Black Orchid Tom Ford (2006) Eau de Parfum

Black Orchid (Eau de Parfum) by Tom Ford

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7.6 / 10 640 Ratings

Black Orchid (Eau de Parfum) is a popular perfume by Tom Ford for women and was released in 2006. The scent is oriental-floral. Projection and longevity are above-average. It is being marketed by Estēe Lauder Companies.

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Perfumer

David Apel

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes	Black truffle, Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Ylang-ylang
Heart Notes	Black orchid, Lotus wood, Floral notes, Fruity notes
Base Notes	Balsam, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Vetiver, Frankincense

Ratings

Scent

7.6 (640 Ratings)

Longevity

9.0 (479 Ratings)

Sillage

8.3 (458 Ratings)

Bottle

8.1 (435 Ratings)

Submitted by Kankuro, last update on 23.09.2018

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Reviews

09/20/2018

10.0/10

8.0/10

10.0/10

Estefania

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Estefania

Helpful Review 9

A Second chance

As a beginner, I still have a hard time sniffing out single notes. A few weeks ago I bought the black orchid blind. After the first sprayer I was admittedly quite overwhelmed with it and let it disappear in the box again. This morning I dared a second attempt, freshly showered with some shea butter as a base (for longer durability) a sprayer on my wrist. Today the orchid leaves me free and at the same time brings me back to itself, it bewitches me, gives me a protective shell, it feels like a second skin, the fruits and flowers fit to the beginning autumn, overripe and a homage to the dreamlike last summer, warmth, security and deep embers, desire and desired, inaccessible and seductive, arrogant and flattering, he takes me on the long leash, superfluous because I come back anyway, because he has stolen my mind. I will continue to dose it very sparingly, the shelf life is terrific. The followers of this fragrance will continue to keep within limits, it divides and polarizes. Whole or not at all, go or stay...you should give him the opportunity to reveal himself. I wear it on days when I need a strong ruler who "gives me lightness and when I don't have to make decisions. I belong to him.

6 Replies

04/13/2018

9.0/10

9.5/10

Carlitos01

Helpful Review 4

Dark gorgeous and poignant flower

This is a man's perfume or at most it is unisex.
It is too masculine to be considered a feminine scent only.
I like strong perfumes and I love this one in particular that originaly was designed for the gentle sex.
I use it and I love it. My wife agrees with me. It is a scent for the a men between his 30s and 50s.
Performance is quite above average.
Some notes like blackcurrant and truffle in the top, black orchid in the middle and the dark chocolate / patchouli / vetiver / frankincense in the bottom produce a magnificent orchestration that I can only qualify as melodious.
Its darkness is just really alluring and appealing. I noticed that more men than women like it.
This my preferred fragrance by Tom Ford.

Let's see if the math scoring is kind for this flower:
Scent Opening: 9.75 (my judgement)
Scent Dry Down: 9.25 (my judgement)
Longevity: 9.0 (3 good sprays may last 9+ hours, close to 11~12 hours)
Sillage: 8.0 (up to 6 feet at its peak with just 3 sprays and 2 hours strong projection)
Uniqueness: 9.0 (it's not Tom Ford's fault to exist more than 20 "look alikes" of Black Orchid. Nevertheless some of them are really wearable and do present a nice turn on Black Orchid; Example: Royal Gold by Charriol and Collection Extraordinaire - Precious Oud by Van Cleef & Arpels)
Wearability: 7.5 (avoid any type hot weather)
Versatility: 7.5 (Just avoid any type of sweting situation like work out, beach and be carefull because this fragrance has a lot of haters for being so poignant)
Compliments: 8.5 (This fragrance it's not a universal pleaser, but will work as compliment magnet for the black fragrances lovers)
Quality: 9.5 (Well above average quality, quality ingredients, nice flask, nice sprayer)
Presentation: 9.0 (no faults, simple but very elegant)
Price: 5.0 (10 ml non tester with the €100 pricetag at major net dealers)

Overall rating: 8.36/10.00
- between 7 and 8 =above average;
- between 8 and 9 = recomended;
- bigger than 9 = don't miss it;
Advice: This gem has a fantastic scent. . It's quite curious that its lowest rating is the "Price" feature. Without this feature rating, the overall mark would be a astounding 8.70 - quite high for such a specific strong scent.
I recommend it!
If it's to strong for you, try the EDT version or the Velvet Orchid flanker.

