Bitter Splash
“Bitter Splash by Dries Van Noten is a Leather fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Well loved by wearers — a woody, aromatic composition with a citrus undertone. Voted best for spring and summer wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Bitter Splash by Dries Van Noten, created by perfumer Suzy Le Helley, launched in 2024 as a fresh and bold addition to the brand's collection. This fragrance opens with the vibrant brightness of grapefruit, which cuts through the aromatic and earthy undertones provided by cypress and carrot seeds. The heart of orris and geranium adds a subtle floral warmth, while vetiver and cedar offer a grounding woody base. Leather notes weave throughout, giving the composition an unexpected depth and complexity.
The contrast between the fresh citrus top notes and the rich earthy and leathery base creates a dynamic and engaging experience that evolves over time, much like the designer's own approach to fashion — blending traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity.
Composition & Character
How It Wears
Application Tips
For best effect, apply Bitter Splash to pulse points and let it develop for about an hour. The grapefruit top notes are bright but fleeting, so the woody and leathery base will carry you through the day. It's perfect for daytime wear when you want a scent that evolves with your surroundings.
Suzy Le Helley
Founding perfumer · 14 fragrances
For the realm of perfume, the perfumer Suzy Le Helley crafts a fragrance of contrasts for Acne Studios by Frédéric Malle: an aldehydic introduction followed by a gourmand heart. Suzy draws inspiration from the diversity of plants, scents and flavours that she discovers in her daily life and on her travels, where she frequently meets producers of natural raw materials. Passionate about botany since childhood, she has also developed a taste for synthesis, and synthetic materials, which expands the palette and creative output of perfumers. Le Helley likes short, precise, easy-to-read formulas, where each ingredient is carefully administered to deliver a clear message. “A perfume must smell like themessage it is sending, with technicalmastery always at the service of theaesthetic and the emotion”
Also created
Designer Dries Van Noten
More from Dries Van Noten
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The moment when crisp morning air meets the rich leather of a newly worn belt or bag, infused with the warmth of early sunlight.
Fig. 01 — Bitter Splash, Dries Van Noten
Where to buy.
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