Black Orchid was created by perfumers of the fragrance company Givaudan in 2006. It was announced as an oriental chypre. The top notes are French jasmine, black truffle, ylang-ylang, black currant, and effervescent citrus. In the floral-spicy heart, dwells Tom Ford's black orchid, more imaginary than real, and the base combines woodsy notes (patchouli and sandalwood), dark chocolate, incense, amber, vetiver, vanilla, and balsam. Black Orchid is opulent and classically dark; its fragrance is in line with the best creations of the best perfume houses. A luxurious and sensual fragrance with a rich, dark trace of black orchid and spices, it is modern and timeless. It remains to be said that Black Orchid is long lasting and with a widespread aura. "This is not about an ordinary orchid, it's about something a little more strange and rare. I wanted the blackest orchid, and those aren't easy to find." The perfume is luxurious and the product range includes Eau de Parfum in 50 ml (at US$90) and 100 ml (at US$135) bottles, and a limited edition of 5,000 15 ml bottles of Parfum at US$600. The distribution is limited.."

Thomas Carlyle Ford, better known today as Tom Ford, is an American fashion designer and film director. Initially trained as an architect at Parsons School of Design, Ford spent a year working abroad at an internship for fashion house Chloé and developed a feel for the fashion industry. Ford concealed his architecture background and displayed considerable personal charm in his pursuit of a job in the fashion industry. His first position was with American designer Cathy Hardwick. He accepted a position with Perry Ellis, but knew better prospects were available in Europe. Prestigious Italian fashion house Gucci was struggling at the time, and Ford accepted a position in Gucci's women's Ready-to-Wear division in 1990. Ford achieved considerable success at Gucci, eventually heading up multiple divisions before being named Creative Director in 1992. Ford's efforts were pivotal in Gucci's turn-around. The company was nearly bankrupt when Ford joined the organization, but when he left in 2004, the company's value had more than doubled. During Ford's tenure with Gucci, the company acquired Yves Saint Laurent, and Ford created provocative, controversial and highly successful ad campagins for YSL fragrances Opium and M7. These ads were an early indicator of Ford's future direction. Tom Ford returned to the U.S. and announced the creation of his own brand in 2005. The company offers fashions, accessories and eyewear, and is known for its sexually-charged advertising. Ford also formed a partnership with Estee Lauder that same year, for the development of fragrances and cosmetics. The first fragrance produced under this alliance, Black Orchid (2006) was an immediate success. A series of successful fragrances for men and women have since been launched, along with a prestige line, Tom Ford Private Blend, whose first fragrance was Purple Patchouli in 2007. Ford's career took an unusual turn in 2009 when he directed his first film, "A Single Man," which was well-received by critics and filmgoers and earned a number of awards and nominations for the director and actors.

Top Note: Jasmine, Mandarin Orange, Gardenia, Ylang-Ylang, Bergamot, Amalfi Lemon, Black Currant, Truffle

Middle Note: Ylang- Ylang, Jasmine, Gardenia, Orchid, Jasmine, Fruity Notes, Spices

Bottom Note: White Musk, Mexican Chocolate, Vanille, Incense, Amber, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Classification: Niche Fragrance

Family Name: Oriental Floral