perfume

Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Summer 2015: Your Guide to a Tropical Escape

By James Whitmore · · Updated

Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey line is a cornerstone of modern perfumery, celebrated for its pioneering aquatic and minimalist aesthetic. Launched in 1992, the original L'Eau d'Issey for women, created by Jacques Cavallier, redefined freshness with its unique blend of water flowers and sheer woods. It quickly became a global phenomenon, establishing Issey Miyake as a serious contender in the luxury fragrance market and influencing countless subsequent releases with its innovative, clean, and ethereal signature.

Every year, Issey Miyake refreshes its iconic L'Eau d'Issey collection with limited-edition summer flankers. These seasonal releases offer a playful, often more vibrant and fruit-forward interpretation of the original's aquatic DNA, perfectly capturing the essence of warmer months. The L'Eau d'Issey Summer 2015 edition, the focus of this report, arrived as part of this highly anticipated annual tradition, designed to transport wearers to an exotic, sun-drenched paradise with its tropical fruit theme.

The inspiration behind the L'Eau d'Issey Summer 2015 was a vivid, colorful journey through a tropical garden. The concept aimed to encapsulate the joy and vivacity of summer vacations, with a particular emphasis on exotic fruits and the refreshing sensation of cool water. It wasn't just about smelling good; it was about evoking a feeling of lightness, energy, and carefree bliss, a common thread in Issey Miyake's summer offerings. This particular iteration sought to stand out with a distinct blend of juicy, mouth-watering notes.

Within the fragrance community, Issey Miyake's summer editions are often met with anticipation, reviewed for their ability to deliver a fresh take on a beloved classic. While some purists prefer the original, the summer flankers like the 2015 edition are appreciated for their wearability in extreme heat, their generally uplifting compositions, and their collectibility. The L'Eau d'Issey Summer 2015 earned a reputation as a particularly bright and cheerful entry, remembered for its prominent tropical fruit cocktail that felt both familiar and uniquely Issey Miyake.

The Nose Behind the Scent

Alberto Morillas. A master perfumer known for his iconic fresh and aquatic creations, including Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio and CK One. His expertise in luminous, clean compositions made him ideal for Issey Miyake's summer vision.

3.9 Overall
Longevity
3.5
Projection
3.0
Sillage
2.8
$50-$90 for 100ml Eau de Toilette
๐ŸŒธSpringโ˜€๏ธSummer๐Ÿ‚Fallโ„๏ธWinter

Accords

Fruity 40%
Aquatic 25%
Sweet 20%
Tropical 10%
Fresh 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top
GrapefruitLitchiKiwi
Heart
Pitahaya (Dragon Fruit)GuavaPassionfruitPineappleWater NotesFloral Notes
Base
Woody NotesVanilla

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The fragrance opens with a vibrant, zesty burst of grapefruit, complemented by the sweet, watery litchi and tangy kiwi. It's an immediate, uplifting fruit cocktail that invigorates the senses.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

The heart reveals a lush tropical medley of pitahaya, guava, passionfruit, and pineapple. These juicy notes are softened by sheer water and subtle floral accords, maintaining an airy freshness.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The drydown settles into a soft, lingering tropical sweetness with a delicate woody base and a hint of creamy vanilla. It remains clean and light, a gentle whisper of the initial exuberance.

Performance Dashboard

โฑ๏ธ Longevity 3.5/5

Lasts approximately 6-7 hours on skin, which is respectable for a summer Eau de Toilette. It performs best in humid conditions.

๐Ÿ“ข Projection 3.0/5

Projects moderately for the first 1-2 hours, creating a pleasant scent bubble. It's noticeable without being overwhelming, ideal for close encounters.

๐Ÿ’จ Sillage 2.8/5

Leaves a light to moderate scent trail. It's present enough to be detected by others when moving, but not a heavy, room-filling sillage.

When to Wear

๐ŸŒธSpringBest
โ˜€๏ธSummerBest
๐Ÿ‚FallAvoid
โ„๏ธWinterAvoid
๐Ÿ‘• Casual outings๐Ÿ“Œ Beach/Poolside๐Ÿ“Œ Vacations๐Ÿ“Œ Daytime events๐Ÿ“Œ Brunch๐Ÿ“Œ Picnics๐Ÿ“Œ Everyday wear in warm weather

Community Verdict

โญ Overall
3.9
๐Ÿ‘ƒ Scent
4.1
โฑ๏ธ Longevity
3.2
๐Ÿ’จ Sillage
2.9
๐Ÿ’ฐ Value
3.7
๐Ÿ’Œ Compliment Factor 3.8/5

This fragrance tends to gather a good number of compliments, particularly for its refreshing and pleasant tropical fruit aroma. It's generally perceived as universally likable and inviting.

