Absolutely Fabulous: Tom Ford Champaca Absolute
I can’t help but worship at Tom Ford’s parfumerie. And sure, it doesn’t hurt that Ford is a fashion genius, or that he oozes so much sex appeal that straight women can’t help but blush, giggle and swoon at his very sight (knowing fully well just how futile all these flirtations are!). It’s fitting, then, that all of Ford’s fragrances have an inherent sexual aura about them — from the epic romance and sweet seduction of Black Orchid to the earthy, groovy vibe of White Patchouli.
Now, you can add another scintillating fragrance to the Ford empire with the introduction of Tom Ford Private Blend Champaca Absolute, a woody, spicy scent that features: top notes of Cognac and Tojakii Wine, trailed by a sweet blend of Bergamot, Davana and Mediterranean Broom Flower; a heart of Phantomia Orchid, White Violet and Night Blooming Jasmine; and a dry down of Vanilla Bean, Amber, Marron Glace and Sandalwood. This eclectic blend of ingredients yields an exotic, mesmerizing floral oriental scent that will make you feel as enchanting and bewitching as Scheherazade in One Thousand and One Nights, as alluring and magical as the Egyptian goddess Isis, as beautiful and desired as a modern-day Cleopatra.
Though it does boast a floral heart, the blend of notes is so sublime that you’ll detect everything from the sandalwood to the cognac and the jasmine, without any one note overriding the others.
The new scent comes in a 250ml decanter inspired by apothecaries’ dark brown glass bottles and designed to resemble a chess piece, with its sleek and crisp lines. Yes, Ford has once again proven himself to be the Bobby Fischer of fragrances.
Tom Ford Private Blend Champaca Absolute, $450 for 250ml bottle. Available at NeimanMarcus.com and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.