Review of Black Orchid Eau de Parfum by Yaroslavna Lasytsya

The "Black Orchid"... Where to start? Where does it start? With an immediate enigmatic whirl of olfactory notes that amaze, confuse and enrapture. I feel Amalfi lemon, Gardenia and what is I guess supposed to be the truffle, but it does not have the stench (as you can guess I am NOT a lover of truffles in their any shape or form), somehow it has the spicy and animalic facet, that is blended so brilliantly with the rest. There are a lot of fruits and spices, so the heart is somewhat tropical, but not as in beach cocktail or edible/gourmand fruits style, but a wonderous discovery of a new world of luscious flowers and unexplored forests with hidden treasures of pleasures unknown. I cannot discern the orchid or the lotus in the composition (I do personally believe that they never had a chance due to their gentle and etherial qualities), but ylang-ylang - oh yes!, - it is given a whole new role to play and it is re-discovered and opened up like never before. This exotic fruity freshness, with tart spiciness and unexpected and mysterious notes which keep teasing and drawing everyone in, with questions, guesses and complements, is then followed and masterfully concluded with the smoky bitterness of chocolate, streaked with golden amber, and soft delicacy of vanilla. I view the "Black Orchid" as not the perfume about a flower, but as a signature of Tom Ford's vision, his another black tuxedo that can be worn by both men and women, his understanding and appreciation of the human nature and its expression, his undoubted vision and unrestrained and fearless sexuality, that he taught us all to embrace and enjoy. The "Black Orchid" is an ode to freedom of being oneself and loving oneself just the way we are, it is the metaphysical bloom of each and every one's soul that is never the same or alike, and always, ALWAYS, absolutely irresistible!