07/31/2017

Germanblonde

Very helpful Review 4

A mysterious dark lady

Heaven, I'm in heaven. And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak... Seriously, this is awesome. I was expecting something more masculine (I bought it as a blind buy - I love the thrill of it, and very rarely do I get disappointed based on the reviews here.) And this lady, yes, I know, it supposed to fit as a unisex fragrance, I read it, but this lady is pure, dark, mysterious femininity of the finest grade. Her sister Velvet Orchid is one of my favorites as well. When it comes to Black Orchid and Velvet Orchid, for me this is almost a tie with the scale just tipping slightly in favor for Velvet Orchid. We should have a top 10 list, there are just way too many fragrances I absolutely adore. Black Orchid is one of them that belongs into my top 10 list

06/13/2016

10.0/10

7.5/10

10.0/10

Daisyvision

Very helpful Review 6

Thick, heady, carnal madness!

Black Orchid isn't pleasant. It isn't easy. It's falling in love - irrationally and uncontrollably. Love in that raw, lustful and chaotic way. Your hair stands on end as your skin tingles. Your insides flip and thrash all around and it makes you feel sick. Longing invades your mind and prevents any useful thoughts from forming, and your heart beats so hard you can see your skin jump at its pulse points. No matter how much you inhale, you just can't breathe. It's overwhelming, stifling...

And despite all of these terrible (terrific) symptoms, you just can't get enough of that sheer possession and desperation! If you've never experienced falling in love that way, you certainly won't appreciate the chaos that is Black Orchid. It's thick, heady & carnal madness! (And yes, that madness is absolutely unisex!)

Mysterious, syrupy, exotic & peculiar. Unforgivably sexy and dripping with personality - there's nothing else quite like it.

12/02/2015

6.0/10

ScentFan

Very helpful Review 3

Well Named

For reasons that now escape me I have several miniatures and many decants of this fragrance--enough to fill a gold 5ml purse spray several times. (I once had three gold purse sprays but my daughter and a niece fell in love with the other two's contents and begged them off me.) This one contains Black Orchid, which I almost never wear. When I sprayed it on tonight I was reminded of my ambivalence about it. It's certainly not horrible, but not distinct enough to have a chance at greatness, either, IMO. Like the other Tom Fords I've smelled, it's a bit underwhelming--nothing I'd reach for on purpose, what with outrageous darlings already in my collection like Monegal's indolic Kiss My Name, splendid Russian Tea by Masque, Chanel's intoxicating Misa, Luten's masterpiece, Chêne and the like. Hard to remember Black Orchid, lover of worldly, dramatic scents that I am. I mean, if a gal doesn't nearly pass out smelling a fragrance, what's the point? Well, not everyone's like me, I suppose. So if you fancy a dark floral with a good dose of truffles that's also somewhat fruity, this might be for you. As for me, I'm trying to figure out how to cleanse my last gold purse spray of it, in favor of something thrilling which I'll hide from relatives when I see them. Sure, I love acting like the cornucopia now and then, but I get to keep one of these pretty vials, don't I? Bye, Black Orchid. You smell like your name but not flamboyantly enough.

02/24/2015

ColinM

Helpful Review 4

It works.

