Tom Ford Black Orchid

I've heard lots of things about Tom Ford Black Orchid, not a lot of them good, so I've been a bit intimidated to actually apply the stuff to my skin to give it a thorough review. Back in November, I sniffed some on a piece of card at Saks in NY, and was surprised that it didn't seem as bad as it should. I heard nasty things about rank or dirty notes, and I was unsure about the wisdom of putting something that smells like garlic, cheese, and old socks (the black truffle) in a perfume.

Tom Ford Black Orchid
Notes: black truffle, ylang, bergamot, black currant, florals, fruit accords, lotus wood, patchouli, incense, vetiver, vanilla tears, balsam, sandalwood

At first I'm hit with a medicinal note that is quickly taken over by something rich, warm, and balsamic. There's a bit of incense, some smoky woods, and quite a bit of patchouli. Deep inside, there's sweet fruit and some floral bits. The vanilla comes up in the drydown and envelops everything in its sweet warmth.

That makes it sound like I like Black Orchid, huh? Well, the jury is still out. The first couple of times I tentatively dabbed it on myself, I found it mildly disgusting. This time, I applied it with a more definite hand, and it's not so bad. There's a note in there that has an almost aquatic tone, one I am not particularly fond of; it may simply be a combination of the florals (that mysterious black orchid that Tom Ford supposedly had botanists create?) and the patchouli.

Surprisingly, Mr. Minx actually likes Black Orchid on me. So maybe I'll wear it from time to time. It's definitely a fragrance for dark winter nights, to be worn with a sexy silk slip and a glass of champagne - or a glamorous night on the town.

tags: reviews