Tom Ford Velvet Orchid EDP

Devotee of Black Orchid here. So nothing will be better to me than the black flask and its juice. This flanker is beautiful though. Not as potent as the Black one, softer playful sis of his. Has Black Orchid core (or dna as people like to call it), but added sweetness and lightness. Hint of honeyed rum, The Orchid Accord (invented and played beautifully in this formulation), some hint of more non descript florals mixed in deep velvety suede balsams resins , sticky, yet smooth. Not dark as Black Orchid, not dry as he is, not earthy. Just lighter and brighter. Still dark enough and sexy. I would not mind smelling this on a man as well as Black Orchid. Even though it is marketed to women. Lasts on me all day, though not as strong projecting as Black Orchid, still great performer.

Tom Ford fragrances have become a bit of an addiction for me.  Not for the faint of heart, they are all about luxe and powerful femininity.  Velvet Orchid is possibly one of the easier ones to wear - a bit brighter than its dusky big sister, Black Orchid.  It's one of those perfumes that can evolve nicely with the seasons rather than being a strictly summer or winter fragrance, and who wouldn't want to smell like Velvet Orchid all year round!  It's gorgeous.  Lush, glamorous, sophisticated, and sure to get you noticed.  And if you can find Velvet Orchid Lumiere, check that one out too as it's equally fantastic and the ribbed purple bottles (one shiny, the other matte) are so pretty you might decide you NEED both!

Tom Ford‘s Velvet Orchid feels like a mirror image of his famous, Black Orchid. Their contrasting essences are: light and dark; day and night; an easy, approachable purring, versus bold, overtly seductive growling. One reason why is that the creamy, velvety florals at their core are infused either with bright citruses, boozy vanilla and caramel amber, or by a multi-faceted bouquet of bitter-sweet chocolate, patchouli, and earthy black truffles. Both fragrances are very enjoyable to wear, even compulsively sniffable at times, but which one you prefer will probably depend primarily on your personal style. Some might find Velvet Orchid to be a de-fanged version of its older sibling, while others may think it’s a considerably easier, softer fragrance. I personally find Velvet Orchid slightly more feminine without losing any of the boldness, luxury and vavavoom. This is a special occasion fragrance for me. When I need a little neck nuzzle, this is what I reach for.

I was disappointed when I purchased this product as it wasn't all that I expected from a Tom Ford fragrance. It is a beautiful feminine fragrance with oriental overtones but doesn't have that uniqueness. When I purchase an expensive fragrance I expect to be noticed but feel that Velvet Orchid just doesn't rise to that level.

Tom Ford does spectacular fragrances....unique....yet wearable,familiar....yet not pedestrian,and that is why i love this particular offering. This is a very,very different fragrance type....it is floral,yet not "girly", citrus,yet "dirty" undertoned.This is labeled as "an oriental floral" that hints at the grandeur and seductive power of the original..."Black Orchid",but transformed that into an uber-feminine fragrance lavished with notes of cool citrus, dramatic petals, honey and rum (hence the "dirty" tones i mentioned). This scent lasts for hours,is not for the "wallflowers" among us,and is more at home with a stiletto wearing vixen than a barefooted babe.The bottle ? PURE LUXURY...it is a stunning violet shade,with what can only be described as "tactile,glamorous pleats",that are highlighted by the beautiful gold label and delicate cord around the neck of the bottle....truly a piece to display. TIP:Only one....WEAR WITH CAUTION,this is hypnotic.