Tom Ford Black Orchid
Exposing itself at first moment, Black Orchid Eau de Toilette is a distinctly different encounter. Experience the seductive breakthrough in a new light with it’s own olfactive journey. With a more open, immediate expression, the custom-grown Tom Ford Black Orchid instantly takes centre stage, inviting you inside in a way never before experienced in the classic signature fragrance.
Notes
Top Notes: Black Truffle, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Tuberose
Heart Notes: Black Orchid, Florals, Fruits
Base Notes: Vanilla, Balsam, Sandalwood, Lotus wood, Patchouli, Incense, Vetiver
My Thoughts
I am a huge fan of Tom Ford Black Orchid EDP, my boyfriend used to wear it and I often used to sneak a spritz of it for myself. In fact, I think he got so sick of sharing it with me that he moved over to Extreme (as this one is far too masculine for me). In the time I have known him, he has rattled through about four or five bottles of Extreme, and despite our huge perfume collection, Extreme is one of the few fragrances which he never allows to run out. It’s always replaced, often before the bottle has completely emptied.
As much as I love Extreme, I miss the days of sharing his bottle of Black Orchid. Which is just as rich and beautiful, but has a slightly more feminine feel. Last month saw the release of Black Orchid EDT, which is a touch lighter and more accessible than the original EDP. Also, the bottle is matte black and has black detailing rather than the classic gold. Black Orchid opens with a rich melody of heady tuberose and Ylang Ylang, dark sweet blackcurrant, opulent black truffle and smoky citrus bergamot. The heart is filled with notes of the namesake black orchid as well as a blend of dark sweet fruits and intense florals. As for the base, this is where you will find a complex blend of sweet vanilla, warm woods, resins, incense and patchouli. If you have never tried Black Orchid, it’s time you did, it’s the most fabulous fragrance, beautifully complex and perfectly balanced with dark fruits, heady florals, smoke, spice, sweetness, woods and incense. It’s one of those fragrances where people often ask you what you are wearing because it smells so damned good, and even if they don’t ask, it doesn’t matter, because you know you smell amazing regardless. If you are not familiar with Black Orchid (either the original or the latest EDT version) then it’s time to go smell it. It’s more than a classic, it’s essential you know what this fragrance smells like.
Both Black Orchid EDT and EDP are very similar, of course the EDP lasts longer and it’s slightly richer and there is a slight difference in the balance of the notes, but it’s so subtle you have to literally spray one on each arm and go back and forth to find the difference. It feels slightly more accessible; lighter, perhaps less bitter in the top, just somehow slightly more inviting. Personally, I own both, the EDT is perfect for the day, the EDP just that little richer for the evening.
Tom Ford Black Orchid EDT is available at John Lewis, Net-a-Porter, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Tom Ford.
