Our take
What does Bal d'Afrique smell like?
Launched in 2009, Bal d’Afrique draws on 1920s Paris and its fascination with African culture, as imagined by Ben Gorham for Byredo. Jérôme Epinette turned the idea into a sunny, gentle scent. The opening sparkles with bergamot, lemon and neroli, tart but never bitter. The floral heart stays tender: powdery violet, jasmine and watery cyclamen, like cut flowers in a sun-warmed room. The base is what sets it apart, with dry vetiver, supple amber and creamy musk leaving a clean, woody trace. A luminous, modern floral musk that helped put the Swedish house on the map.
When to wear it
Perfect for warm days, whether casual or at the office. It suits anyone who likes warm yet airy scents without a fixed gender.
It belongs to the Floral, Woody, Musky family. Bal d'Afrique is one of 6 creations by Byredo in our encyclopedia.
