Tom Ford Black Orchid Spray

Black Orchid is a rich, dark, and intensely sensual Amber Floral (some classify it as Oriental Chypre) fragrance. It’s built around an imaginary “black orchid” accord, blended with deep gourmand notes, earthy spices, and rich woods, creating a powerful, long-lasting, and distinctive aroma.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Iconic & Groundbreaking Scent: Black Orchid was revolutionary for its time, introducing a new level of opulence and a unique blend of notes that were not commonly seen in mainstream perfumery.
• Rich & Complex: It’s a multifaceted fragrance that evolves on the skin, revealing layers of dark florals, earthy truffle, sweet chocolate, and warm resins.⁵
• Highly Potent & Long-Lasting: As an Eau de Parfum, it boasts exceptional longevity, often lasting 8-12+ hours on the skin, and has significant sillage, leaving a memorable trail.⁶
• Unisex Appeal: While initially marketed towards women, its depth, darkness, and woody-earthy facets have made it incredibly popular with men as well, making it a true unisex masterpiece.⁷
• Luxurious & Glamorous: Exudes an aura of high fashion, sophistication, and mystery, perfect for evening wear or special occasions where you want to stand out.
• Signature “Dark” Vibe: Often described as having a gothic, seductive, or even slightly dangerous allure.

Fragrance Notes:

Black Orchid’s complexity comes from its rich and extensive note breakdown.

• Top Notes: Black Truffle, Ylang-Ylang, Black Currant, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Amalfi Lemon, Gardenia, Jasmine (a rich, earthy, sweet, and slightly citrusy opening).⁸
• Middle Notes: Black Orchid (the imaginary star accord), Spices, Fruity Notes, Lotus, Orchid, Gardenia, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine (a complex, dark floral, and subtly fruity heart with spicy warmth).
• Base Notes: Mexican Chocolate, Patchouli, Vanilla, Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver, White Musk, Balsam (a deep, gourmand, woody, smoky, and resinous dry down).

Scent Profile:

Tom Ford Black Orchid opens with an immediate richness—the earthy, slightly sweet funk of black truffle mingling with creamy ylang-ylang and the sharp, dark sweetness of black currant, brightened by citrus.⁹ The “black orchid” accord in the heart is not a literal flower but a custom-developed, dark, spicy floral fantasy. This is where the perfume truly takes on its unique character, blending with various spices and fruit notes. The dry down is exceptionally opulent, dominated by rich dark chocolate, earthy patchouli, creamy vanilla, warm incense, and smooth sandalwood. It’s a dark, sensual, and almost edible scent, often described as mysterious, luxurious, and very alluring.

Product Details:

• Formulation/Consistency: Eau de Parfum (EDP) spray.¹⁰ (Note: A Parfum concentration was launched later, and an EDT version also exists).
• Main Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Water/Aqua/Eau, Fragrance (Parfum), and various fragrance components.
• Packaging: Distinctive black ribbed glass bottle with a gold plaque and cord, reflecting its luxurious and dark aesthetic.