Bois D'Argent

Bois D'Argent, inspired by Dior Bois d'Argent (2004)

Iris carries most of the weight here, in its dry, cosmetic-powder form, with frankincense curling through it like smoke from a censer. Neither note is pushed hard; the two sit together in a pale, woody blur. Underneath, the base turns slightly resinous and sweet, which fragrance references put down to honey, myrrh and vanilla. The overall feel is polished wood and clean powder.

About the original

Annick Ménardo composed Bois d'Argent, released in 2004 as one of the three founding scents of Dior's private collection, alongside Eau Noire and Cologne Blanche, created under Hedi Slimane. It now sits in La Collection Privée Christian Dior, the house's exclusive line sold mainly through its own boutiques and website. Dior presents it as a woody fragrance built on a radiant, richly powdered iris with frankincense. An Esprit de Parfum (extrait) version is now sold alongside the Eau de Parfum, which is the version this page refers to.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Dior stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

People drawn to iris and incense, of any gender, will recognise the style at once. Dior pitches it as an everyday scent, and the powder keeps it polished rather than smoky. Wearers who dislike a cosmetic, lipstick-like iris may find the heart too dry.

Related scents

• Christian Dior Ambre Nuit
• Giorgio Armani Prive Bois d'Encens
• Frederic Malle Iris Poudre

Notes of the original fragrance, as published by the brand.

Notes: Iris, Frankincense

Some note lists put juniper berry and cypress at the start, giving a brisk, resinous lift before the iris takes over.

The heart is iris and frankincense, with myrrh and patchouli adding depth according to fragrance references. The incense reads clean rather than churchy.

Later an ambery base appears: honey, vanilla and musk over woods, with a faint leathery edge listed by some sources.

Is this Bois d'Argent or the Esprit de Parfum version?

Our reference is Bois d'Argent Eau de Parfum, the version in La Collection Privée Christian Dior. Dior also sells a Bois d'Argent Esprit de Parfum, a separate extrait.

Does Bois d'Argent smell smoky?

Only lightly. Frankincense gives an airy incense note, but the powdery iris and honeyed base keep it from turning dark.

Is it a men's or women's fragrance?

Dior markets it as unisex. It began in 2004 in a private collection created under Hedi Slimane, then the designer of Dior Homme.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Dior and Bois d'Argent are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Dior in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.