Black Orchid starts off with that familiar barrage of sweet notes, first popularised by Thierry Mugler’s Angel in 1992. In the intervening fourteen years this sweet overload has now become a set piece for a statement perfume.
Interestingly, once the initial opening has faded, the dry down is intriguing. Black Orchid has a bit of a Wizard of Oz persona. It starts off as this huge overpowering presence. But look behind the curtain and a much quainter version of reality stands in the Wizard’s place. Frustratingly I can’t work out what the dry down is. It’s halfway between a lush greenness and a chemical, almost industrial smell. The intention seems to be a vanilla-ish mossy greenness, but I'm not sure if it quite comes off.
Ultimately, Black Orchid is a statement perfume. It's perfect if you want to make an entrance. This would be THE perfume to wear if you know you’re going to be bumping into your ex. You will certainly stand out.
6 Lovely comments:
Oh my goodness!! Someone somewhere has to compile all the various scent impressions this particular scent inspires. "Wizard of Oz"-- wish I had thought of that!!
I have found BO to be among the most confounding of scents-- I didn't get "Angel" in the opening, but as I sit here and think about it, I can see where you're coming from. There's a lot going on in there, and I think different people latch on to different things. I get sensuous, sexy powdery sndalwood/cedar in the drydown-- one of my all-time favorite drydowns, actually. So you & I aren't having the same experience at all...
Hi. I'd be interested to know what you think of Tom Ford White Suede. I had a good long "drink" of it in Harrods the other day, and if I weren't all too aware of my mastercard balance, it would have been coming home with me. X
Hi Caz - I'll try White Suede as soon as I next see it. In general I find Tom Ford too outspoken in character for my personal tastes. However, I can appreciate his fragrances' beauty in all their fullness.
Thanks. Now that you say that, I do know what you mean. Given me something to think about! I'll hang out for your review. X
Hi Caz, I looked for white suede yesterday when I was in Selfridges and Liberty. But sadly I didn't see it anywhere. I haven't forgotten and will have a sniff as soon as I see some.
Following your comment that you identified a pencil/graphite note in Black Orchid not unlike that in Antaeus, I tried this again today and I can see where you're coming from, but it is a much sweeter take on that patchouli accord. Incidentally I tried Opium by YSL on a scent strip this past week and there is something there that is also very Antaeus, at least to me! Funnily enough, I've never tried Opium before, and reformulated or not, I think it is an intriguing perfume.
Regards
Michael
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