Byredo 1996 Inez and Vinoodh

Stockholm based Byredo has produced many original scents; one that captured my interest for the first time in a note I found too heavy for the hot desert: oud. Byredo Accord Oud is the one oud-focused scent I can wear, and now I am finding one woodsy, patchouli based scent I can wear in 1996 Inez and Vinoodh.

The scent was created for a Dutch married couple and photography duo, famous in their own right for their work in pop culture.  Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin have produced music videos, fahion magazine editorials and advertising campaigns.  Ben Gorham of Byredo desired to create a scent in their honor, mimicking their work and life together and specifically their photograph entitled "Kirsten 1996." They desired to merge their unique tastes, epitomized by their "house of warm wood and high end design"and Ben Gorham has succeeded with this gem.  Originally, it was not available to the public, but when the fragrance took off like wildfire among friends ... well, another decision was made to launch at Barney's September 2013.

The scent begins altogether woodsy but morphs into a soft, creamy heart like orris and violet wrapped in vanilla.  With fresh juniper berry and warm, in this case dark, amber, the fragrance is indeed a study in contrasting elements merging to form beauty.  With leather and patchouli at the base, I cannot stop sniffing and I believe I must have this for winter and the holidays. Since I have a difficult time describing the scent, it reminds me of warm nights at a winter cabin, a luxurious cabin with all of the comforts of home, and nights filled with gourmet meals, fresh flowers, cashmere throws, and cognac by the fireside.  Luxurious, refined, interesting, warming, intoxicating and sensual all accurately describe Byredo 1996 Inez and Vinoodh.  Test at your own risk as you may spring for a bottle on the spot.


Byredo 1996 Inez and Vinoodh is available at Barney's New York.  A 50ml bottle retails for $175.