Last week, in an interview, perfumer Mark Buxton told us quite a bit about the two new creations by Gravel. Eau D’Ivine and Eau D’Eclat are two fragrances that blend seamlessly into the brand’s Transcendence Collection. Fresh, modern, and elegant, the Eaux de Parfum in this line are dedicated to the present and the future, creating an exciting contrast to classics such as A Man’s Cologne.
Eau D’Ivine by Gravel – Divine Water
The island of Cyprus served as Mark Buxton’s source of inspiration for Eau D’Ivine, as Mark Buxton revealed in an interview. Cyprus’s landscape is characterized by the maquis, but there are also extensive forests here, primarily of pine and cedar trees. And, of course, Cyprus also has agricultural land where almonds, olives, grapes, and citrus fruits are grown.
From rocky coastlines to white-sand beaches, from the Troodos Mountains to the biodiverse Akámas Peninsula—home to the mysterious Baths of Aphrodite, an idyllic grotto in the middle of the forest, with a waterfall and a natural pool in front of it—possibly the inspiration for the image of Eau D’Ivine shown above.
Top notes: Bergamot, pineapple, red pepper, grapefruit, geranium, mandarin, apple
Middle notes: Elemi resin, rose, aquatic notes, lavender
Base notes: vetiver, ambergris, musk, tonka bean, oakmoss, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla
Eau D’Ivine opens with fresh, tart, and fruity notes. I detect a colorful blend of citrus fruits as well as a subtle spiciness, which is surely due to the pepper. Aquatic notes, accompanied by herbaceous lavender, lend the fragrance a sense of lightness and transparency. The lavender underscores the slightly more tart, masculine character of the creation. This character persists into the drydown. Patchouli and moss come through clearly in the drydown, as does vetiver, which lends the fragrance a beautiful cool and earthy facet.
Personally, Gravel’s divine fragrance Eau D’Ivine reminds me a bit of a barbershop scent. The tart, woody, and earthy notes are clearly discernible and give the creation a rather masculine character, although of course, as always, anyone can wear whatever they like. With its fresh, slightly tart, and classically elegant character, Eau D’Ivine is perfect for anyone who loves invigorating and stylish fragrances that are very well-balanced and harmoniously composed. It’s definitely suitable for year-round wear and any occasion.
Eau D’Eclat by Gravel – Radiant Elegance
The French word “éclat” translates to “sparkle,” “radiance,” or “luminance.” For Mark Buxton, these associations were at the heart of the composition. In an interview, he revealed that the name itself is meant to reflect the character of the fragrance: bright, radiant, and full of light. At the same time, Eau D’Eclat remains true to the style of the Transcendence Collection, blending fruity, floral, and woody notes into a modern, pleasantly transparent creation.
Top notes: pomegranate, davana, currant blossom, freesia
Middle notes: magnolia, Provence rose, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang
Base notes: patchouli, vanilla, frankincense, sandalwood, ambergris
Eau D’Eclat opens with warm, slightly liqueur-like davana and creamy, fruity floral notes, accompanied by tart-sweet pomegranate and dark cassis notes. Gradually, magnolia, rose, and lily of the valley come to the forefront. The floral notes are neither lush nor opulent, but remain pleasantly light and transparent. Davana runs like a common thread through the composition, repeatedly introducing its delicately fruity, almost cognac-like nuances. Only later do creamy sandalwood, patchouli, amber, and a hint of frankincense take center stage.
Eau D’Eclat is a pleasant, harmonious, and balanced fragrance that has been delicately balanced and composed to create a cohesive whole. It is precisely this harmonious quality that makes it an effortless choice for anyone who prefers transparent, floral fragrances with a subtle warmth.
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