would agree. When you spray it, you get hit with the powdery softness of sakura and warm, cosy woods.
The first aromas I experienced were an abundance of sakura petals, I can picture the baby pink softness with every spray; then smokey tea notes start to appear, which smell almost creamy and nutty. I can also smell the powderiness of tuberose, but it’s not listed in the notes. As the scent warms, the sensual side of sandalwood starts to prevail. The whole thing smells endearing; it’s a scent I want to bathe in.
- Top Notes: Sobatcha tea
- Heart Notes: Sakura blossom
- Base Notes: Sandalwood essence.
Name Perfumes Similar To Ikebanna, I Might Like?
Ikebana is similar to Gucci Bloom and BVLGARI Splendida Tuberose Mystique; both their sweet floral scent smells similar to the tuberose twang Ikebana has.
How Far Does The Perfume Carry?
You can smell it from giving a hug, or if you’re sat next to somebody at a desk or on a bus or train. I’ve found that my optimum is 4 to 5 sprays per wrist and inner elbow sprays to get that extra linger.
How Long Does Ikebanna Last?
I found it lasted up to 4 hours on me, but it lasted even longer on my clothes.
To get it to last longer, I sprayed it under and on top of my clothes in my inner elbows, on my neck, wrists and behind my knees.
Seasonality:
When it comes to the seasonality of Ikebana, from the pink floral smell to the light, airy aroma, many would say spring/summer, but I think it can be worn all year round. Personally, I’ve loved mixing it with an oud to give it a more smokey depth for the evening.
Best Place To Wear It?
For me, it’s day and night perfume, as it makes me feel confident for the day, but also slightly sexy for a date night. I would compare it to a beautifully crisp white shirt, it’s understated, goes well with everything and just makes you feel more divine.
How Does Ikebana Compare To Other Perfumes?
Kenzo as a brand has been around for over 45 years, so you know you’re getting quality.
A lot of care and attention has been put into the whole concept. From its divine scent to the bottle. The precious glass cap contributes to sustainability, the bottle is made with 15% recycled glass and the packaging also utilises organically sourced inks.
What Stands Out About The Bottle and Packaging?
- New cherry blossom design.
- Fully recyclable bottle and packing.
- New glass bottle flute shape.
- The packaging uses inks sourced from sustainability.
Who Will Love Ikebana?
Care-free but conscious individuals who like their perfume to smell expensive, but also want to know the process is kind to the environment.
I also think anyone who wasn’t into Poppy, or who have grown up with Poppy being a family-favourite perfume should try this. It’s not as tangy, it’s softer. Perhaps, like me, it could be your favourite Kenzo, keeping the nostalgia of the flute bottle in the family in a way.
My Overall Experience
To be honest, I love dark, bold, scary perfumes, and I was surprised by how much I liked this; it made me feel playful, romantic and feminine. So much so I’d even change the colour of my lipstick or blush to pinkier shades to match its vibe.
I surprised many people when I told them the perfume they complimented me on was by Kenzo. But surprised them in a good way. It’s got a clean, sophisticated old-money vibe that you’d associate with the Jo Malones of the world.
