Issey Miyake 2020 EDT

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L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam

by Marie Salamagne

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Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam is an Eau de Toilette launched in 2020, created by Marie Salamagne. L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam opens with Grapefruit, Freesia, and Cardamom, settles into a heart of Rice, Rose, and Jasmine, and dries down to a base of Cedar and Ambergris. Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam carries a Favourite verdict, an elemental-led wear.

This one's a divisive floral with some serious personality. Shades of Kolam is either your summer jam, full of character and unusual rice notes, or a 'bullshit' celery-scented nightmare that triggers existential dread. Pick your poison.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Fresh
  • Clean
  • Subtle
  • Relaxed
  • Soft
£31.74 at The Beauty Store 100ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Freesia36%
Grapefruit36%
Cardamom27%
Heartas listed
Jasmine35%
Rose33%
Rice32%
Baseas listed
Ambergris61%
Cedar39%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Short (2-4h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Light

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer

A warm-weather pick - at its best in spring and summer.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual
Also Works:
Date Sport

Its light sillage and poor longevity make it suitable for close-contact settings like the office or casual wear, where it won't overpower. The floral character isn't robust enough for formal events but its fresh quality works for day-to-day use.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Geraniol from Rose

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Imagine stepping into a soft floral embrace, initially brightened by a whisper of grapefruit and cardamom. The heart unfurls with the classic elegance of rose and jasmine, given an unexpected, creamy depth by a distinctive basmati rice note. It settles into a comforting base of warm ambergris and dry cedar, leaving a subtle, slightly sweet trail.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam Eau de Toilette - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements L'Eau d'Issey Shades of Kolam Eau de Toilette - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 29 September

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.