Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu review by Alexa Wang
Our attention is always grabbed at Flux when we get wind of a new Tom Ford Private Blend fragrance launch. And this one turned out to be one our very favourites newcomers of the year.
Patchouli absolu is based around one of Tom Ford’s most beloved ingredients in a new fragrance of alluring depth.
Patchouli is an exotic bush related to mint that grows mainly in India. The herb is graced with delicate pinkish-white flowers and aromatic leaves that, famed for the rich and mysterious sensuality inspired by their wonderful heady scent, have been used for centuries in perfumery.
Described as Tom Ford’s personal ode to an ingredient that is intertwined with his own story, leave the hippy connotations of patchouli at the door with this one (hippies did nothing for the reputation of the herb, typically wearing very bad synthetic formulations). For in Mr Ford’s book this iconic olfactive note of the 1970s evokes louche sensuality and late-night glamour, as well as the heady blending of masculine and feminine that defined the era.
With Patchouli absolu we see the transformation of the iconic raw material into a hypnotic, modern fragrance. Three versions of Patchouli add their elixir to the mix here. Patchouli oil contributes a rich green, herbaceous heart; patchouli coeur contributes an elusive and luxurious earthiness, and a breakthrough iteration of patchouli called clearwood, used for the very first time in perfumery, is the most exquisite rendition of patchouli’s darkly addictive signature ever captured.
The patchouli core of the fragrance is joined by inviting opening notes of contrasting bay leaf and rosemary, paired with the velvet touch of moss. The heart of the aroma is then surrounded by an intricate weave of earthy aromas; smoky guiacwood, cypriol and violet wood, whilst sheer cashmere woods support the patchouli centerpiece, reinforcing its woody signature. Finally, compelling sensuality from tonka bean and amber intertwined with musks and supple notes of leather thread together the raw, textural elements of the fragrance.
This is a seductive and devil may care fragrance, that, like all the Private Blend bottles, can be worn by both men and women. Certainly one for under the tree this Christmas.
Patchouli absolu EDP is on counters now. 50 ml price (£142), 100 ml price (£215), 250 ml (£330).
Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu review by Alexa Wang
