Black Orchid starts off with that familiar barrage of sweet notes, first popularised by Thierry Mugler’s Angel in 1992. In the intervening fourteen years this sweet overload has now beco me a set piece for a statement perfume.
Interestingly, once the initial opening has faded, the dry down is intriguing. Black Orchid has a bit of a Wizard of Oz persona. It starts off as this huge overpowering presence. But look behind the curtain and a much quainter version of reality stands in the Wizard’s place. Frustratingly I can’t work out what the dry down is. It’s halfway between a lush greenness and a chemical, almost industrial smell. The intention seems to be a vanilla-ish mossy greenness, but I'm not sure if it quite comes off.
Ultimately, Black Orchid is a statement perfume. It's perfect if you want to make an entrance. This would be THE perfume to wear if you know you’re going to be bumping into your ex. You will certainly stand out.