The opening of Black Orchid is a tad tacky perhaps, but nicely made enough to avoid being completely cheesy: basically a sweet-floral sugar bomb, which soon gets more dry and balanced leaning towards a dark-sweet velvety floral blend, which is frankly quite pleasant. I get powdery-soapy notes (no flowers in particular, honestly) with a slight metallic aftertaste, something candied-fruity which smells tamed down enough not to look like teenagers’ gourmand stuff, vanilla (not that great), patchouli, incense, woods on the base (mostly vetiver). So shortly a sort of “mature”, fairly elegant and safe fruity-powdery scent with a sort of “dark” and silky allure. Somehow exuding a bit of cheapness overall, but not that bad – “it works”, in other words, this meaning it’s not stinky, it projects well, it lasts long, and in my opinion is decently, mediocrely, “generically” pleasant, which for certain situations (office for instance, or whatever other “mixed” social circumstance where you don’t feel wearing something more daring) may be an enjoyable feature.

6,5-7/10

02/06/2015

LicoriceRain

Very helpful Review 5

A melted, chocolate-coated vanilla ice cream bar in the back seat of a warm car.

For years, I have heard about Black Orchid, so I decided to finally try it. The notes listed include ylang-ylang and black currant, black orchid, and, basically, a patchouli/chocolate/vanilla drydown. I am wearing it now, and, basically, all I smell is a slightly metallic chocolate/vanilla. There seem to be differences of opinion about whether or not Orchid is strictly for women, or could pass as unisex, but personally, I think it could be worn by either. I admit my nose doesn’t pick up “creamy” scents very well, so any depth to this doesn’t register. I have heard the Bath and Body Works fragrance, Black Amethyst, is a “cheaper version” of Black Orchid, but after wearing both, I completely disagree. In fact, I actually prefer Black Amethyst, which opens with a lemony bergamot, compared to Orchid’s slightly powdery chocolate. I guess I am in the minority here, but Black Orchid isn’t worth the hype, which doesn’t surprise me because, although I love Plum Japonais, I have found Tom Ford fragrances to be drastically lacking in the drydown stages. Black Orchid reminds me of a melted, chocolate-coated vanilla ice cream bar in the back seat of a warm car.

10/30/2014

10.0/10

7.5/10

10.0/10

9.0/10

MasterLi

Helpful Review 7

Lush, Dirty, Sexy stuff...

Black Orchid was the first release for the Tom Ford brand. In his mind, he felt like the modern designer market trends didn't offer anything really unique, heavy or interesting enough... as most of them were watered down versions of best sellers. With Black Orchid, he wanted to evoke a smell of "old luxury & glamour", a sort of "retro" feel back to perfume. He decided to create Black Orchid.

This is such a complex fragrance. It could be gourmand, oriental, chypre, all rolled into one! I mainly get an earthy, chocolate patchouli mixed with a floral vanilla composition. The earthy smell also comes from truffle, which is damp and mushroom-like, with something reminding me of different fruits, including blackberry. But it never goes into the typical fruity-floral category as it manages to stay quite dark and earthy throughout, drying down to a dark, woody vanilla by the end. It smells decadent and rich, and that is certainly the vibe he was going for. There are a lot of conflicting notes, but the overall vibe works well.

I think this is definitely a seductive, going out type of fragrance, it's also probably unisex, as some women may find it a little "dark" for them to wear compared to light, happy florals. I think this would appeal to people who love gourmand perfumes and heavier, darker orientals, and older classics.

The bottle is very stylish and innovative, as is the presentation of Black & Gold. It really gives a rich, decadent, almost over the top vibe... yet still tasteful enough to appeal to most people. I think on the right person, in the right setting, this would smell amazing, as long as you spray lightly it can be worn in most places and occasions. A dark, sexy, dangerous and slightly edgy mix which manages to hold together and impress, just be ready to be a little shocked in the beginning, but it really is something unique and special. Dirty, sexy, edgy stuff!

2 Replies

02/07/2014

10.0/10

Karinoula

Very helpful Review 5

Perfume masterpiece

After a long time I finally got this "Black Orchid" this precious gem to my perfume collection. It is superb perfume, dark, gothic yet sweet and exotic very promising with huge longevity and sillage. As I am a perfume collector I have appreciated this perfume for the its deep character and unique smell. Thanks a lot Mr Ford for your outstanding idea to capture this perfume and combine so well the earthy pachouli along with the white flowers, the dark chocolate and insence and yet a touch of sweetness arises in the end to blend everything so well. Best to wear in winter.

