Our take
What does Velvet Orchid Lumière smell like?
Tom Ford released Velvet Orchid Lumière in the US in late 2016 as a new edition of Velvet Orchid from 2014. Both descend from Black Orchid, the brand's dark pillar since 2006. No perfumer has been named. The opening blends bergamot and mandarin with soft rum and sticky honey. From the first minute, this is gourmand. The heart rests on black orchid, a fantasy accord more than a real flower, with jasmine and rose alongside. Sandalwood, myrrh and vanilla make up the base. The myrrh keeps a bitter resinous thread, and it is what stops the whole thing from turning into dessert. Compared with Black Orchid, Lumière drops the truffle and the earthy darkness. It gains brightness and loses character in the same move. Some will find it easier to wear. Others will find it a little anonymous.
When to wear it
Made for autumn and winter evenings, sprayed on a sweater or coat where the honey lingers. Two sprays are plenty.
It belongs to the Floral, Oriental / Amber family. Velvet Orchid Lumière is one of 33 creations by Tom Ford in our encyclopedia.
