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Saturday, October 28, 2006

Black Orchid - Tom Ford - Review - Extra! Extra!

Well I lucked into getting an advance sniff of this new lovely. And um ... yes, it's all that. And more. It's dark and deep, sexy and sensual.

On me the opening is a blast of bergamot, vetiver and something that smells faintly of coconut. Then comes the wood - very prominent, but soft and suede like. The fruit is also deep and rich, think fruitcake; this will in no way be considered a fruity floral.The balsam adds a coolness that lifts the incense over the sandalwood vanilla base. Just lovely. A perfect fall scent and a great first release for the Tom Ford brand name. I predict much ado over this one.

Not really a floral scent, I'm not sure I'm detecting the elusive and exclusive Black Orchid. But no matter, it's still addicting and enticing. There has been discussion of how black orchids don't really exist anyway, but the press reports that Tom had one developed for him by a leading botanist. Darker and deeper in color till the blackness was achieved. Then headspace technology was employed to extract this new and rare scent.

Notes:
• Sensuous top notes of Black Truffle and Ylang mingled with fresh Bergamot and delectable Black Currant.
• Dramatic middle notes of dark, tempting Florals and rich Fruit Accords. The heart is deepened with the intoxicating Lotus Wood.
• Decadent base notes of Patchouli, Incense and Vetiver. Vanilla Tears add a fluid creaminess to warm Balsam and smooth Sandalwood.

Oh how opulent must the parfum be. And that gorgeous falcon! That will be on my Christmas list for sure. Santa, am I on your blog roll?

The launch date is November and soon to follow will be a men's version and a complete 125-piece cosmetics line next year. Tom's first store at 845 Madison Avenue will open April of 2007. You can see his new website here: TOM FORD.COM – some lovely vivid photos and some nice bottle shots.

http://www.tomford.com/

Available soon from:
Neiman Marcus

photo: Neiman Marcus

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the review Vic, this sounds wonderful! (Even the vanilla tears sound good!)
Terry

Madelyn E said...

Dear Victoria,
This one , now this one really intrigues me. Your grippping yet graphic description truly catches my eye,(rather my nose .. nope .. my wallet. Vic. a black orchid that doesn't really exist .now does with this magical essence of Black Orchid. I think I too will be seduced into getting it - and making it my one. It sounds utterly exquisite ,, deep , sensual with a autumnal seasonalty to further augment uts already heady appeal. Sounds like the notes of Black essence, intertwined with a woody. balsamic potion with the added base of the warn and familiar sandalwood vanilla drydown. Oh!!1 It excites me no end. Great revore dear Vic. enjoy your new orchild pleasure.
Scented regards to you --- and your special readers !11
Madelyn E

Anonymous said...

Hi Vic,

Can't wait to sample this one after reading your review! I'll be running to my mailbox tomorrow. :)

Dawn

Victoria said...

It should be there! I made a special trip out to the PO - twice!! :O)

Caitlin Shortell said...

Oooh, I am dying to try Black Orchid. I love the bottle you showed here. I shudder to think how much that costs.