01/28/2014

10.0/10

8.0/10

Fanny

Helpful Review 3

Lush Potion

When you are very very sensitive, this perfume obviously is too too much. For everybody else: black orchid makes you face any kind of music:
Swank, uninhibited, no excuses.

A tribute to Les Fleurs du Mal...

01/23/2014

Platinum1

Very helpful Review 7

~ Unique Unisex ~

This review is only based on minimal wearings but I have to say my initial impression as a man is this TF would be just masculine enough with it's patchouli notes to be in my weekly rotation. But if your a gent who sides on the absolutely "no labels for ladies" on your bottles or need a dark powerhouse you might pass on this sweet chocolatie vibe creation. The tropical fruit and floral notes really stand out and need a self assured wearer that doesn't concern themselves with marketing but only the assertive impression Black Orchid's sillage will give! For this Platinum Egoiste fan this is a real turn in tastes to spray but oddly I just can't keep from reaching for my sample! Will I buy a FB of this one? The verdict is still out but this unique unisex scent definitely has made an impression on my nose I won't soon forget!

Scent ~ 9/10

2 Replies

12/17/2013

10.0/10

7.5/10

8.0/10

Tar

Tar

Helpful Review 6

Pray under the dark sky

I am amazed. BLACK ORCHID is an excellent perfume, and even though I say, it is for exceptional occasions, if I would have a full bottle, I would use it almost every day.

At the beginning the freshness of black currant and bergamot overrun the airspace around me as a forerunner, before the torrent of dark orchid race in my nose, as a victorious conqueror. I would compare BLACK ORCHID to the GOLDEN LEATHER by Atelier Cologne, less alcohol, a bit more spice, but the same autumn scentiment, brown and watery as the soil after rain, melt with flowers, fruits and spices. Chocolate does not miss giving a certain darkness to fragrances, I am very glad, that the creator added it to the base of BLACK ORCHID.

This scent is a true, pagan pray to the goddess for rich harvest.

Many thanks for the sample to MiaVonTrost!

12/04/2013

10.0/10

Happygeisha

Very helpful Review 7

who's that girl?

the complexities of BLACK ORCHID are numerous and the result is nothing less than astounding. of course i expected nothing less from this power house. only the best ingredients could create a moment like this... dark, sweet, smoky and spicy all at once. it truly smells expensive too so you know you're getting your $150 dollars worth.

the base notes of chocolate and patchouli stay close to the skin but i can almost imagine the sillage leaving an imaginary trail of spices, orchid and gardenia behind me as i move through crowds.

WHO'S THAT GIRL?

it's definitely a work of art...wear it at night while dressed in black. that's all you'll need to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.

09/16/2013

Beachgirl2

Very helpful Review 9

Unearthly

I adore this fragrance! I notice the opening notes of course of woody spices, incense, patchouli and bitter dark chocolate, but then I just don't care anymore. I loose myself in the fragrance and it overwhelms my senses.

The scent reminds me of a dark primeval forest full of strange, intoxicating and hauntingly beautiful fragrances. Slightly sweet yet very esoteric and compelling. Like rich, sweet woody roots buried beneath the soil in a shadowy wood full of unearthly scents, it speaks to me in a very visceral way.

Pablo Neruda expressed my thoughts better when he wrote " I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul."

1 Replies

03/11/2013

5.0/10

10.0/10

4.0/10

Miaw2

Feminine coconut!

That's a monster in terms of sillage and lasting power.

I smell sweet coconut and vanilla mostly with some chocolate.

Beautiful scent but very very feminine.

