This fragrance is a flop for beaute prestige international comparing to what beautiful other fragrances they have. And it’s ever so slightly reminiscent of L’eau d’Issey, of course less aquatic and citrusey, but similar in vibe. For me, the final result of Alaia is something a bit more than a skin scent — personal, unique, and with many subtleties that I didn’t expect from first impressions.

The fragrance is inspired by the designer's memories of childhood spent in Tunisia like water poured over hot brick walls. Indeed, perhaps the only exceptional thing about Alaïa is how well it performs in spite of its overall breezy composition; I think the musk is what pulls everything together, and it's certainly what lasts longest and dominates the drydown. How perfect to have the essence of our trip in a tiny bottle :) I may well have to purchase a full bottle of this one! Burst of pink pepper and chilly airy notes at the top give way after a few hours to the warmth of leather and musk. This perfume transported me to Istanbul, years ago, when I was newly pregnant and my sense of smell was heightened to the nth degree.Perfume has the power to take me on a journey; sometimes to a faraway place, sometimes down memory lane.

The leather is brief and not too pronounced and there is a lovely sweet rose note in the composition.All in all, if I had to pick a fragrance, Alaia would not be at my top, I'd rather go for TF Black Orchid or Noir de Noir. This has the same musk drydown as Narciso in the square white bottle, and I'm sure the same musk of many others, the names of which I do not know. But, its not like an Oud or Sandalwood, its a kinda woodsy-ness that creeps in because of the well mixed notes.

Based on reviews, I was expecting a sophisticated spiced leather to come forward at some point to add a bit of earthiness to contrast against the fresh ozonic quality of it, but I'm not getting earth at all. for me it is unique, but unfortunately I have a bottle with one fragrance, and I can’t judge the entire Alaya line.

then within about 15 minutes the cheap musk smell evaporated and the most delicate leather/ violet combo shone through and I love it!