Our take
What does Datura Noir smell like?
Serge Lutens released Datura Noir in 2001. Christopher Sheldrake built this floral around a toxic plant, datura, whose large trumpet flowers open at night. The opening is bright and fruity. Mandarin peel mingles with apricot and lemon blossom. Then the white flowers take over. Tuberose and osmanthus get along well with coconut, which gives a creamy tropical feel. Heliotrope adds its almond powder. In the base, bitter almond meets myrrh and vanilla. Tonka and musk make everything plush. The bitter almond can clash on some skins. Even so, it is quieter than you might imagine, with moderate sillage. Next to Robert Piguet’s Fracas, the reference tuberose, Datura Noir is sweeter and stranger. It keeps a shadowy side that lives up to the name. Few white florals manage to feel this soft and this odd at the same time. Wear it once and you will know whether it is for you.
When to wear it
An evening scent for summer and autumn, best on warm skin. Two sprays are enough because it stays close yet lasts a long time.
It belongs to the Floral, Oriental / Amber family. Datura Noir is one of 31 creations by Serge Lutens in our encyclopedia.