Updated January 2014

01/07/2013

7.5/10

10.0/10

Samo71

Very helpful Review 5

elegant dreamy perfume

Tom Ford black orchid, “spicy floral and fruit accords”, lotus wood, patchouli, incense, vetiver, vanilla, balsam and sandalwood.Black Orchid starts right off with a bang — it is a statement fragrance, make no mistake about it. There is citrus, there is lots of sugar, there are heady floral notes, there is jammy fruit. Tempering all of that is a strong undertone of something earthy and dark (the black truffle accord, presumably) and vaguely off-kilter, in a good way.its so strong and it keep going all night and it mix with the body odor and give a wonderful feeling of just a dream .

12/22/2012

7.5/10

10.0/10

3.0/10

Drseid

This Is Very Scary Stuff...

Extremely floral and overbearing (albeit, it does live up to its name). This one was a scrubber for me. I honestly could never pull this stuff off, and while it would smell better on a lady, I am not sure I would want to smell it on *anyone*. Just way too much, IMO. The sillage on this one is tremendous, btw, so if you *do* want to wear it, be well aware that everyone else around you will be smelling it too. Just the thought of that makes me want to hide. 1.5 stars out of 5.

12/12/2012

10.0/10

7.5/10

10.0/10

Ysbrand

Very helpful Review 11

Blushed and disturbed and in love

There are so many great reviews of Black Orchid i don´t think another description is needed. But i have to say something about this fragance. It climbed up to my top 10 favourite fragances from the first sniff. Just like that. I agree with the many who find Black Orchid a quasi-pornographic scent. I agree it does smell to man´s crotch (a clean enough one) and it does smell to orchid (some cymbidium orchids have the same type of flower scent) which is something to praise amidst all the broken orchid promises of so many fragances. In my imagination Black Orchid´s opening and part of its developement are a fragant version of a mix between the humid atmosphere of an orchid greenhouse and the stuffy room where sex has been performed.

I am sorry for stressing the raunchy, more inappropriated qualities of Black Orchid, i am probably a sick pig. The truth is that it does smell wonderful. It can be messy and a bit confusing, but all those notes work out together somehow. Its the only vanilla i am confortable wearing so far, it joins a very lactonic sandalwood and the result is more creamy, fleshy indeed, than is sweet. Sweetness comes from flowers instead. I love its strange floralcy, its gourmand chocolate (with the cool patchouli smells almost minty) part, its smokiness, its milkiness... IMHO I see it more as a bold modern male oriental than a very femenine fragance, but, as always, what is gender in perfume?

3 Replies

11/12/2012

LiliumLibido

Greatly helpful Review 9

A glorious, sexy, hot mess!

There are actually many more notes in this fragrance than the ones that are listed. In fact, there are so many notes that only a few truly stand out, while the others are meshing together in a sort of background tapestry, showcasing the big players.

The most evident combination, (to me) is the truffle/ambregris duo: it creates an aura of such overt sexuality that it's hard to smell it without blushing. (Actually, Tom Ford was quoted as saying that he wanted Black Orchid to smell like a man's crotch, so there ya go, lol)
In terms of dark, naughty florals, this fragrance is way up there: in this case, the jasmine is as perfectly indolic and borderline inappropriate as it should be and plays beautifully with the vetiver and the patchouli. Added to the killer duo mentioned above, it's practically an arrestable offense in a bottle, lol.

07/26/2012

7.0/10

Coutureguru

Greatly helpful Review 12

Bewitched, bothered and bewildered

Hmmm ... how to begin? Perhaps I'll just eat my hat and then sit around simpering bashfully .
I don't like Tom Ford. I get the same feeling from him as I do from the Kardashian brood ... common and trashy.
I also had a dance partner who drowned herself in Black Orchid soon after it was launched. She turned out to be the raving bitch from hell and blamed it on being bi-polar.
I DETEST heavy Patchouli.
Why then, when I closed my eyes and applied three hefty sprays of Black Orchid to my right arm today, did I instantly and irrevocably FALL IN LOVE with it? It beggars belief that a fragrance with so many negative connotations for me ( and not tested on my skin all this time for those exact reasons) could bowl me over in the way it has. It's glorious!!
I'm going to shut up now and just glue my nose to my arm!

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