GrapefruitOpens with
OrrisHeart
VetiverDries down to
Suzy Le HelleyThe nose · 14 fragrances · also made Bottled Absolu (2024)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Dries Van Noten · Sold as unisex
Bitter Splash
The moment when crisp morning air meets the rich leather of a newly worn belt or bag, infused with the warmth of early sunlight.
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Bitter SplashHow it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
The story behind the bottle.
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.
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.
Fig. 01 — Bitter Splash, Dries Van Noten
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
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Suzy Le Helley
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.
Designer Dries Van Noten
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What people
are saying.
Well loved by wearers: loved by 47%, disliked or hated by 5%.