#laislablanca

#LaIslaBlanca from Ramon Monegal’s Ibiza Collection is a deeply special fragrance for me in particular. I’ve been holidaying in Ibiza once or twice a year since childhood through to my adulthood. I was raised liberal, naked and bohemian, on the beaches and hidden coves of the pine-scented magical north of the island. One day, I plan to live there permanently, as Ibiza’s sun has set in my heart

Ibiza is referred to as “The White Island” hence the name ‘La Isla Blanca’. The decor in Ibiza is white chic, with an attitude of laid-back tranquility. Monegal captures the “luminous salty purity and transparent freshness” which is the integral free-spirit of Ibiza. This is an impressive example of how to do aldehydes in a contemporary way - there’s nothing old-fashioned nor old-lady at all, it’s also perfectly unisex. I love the use of the gin note - that sparkling, transparent, aromatic nature of a generous Spanish measure of gin, complete with rustic ice cubes as they clink against your glass, with the ozonic aldehyde tonic fizzing against your nose. The jasmine, almond blossom and salty heliotrope make the gin more deliciously artisan, whilst the white musk, tonka and patchouli anchors the scent into a grounded base. This fragrance remains soaring, like a white bird effortlessly harnessing a thermal lift, set against the cobalt blue Mediterranean sky.

For me, ‘La Isla Blanca’ is simply stunning and is the best of the 3 in the Ibiza Collection. Its longevity (probably due to the heliotrope) lasts for days on clothes, and breathes as you breathe against your skin, to coexist with your (sweaty) day and night of existence. It’s described as a “long lasting uninhibited eau de toilette” so the 100ml bottle will certainly last a long time due to its potency (plus I love the magnetic cap).

This has the potential to become my signature scent - watch this space.

TOP - Anise, Ozonic Aldehydes, Gin

HEART - Almond Blossoms, White Jasmine, Salty Heliotrope

BASE - Tonka Bean, White Musk, Patchouly