Pros & Cons

  • โœ… Exceptionally refreshing and uplifting, perfect for hot weather.
  • โœ… Unique blend of tropical fruits that stands out from typical summer florals.
  • โœ… Light and airy, making it easy to wear without being cloying.
  • โœ… Evokes a strong sense of vacation and happiness.
  • โœ… Good choice for those who want a sweet, fruity scent that isn't heavy.
  • โœ… Generally well-received and considered a 'happy' fragrance.
  • โŒ Longevity could be better for some users, requiring reapplication.
  • โŒ The prominent fruitiness might be too sweet or juvenile for some preferences.
  • โŒ Lacks the complexity or depth desired by those who prefer more sophisticated scents.
  • โŒ Limited edition nature makes it harder to find after its season.

Price & Value

$50-$90 for 100ml Eau de Toilette
Mid-range to Premium

“Given its good quality, pleasant scent profile, and decent performance for a summer EDT, L'Eau d'Issey Summer 2015 offers solid value for its price. It's a worthwhile seasonal investment.”

Who It's For

โœ… Ideal For

  • Individuals aged 20-45 who enjoy fresh, fruity, and uplifting scents.
  • Cheerful, energetic, and relaxed personalities.
  • Those who embrace the warmth and vibrancy of summer and prefer a light, refreshing fragrance.

โš ๏ธ Not Recommended For

  • Those who prefer heavy, oriental, spicy, or overly complex fragrances.
  • Individuals sensitive to prominent fruity sweetness.
  • Very formal or cold-weather occasions.

The Family

L'Eau d'Issey Summer 2016 Issey Miyake

A different fruity-floral composition for the following year's summer edition.

L'Eau d'Issey Summer 2017 Issey Miyake

Another unique summer-themed blend in the annual collection.

L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Summer 2015 Issey Miyake

The masculine counterpart released in the same year, often sharing a similar tropical theme.

L'Eau d'Issey Summer (various years) Issey Miyake

The overarching collection of annual limited-edition summer fragrances.

Explore More

๐Ÿ” Similar Fragrances

Escada Miami Blossom Escada

Shares a vibrant, tropical fruity profile with prominent pineapple.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Sun Dolce & Gabbana

A summer flanker with a strong tropical coconut and lemon vibe, similar uplifting feel.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Marc Jacobs

While more berry-focused, it shares a light, airy, and youthful fruity-floral character.

Ralph Lauren Woman by Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren

Features prominent fruity notes like blackcurrant and pear, with a fresh, elegant backdrop.

Calvin Klein Eternity Summer (various years) Calvin Klein

Many of these summer flankers offer light, refreshing, and often fruity interpretations for warm weather.

๐Ÿ’ก Clone Alternatives

Zara Tropical Boost Zara

Often releases highly affordable scents with prominent tropical fruit notes and a fresh character, capturing a similar summery vibe.

Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Bath & Body Works

While more coconut-centric, it embodies a similar vacation-ready, sweet tropical fruit and floral blend.

Victoria's Secret Bombshell Summer Victoria's Secret

Known for its bright, juicy, and sweet fruit-forward compositions that are decidedly summery and feminine.

โค๏ธ You May Also Enjoy

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Jo Malone

For its realistic, juicy fruit opening and light, cheerful character.

Versace Bright Crystal Versace

For those who appreciate a fresh, slightly sweet, and effortlessly elegant floral-fruity profile.

Clean Reserve Acqua Neroli Clean

If you like fresh, clean, and subtly sweet scents with a hint of citrus and aquatic notes.

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune Guerlain

For lovers of bright, realistic grapefruit notes with a cheerful, uplifting quality.

Moschino I Love Love Moschino

A zesty, energetic citrus-fruity fragrance that shares a joyful, carefree spirit.

More from Issey Miyake

L'Eau d'Issey Issey Miyake
L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Issey Miyake
A Drop d'Issey Issey Miyake
Pleats Please Issey Miyake
Nuit d'Issey Issey Miyake

๐Ÿงช Layering Ideas

๐Ÿ† Final Verdict

Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Summer 2015 is more than just a seasonal release; it's a vibrant, olfactory vacation in a bottle. If you're searching for a fragrance that genuinely embodies the spirit of summer โ€“ bright, joyful, and effortlessly refreshing โ€“ this is a strong contender. Its expert blend of juicy tropical fruits with the brand's signature aquatic transparency makes it unique among summer offerings, avoiding the common pitfalls of being overly sweet or generic.

This fragrance excels in warm weather, offering a much-needed burst of freshness and a delightful, mood-lifting aroma that's perfect for casual outings, beach days, or simply bringing a touch of sunshine to your everyday. While its longevity is moderate, it performs admirably for an EDT designed for heat, and its pleasant sillage ensures you'll leave a subtle, inviting trail. For those who appreciate Issey Miyake's clean aesthetic but crave a more playful, fruit-forward twist for the warmer months, the 2015 Summer edition delivers. It's a testament to Alberto Morillas's skill in crafting wearable, feel-good scents. Don't miss the chance to experience this tropical escape if you can find it.

Issey MiyakeSummer FragranceFruity PerfumeAquatic ScentTropical ScentLimited EditionAlberto Morillas