One thing that characterizes me is the fact that I get bored extremely easily (with all that entails). That said, once I have found something I love, I tend to be loyal to a fault and will take forever to “stray”.Case in point: my perfume. I have tried countless different ones but have only stuck by exactly two, in my life thus far. In my early teens I fell in love with “L’ Eau d’ Issey” by Issey Miyake, which I ended up using daily, until I was about halfway through Uni. Some people (including my boyfriend from that era) say that whenever they smell that they, still, immediately think of me… After a long period of consideration, I then opted for “2” by Comme des Garcons, which has been my go- to scent ever since.This past year, my nemesis resurfaced. And if that wasn’t enough, a sudden swerve in the direction I though my life was headed in, made it imperative to give in to it, if only to stow away painful memories. Considering I tend to associate smells (kinda like music) with periods and people in my life, it quickly became evident that “2” had to go…What ensued was a… year of Saturday mornings spent in front of perfume counters (yup, I am very picky when it comes to my perfume) in search of something special and non- conformist. I’d smelt it all (or thought I had) when I suddenly realised that, deterred by the price tag, I hadn’t given Tom Ford a chance. “White Patchouli” was a miss, Sahara Noir & Violet Blonde ditto and then… LOVE. I couldn’t believe I had failed to pick “Black Orchid” up before. And there was no way in hell I’d go without it this winter.

The gorgeous, jet- black, art- deco inspired bottle now sits on my boudoir, receiving the attention it deserves on a daily basis. And here’s a review of what’s certain to become my new signature scent:

Black Orchid by Tom Ford

Notes:
Bergamot, Citrus, Mandarin, Black Gardenia, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Lotus Wood, Orchid, Spicy Floral Accord, Orchid (Tom Ford Black Accord), Patchouli, Sandalwood, Incense, Vanilla.

Created in cooperation with Givaudan back in 2006, this is the first perfume in the Tom Ford range. Far from a middle of the road perfume, it is a classy, dark- floral scent that demands to be worn by confident, strong, extraordinary women (it will not overpower). Sensual & luxurious, it lasts for hours (on my skin it stays strong for an average of 10) and has amazing silage (the scent literally radiates around me, drawing compliments from women and men alike). I disagree with the, apparently quite common, view of it as both feminine and masculine – I strongly feel it should just be the former, but guess that is a matter of personal preference. Either way, I believe it’s definitely one of those “love it or hate it” scents (kind of like “2” – which may be exactly why, for me, this was love at first… smell!).

If you are not familiar with Ford’s “Black Orchid” please go smell it now (then come back and let me know what you think…).