Our take
What does Vanille Fatale smell like?
Tom Ford added Vanille Fatale to the Private Blend collection in late 2017. The brand sums it up as a mahogany wood accord, roasted barley and vanilla resinoid. The opening is surprising. Saffron, coriander, myrrh and frankincense give church smoke rather than dessert. The heart then toasts everything with barley and roasted coffee, while narcissus and frangipani stay in the background. Madagascar vanilla only shows up in the base. It is dry and sits on mahogany and a slightly animalic suede that gives it grain. Nobody will think of cake. Compared with the house's Tobacco Vanille, Vanille Fatale is less honeyed and smokier, with a rougher texture. The catch is how quiet it is. It stays close to the skin and needs several sprays to register. At Private Blend prices, some will find that frustrating.
When to wear it
An evening vanilla for winter, on skin and on a wool collar. Go for four sprays since it turns intimate quickly.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber family. Vanille Fatale is one of 33 creations by Tom Ford in our encyclopedia.
