Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By (Alienor Massenet) + Sakura Extravaganza Draw

Floraiku I see the clouds go by

Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By Bento Box by Olya Bar©

 Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By is part of the Floraiku Enigmatic Flowers collection inspired by the Ikebana ceremony, the Japanese art of arranging flowers that roots back to the 6th century, as the tradition of flower offerings in Buddhism that made its way from China. A simple, understated, and restrained form of the floral art in an incredibly meaningful way.

I have always appreciated the art of flower arrangement, and felt like there is a strong parallel between perfumery and Ikebana. Both focus on the perfect balance of forms and functions between the ingredients and components. Both also require precision, a core value of Japanese culture and the world of perfumery. Which elements to use vs. how to properly cut branches and flowers, the amount of each accord used in the fragrance, how to measure angles in space for the correct placement of branches, and how to preserve live materials for the arrangement. In Ikebana, just like in perfumery, it is not enough to have beautiful materials. To create something even more powerful and breathtaking, one must carefully place each ingredient and blend them seamlessly together.

The difference, however, is that many people begin their journey to learn the art of flower arrangements at different points in their life, slowly perfecting the art and the knowledge. The perfumery, I suppose, should be left to the trained professionals.

Cherry Blossom NYC Brooklyn Botanicals

Cherry Blossom New York City 2022 by Olya Bar©

In Japanese culture, most native flowers and trees are filled with symbolic meaning and associated with certain seasons. In traditional Ikebana, both symbolism and seasonality have always been prioritized in developing arrangements, making Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By perfectly in sync with a celebration of the Cherry Blossom season we all wait for impatiently. As the winter sheds its gray colors and dresses up in beautiful hues of soft pink, it fills the air with an intoxicating sweet scent of Sakura – an olfactory gift of nature, a symbol that spring has sprung.

I see the Clouds go by Floraiku

Clouds Go By – by Olya Bar

Floraiku I See The Cloud Go By is like a fluffy cloud you slowly watch floating by as you are lounging under the weeping branches of a sakura tree with nowhere to be. It starts with a tart scoop of blackcurrant jam and zesty bergamot and slowly gives way to a cherry blossom accord in the heart. After a few hours, it begins to sit closer to the skin and leans into a warmer and muskier side, with cedarwood grounding the composition. It is a relatively simple fragrance, carrying an optimistic mood of new beginnings with it. Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By is the ideal fragrance to wear for The Sakura festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden (which goes through May 7), when the refreshing cocktails and happy laughter are sipped and heard in the cherry blossom alley. This yearly theatrical extravaganza of colorful kimonos and pink blossoms together with a feeling of celebration is something I long for every spring.

Notes: Bergamot Essence, Petitgrain Essence, Blackcurrant absolute, Davana Essence, Cherry Blossom Accord, white musk, Cedarwood.

Disclaimer: Bottle of Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By was generously gifted to me by Europerfumes.  My opinions, as always, are my own.

Olya Bar, Editor

Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By

Thanks to Europerfumes the US Distributor, we have a 50ml tester bottle of Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By for one registered reader, open USA. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what strikes you about Olya’s review of Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By. Draw closes May 6, 2022.

To Test or Buy at Twisted Lily here

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40 comments

  • punchflower says:

    I enjoyed the parallel between the precision in ikebana and perfumery. It sounds like a lovely scent, I’d wear it to the bondori festivals that are returning this year! From US.

  • FC says:

    Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By’s review by Olya reminds me of another cherry fragrance I smelled few years ago and it also had fruity elements in it. It seems cherry blossom interpretations often involve giving fruity characteristics to the flower. Japanese culture prefers airy compositions, and as the brand is inspired by Japan, Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By seems to honor that philosophy. I am in US.

  • verosh says:

    I like that Floraiku is setting itself apart by following very specific elements in Japanese culture. If the attention to detail is as exemplary as it is in the Ikebana ceremony then “I see the Clouds Go By” will most definitely be outstanding for the precise equilibrium of its ingredients. Regards from NJ.

  • mdellaroc says:

    I am very interested in floraiku as a house. This particular fragrance sounds like a great intro to the house. In maryland .

  • Maryjean says:

    I love Olya’s review. Cherry blossom’s and new beginnings in Springtime. Floraiku I see the clouds sounds wonderful love the notes. The bottle is a work of Art. Thank you for this Chance USA

  • Torax says:

    It was a pleasure reading this review by the genius Olya. The cherry blossom accord is what get me the most hooked with this fragrance and all the information about japanese culture and flowers.
    I would be honored to try this fragrance.
    USA here.

  • INYA says:

    Well, I enjoyed the part about the tart scoop of blackcurrant jam. I seek it out every chance I get, lol. I See The Clouds Go By sounds perfectly delicious. Thanks for the opportunity to sniff. Mich USA

  • Emily L says:

    I See The Clouds Go By is one of my top favorite Floraiku fragrances, after Between Two Trees and One Umbrella for Two. I decided to spray my sample while reading this article. The blackcurrant and davana really stand out. I agree that the opening is quite tart. Personally, I enjoy the dry down when the perfume becomes a warmer, smoother experience. I would be thrilled to own a bottle of this beautiful perfume. Indiana, USA

  • jmat444 says:

    I enjoyed gaining insight about aspects of Japanese culture from Olya’s review, and the details she included related to the associated imagery. I would appreciate being entered into the giveaway, and thank you for the opportunity. – John, IL, USA

  • Steph W says:

    I live in the Pacific Northwest where the winters are wet and gray. Every year I wait for our two cherry trees to bloom because that’s my sign that I’ve made it through another winter. When I read Olya’s description It made me feel like I was right under my trees, breathing in that beatiful scent. -Oregon, USA

  • sav17 says:

    I have really enjoyed all of the Floraiku fragrances I have tried, but I have yet to experience I See The Clouds Go By. I love the concept of Ikebana and agree it shares parallels with perfumery. I also love Cherry Blossom trees; not only are they beautiful, but they also smell just as beautifully. I love Olya’s description of I See The Could Go By. The imagery she portrays of watching a fluffy cloud under a sakura tree sounds exactly how I would imagine wearing the fragrance. I would love to own a bottle of I See The Cloud Go By. Thank you, Olya, for the review, and thank you to Europerfumes for the giveaway. I am located in the USA.

  • petergigov says:

    Olya I See The Clouds Go By review well represents the character of “Japan” inspired perfume . Calm , relaxing, slightly woody and fruity , sweet more intimate and comfortable fragrance. Not every fragrance needs to be a screamer , if it’s made really well like I See The Clouds Go By
    I remember it was mentioned on Cafleurebon that Floraïku and Memo Paris are two brands under the same umbrella. African Leather, made by Memo is cozy date time scent I’m well aware of, I had to buy it because of its high compliment factor and versatile characteristics. Floraiku “siblings” fragrances i have not smelled yet.
    Exciting giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • xoe says:

    Oh the Sakura festival sounds so lovely. That floating, nowhere to go feeling is something that I long for. I am in the US

  • Maia says:

    So beautiful I can smell the Sakura from the photos and Olya’s words
    Floraiku is a underrated brand
    I bought this July evening after reading Ida’s review

  • joetelegram says:

    It makes sense that Japanese perfumery has a strong “focus on the perfect balance of forms and functions between the ingredients and components.” That is how I see Japanese culture. Precise. Beautiful. Elegant.

    I love the imagery described in “Floraiku I See The Cloud Go By”. I also love the way it sounds–the tartness, muskiness, and woodiness. Then the movement to cherry blossom–How interesting!

    Thank you Olya Bar for this contribution!

    Thank you CaFleureBon and Floraiku for the opportunity.

    Joseph O’Brien–Roseburg, Oregon (USA)
    Instagram: @joetelegram

  • WaltherP99 says:

    I’m well familiar with Memo Paris , the older brother , still One Umbrella for Two is the only Floraiku I’ve smelled, Spring , early Summer rainy weather fragrance.
    I know I’ll enjoy I See The Clouds Go By, comfortable fruity-floral, with musky base. What strikes me about Olya’s review is:
    1. The simplicity of the fragrance, but like Bruce Lee once said “Simplicity is the key to brilliance”
    2. I really like One Umbrella for Two, and I See The Clouds Go By vibe is similar
    3. Olya’s productivity and dedication, such reviews are not easy to do , when you’re on vacation abroad, thank you.
    All profiles I already follow , @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA

  • maps says:

    So cool. I loved a lot of this review, but for me, even learning what Ikebana was may be the main highlight. I am grateful that Olya introduced that idea to my brain! It is the perfect metaphor through which to explore Floraiku perfumes, in my opinion. Cheers from NC, USA.

  • fastnee says:

    Olya’s review struck me in how it juxtaposed the fragrance with flower arranging. I am in the US.

  • drjedi says:

    The following description by Olya Bar caught my attention – “Floraiku I See The Cloud Go By is like a fluffy cloud you slowly watch floating by as you are lounging under the weeping branches of a sakura tree with nowhere to be. It starts with a tart scoop of blackcurrant jam and zesty bergamot and slowly gives way to a cherry blossom accord in the heart.” It seems so tranquil and rejuvenating. As it is inspired by Japanese culture, I bet it’s a very elegant perfume. Thanks for the review and draw. From USA.

  • frw says:

    I have wanted to try a Floraiku fragrance and Olya makes this one sound lovely for spring and summer.

  • Gig84 says:

    Japanese culture and traditions i do admit i know little, to nothing about. I was not aware of what exactly Ikebana ceremony is , good to know.
    It was also quite interesting to read about the The Sakura festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden , I have to say Floraïku I See The Clouds Go By is such a delightful and tempting fragrance.
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • GennyLeigh says:

    Olya has such a lovely way with words! The tartness and wordiness in combination with the delicate floral scent of the sakura make I See The Clouds Go By sound like a wonderful ode to spring. I can see the relationship between the art of ikebana and fragrance composition. MD, USA.

  • Uncle1979 says:

    Olya Bar take on Floraiku I See The Clouds Go made me think of making, and later eating Blackcurrant Ombré Cheesecake , drinking bergamot juice while enjoying The Sakura festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden , beautiful sight to see im convinced.
    Appreciate the review , and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • foreverscents says:

    I lived in Japan for years and always anxiously awaited the cherry blossom viewing season. They really are spectacular all over the country. Olya’s review and her commentary about ikebana brought me back to happy days in Japan.
    I live in the USA.

  • mistabooker says:

    I have seen this house on ssense and I am very intrigued price tag is a little to much for my pockets right now but I would love to win this and add it to my collection

  • Dan says:

    To link perfumery and the art of ikebana through balance – how incredible! Love the inspiration and the fragrance notes. I’m from the USA and would love to enter the draw to try out this fragrance!

  • msnitechemist says:

    I grew up with lots of flowers grown around the house. For a time, my father did ikebana and we had all manner of flower arrangement implements in the house, outside on his working table, and in the garage. I have yet to find a cherry blossom perfume that captures the feeling of the DC area in March when our cherries are in full bloom. I liked Olya’s description of Floraiku being cloudlike and then becoming warmer and more grounded as the fragrance matures. Thank you for the draw, I live in MD.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I loved Olya’s review of Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By. I loved learning about the Enigmatic Flowers collection inspired by the Ikebana ceremony. In Japanese Culture where they have this tradition of arranging flowers. I love how Olya ties this floral arrangement tradition to perfumery. This sounds like a beautiful floral fragrance with a lovely Cherry Blossom Accord. I am from the USA.

  • Theenzofdaworld says:

    The black currant and Cherry blossom accord sound heavenly – olya’s review has me convinced this would be a calming and meditative scent. Hoping to get selected for this!

  • IvanVelikov says:

    I See The Cloud Go By I believe is not overly complex , but well executed fruity-floral with musky base.. I’m really drown to similar combinations , they are versatile and easy to wear in multiple situations.
    I could be wrong, but I think all Floraïku fragrances share the same approach.
    It’s also interesting how the fragrance was inspired by Japanese culture and Ikebana ceremony
    Floraiku is new house I need to explore
    Thanks you Olya , and Europerfumes
    USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    As I write this, I sip on some delicious sake that reminds me of what the festival of cherry blossoms might be like.

    Thank you for the great review Olya. I lovethe opening of this fragrance – beautiful blackcurrant and bergamot, moving into the cherry blossom and then the woody musks, moving as the clouds go by an a brilliant blue day.

    Beautiful bottle

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Diana D says:

    This sounds lovely. I find cherry blossom to be such a feminine fragrance and so easy to wear. It is an uplifting scent for me and wears so beautifully in the spring.
    I live in the USA.

  • alleycat says:

    These flowers remind me of my own magnolia tree in my front yard, which is currently in bloom. The soft pinks are so gentle yet mark the incoming explosion of blooms. This perfume sounds like it would be a beautiful reminder of the season all year. USA

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    Such an artsy review, I love it
    Speaking of cherry blossom , festivals and Japan i visited 3 , two in Japan, and one in Europe, never heard there’s such festivals in US. Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival Tokyo is a sight to be seen.
    My introduction to Floraïku was when I first smelled Sound of a Ricochet, awesome syrupy ambery vanilla and caramel mix , powdery and slightly funky. Powerful fragrance , with really good projection and longevity, strongest Floraïku for sure, i have the Edition 1 discovery set.
    I See The Clouds Go By is also part of Edition 1 set, and reading the review was fun, I on my skin the fragrance smells like Crème de Cassis , or if you prefer , Cassis liqueur , and I mean literally. It’s boozy, sweet, musky and fruity , more like MONIN Cassis Liqueur.
    The sample set i bought directly from Europerfumes , when Eden Square website was still a thing .
    Since I bought multiple fragrances, and sample sets from Europerfumes , both from the old Eden Square website, and later from the “new” Twisted Lily , I do believe a small , interconnected critique is necessary .
    Floraïku is a premium brand, and sampling is a must if someone wants to commit to a full bottle .For some reason Europerfumes do carry only Floraiku Edition 1 discovery set , but not Edition 2 . I paid $35 for Edition 1 (11 samples) , and had to pay extra $5 for each additional sample.
    Thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • Brian says:

    The notes for this fragrance cause me to want to try it. I’m interested in trying something from this company- I haven’t tried anything from them yet. I’d like to see if this fragrance is of an optimistic nature. I live in the U.S.A.

  • AlisaA says:

    Very beautiful article, Olya !!
    Love ikebana and symbolism and find Floraiku presentation is very esthetic.
    This perfume is sounds beautiful as bottle too.
    US

  • Bassey says:

    I appreciate Olya’s review of I See The Clouds Go By – Floraiku, as a well balanced and well blended fragrance. According to the review it is a relatively simple composition. I like the comparison to the cherry blossom flowers and the floral nuances of the fragrance.
    Maryland, US.

  • Dosva says:

    Love Olya’s review and pics too.
    Love cherry in perfumery and this sounds beautiful.
    Would like to win this beauty.
    US

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Wonderful review Olya! What strikes me about Olya’s review of Floraiku I See The Clouds Go By is her comparison of the parallels between perfumery and Ikebana – how balance, precision, and restraint is the key to both. As someone who loves big and bold fragrances, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking more of a good thing is always better – some of my favorite notes, for example, like rose or incense – so I often need a reminder that balance is key. A fragrance like I See The Clouds Go By sounds like the perfect meditative embodiment of that concept that I could use reminding of. I live in the US.