L'eau d'Issey Eau D'Ete Summer Edition Issey Miyake 2009 female 9

The Verdict

L'eau d'Issey Eau D'Ete Summer Edition 2009 is one of the annual limited edition summer flankers that Issey Miyake released for many years. This particular edition, designed for women, takes the transparent aquatic character of the original and redirects it toward a more floral, fruity direction with peony, pear, and rose water. The result is a fragrance that feels distinctly summery while maintaining the elegance that characterizes the Issey Miyake house.

Reviewers who experienced this edition generally responded positively, finding it a lovely and refreshing take on the L'eau d'Issey concept. The floral emphasis gives it more personality than the original while remaining true to the spirit of clean, modern femininity that Issey Miyake fragrances are known for.

What It Smells Like

The fragrance opens with a crisp, fruity burst of pear that sets a fresh, appetizing tone. This is quickly joined by peony and rose water, creating a delicate floral bouquet that feels natural and unforced. The combination reads as a walk through a spring garden where fruit trees are blossoming alongside flower beds.

As it develops, the aquatic elements of the original L'eau d'Issey heritage emerge, blending with the floral-fruity notes to create something that is more textured and romantic than the original while maintaining its clean, transparent quality. The drydown is soft and gentle, settling into a clean skin scent that whispers rather than shouts.

When to Wear It

This is a quintessential spring and summer fragrance. Its light, fresh character is perfectly calibrated for warm weather, making it ideal for daytime wear during the hottest months. Beach days, garden parties, brunches, and casual outdoor gatherings are all settings where its breezy personality shines.

The fragrance is too light and delicate for evening wear or formal occasions where more presence is desired. It works best as a daytime companion that provides a clean, pretty aura without demanding attention.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is modest, as is typical of many summer flanker releases. Longevity is rated around 2.9 out of 5 on fragrance databases, indicating approximately three to four hours of detectable wear. Sillage is similarly moderate, rated around 2.3 out of 4, meaning the fragrance stays relatively close to the skin.

However, some reviewers note that this particular edition projects better than the original L'eau d'Issey and feels more substantial on skin. The improved projection, while still gentle, gives it enough presence to be noticed by those nearby without overwhelming the immediate environment.

The Community Says

The fragrance community holds this edition in warm regard among L'eau d'Issey Summer releases. Fans describe it as the loveliest summer fragrance and appreciate the romantic floral quality that distinguishes it from the more austere original. The hint of rose receives particular mention as adding a dimension that the original lacks.

As a limited edition, reviews are relatively scarce, but those that exist are predominantly positive. The main wish expressed by fans is that the fragrance lasted longer, which is a common refrain across the entire L'eau d'Issey Summer series.

Who Should Buy This

This fragrance is ideal for fans of the original L'eau d'Issey who want a warmer, more floral interpretation for summer months. If you find the original too austere or clinical, the peony and rose water notes in this edition provide the romantic softness you may be looking for.

Due to its discontinued status, tracking down a bottle requires some effort, but it typically commands more reasonable prices than some rarer Issey Miyake limited editions.

The Bottom Line

L'eau d'Issey Eau D'Ete Summer Edition 2009 is a charming, feminine interpretation of the Issey Miyake aesthetic that successfully translates the brand's clean, modern sensibility into a floral-fruity summer fragrance. Its brevity on skin is its only significant drawback in an otherwise delightful warm-weather composition.