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| Above: Byredo Black Saffron: dark, mysterious, sweet, smoky and wearable…the quintessence of unconventional. |
Concerning fragrances, I love (1) unexpected scents that are (2) still pleasing to the nose and (3) suitable for daily wear. Although this trifecta should be the embodiment of most fragrances, it, in reality, is quite difficult to find. There are the scents that are unexpected but not pleasing to the nose (for me, the cult favorite Guerlain L’Heure Bleue…I own it and want to wear it but I can’t). Then there are fragrances that are pleasing to the nose but not suitable for daily wear (Prada Amber…love it but it’s too overpowering for a Monday-Friday lifestyle). Finally there are those that are suitable for daily wear but are so mainstream that they begin to lack a uniqueness that piques interest (for example, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle…it’s business friendly and great for tight quarters but four people around you might be wearing it, too).
Byredo Black Saffron, however, magnificently manages to be unique yet warable and I cannot stop from sniffing my wrist when I wear it…for me, it manifests a winning combination that stirs both an air of mystery and contentment. It is smoky, sweet, slightly fruity and truly unique…in three words: I adore it.
Kindly scroll on for more details, images and the Bottom Line…
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| Above: The three travel sprays contain 12ml each and the trio retails for $110. |
Here are the official details, courtesy of Neiman Marcus…
BYREDO BLACK SAFFRON:
An oriental composition that opens with the bright citrus note of Asian pomelo and crisp juniper berries, mellowed into a golden sillage by Kashmiri saffron. At the heart lies black violet fused with a leather accord, their dark, dry composition born aloft by the delicate transparency of cristal rose. At the base, blond woods add radiant warmth and harmony, punctuated by flashes of luscious raspberry. The journey concludes with gentle, earthy vetiver. The 12 mL eau de parfum vials are created to fit in the Byredo leather travel case (sold separately).
INGREDIENTS:
Top: Pomelo, saffron, juniper berry
Heart: Black violet, accord cuir, cristal rose
Base: Blond woods, raspberry, vetiver
About Byredo Fragrances:
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Byredo was founded by painter-turned-creative-director Ben Gorham in 2006. Partnering with perfumers Olivia Giacobetti and Jerome Epinette, Gorham’s scents are inspired by distinct places (such as Palermo, Italy), moments in time (think 1920s excess and avant-gardism), and works of art (for example, a photograph taken by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin), as well as memories and personal experiences. Gorham—born in Sweden to a Canadian father and Indian mother, raised between Stockholm, Toronto, and New York—leverages his global background as a beauty industry ‘outsider.’ The Byredo difference? A preference for uncluttered notes and a dedication to quality craftsmanship. In addition to fragrances—perfumes, colognes, and roll-on oils—Byredo offerings include personal care items such as bar soaps, body creams, lotions, and travel cases, plus scented candles for the home.
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| Above: Visually captivating, no? |
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| Above: Wearing three spritzes of Byredo Black Saffron while at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (more on this later). I feel like this image adequately captures the mood of the fragrance. |
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| Above: The travel case is made of soft calfskin leather and has a magnetic top closure for secure transport. |
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| Above: Perfect for the purse. |
Bottom Line: Byredo Black Saffron is utterly intoxicating (this coming from a girl that doesn’t even drink!). The unconventional, mysterious, smoky-sweet sillage of this juice places it in the “intriguing yet still appropriate for daily wear” category and, much like Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, I do not tire of its incredible olfactory effect. The leather travel case is both visually stunning and genius for one who likes to keep her fragrance near (as I do)…this is likely to be a permanent fixture in my handbag. I cannot recommend this perfume enough, especially if your tastes gravitate towards the musky, sweet, smoky, slightly fruity and unique, I implore you to, at minimum, procure a sample!
Have YOU tried Byredo Black Saffron or another fragrance from the Byredo line? Thoughts?
Good things ahead on BP including the drawing for the RBR Palette, TWO new foundations + swatches to discuss and a preview of some incredible new releases from Koh Gen Do…and that’s just for starters ; )
Hope your week is going well thus far…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
**PR sample provided for review however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (2)
I have always wanted to add a Byredo to my perfume collection, and have tried several, but nothing has ever really captivated me so far. Maybe this will be the one?! It sounds right up my alley!! My birthday is coming up, and I love to gift myself with a new perfume on this day, so I will check it out ASAP. The leather case is exquisite. I am looking forward to your Koh Gen Do post!! Thanks for your always enlightening and well written reviews 🙂
Hi Summer…although I haven't tried every Byredo fragrance, I can attest to the wonder that is Black Saffron. It is truly magnificent and I've been wearing it daily! Happy early birthday, too ; ) The KGD posts are in the works!
Thanks for your kind words…xx and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor