Black Opium the Eau de Toilette, or how to stir our senses. Who does not know Yves Saint Laurent? A key figure in haute couture and perfumery, the designer left his mark on the fashion of the 1960s.
Released in 2014, Black Opium Eau de Toilette follows the Opium saga that began in 1977. From its release, Black Opium Eau de Toilette ranked among the 5 best-selling perfumes in the world. Still just as enigmatic, Black Opium Eau de Toilette nonetheless aims to be more modern and more seductive than its predecessor. Both seductive and nonchalant, the Black Opium Eau de Toilette fragrance releases its power in small touches until total enchantment sets in… Intended for today’s woman, rock and contemporary, Black Opium Eau de Toilette, considered an adrenaline shot, has unquestionably kept its power of seduction intact!
Black Opium, the collaboration of 4 perfumers for one of the most addictive fragrances
In order to create this fragrance full of charm and mystery, the house of Yves Saint Laurent called on 4 perfumers, Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp and Honorine Blanc. Nathalie Lorson was born in Grasse. She began her career at IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances), and quickly became a talented, sensitive and creative perfumer. She is behind magnificent fragrances such as Place Vendôme by Boucheron or Gentleman Only by Givenchy. Marie Salamagne is a graduate of the prestigious perfumery school, ISIPCA. Humble and discreet, Marie Salamagne is known for her mineral and salty perfumes. She is behind Luna by Nina Ricci or Alaïa Paris Blanche by Azzedine Alaïa. Olivier Cresp is considered a highly talented perfumer, even a genius. It is indeed Olivier Cresp who is behind the composition of the first gourmand perfume, Angel by Thierry Mugler. As for Honorine Blanc, she is also a graduate of ISIPCA and works within the Firmenich company. She created Loverdose by Diesel, and Encounter by Calvin Klein.
Black Opium and its unexpected pairing of coffee and white flowers
Black Opium Eau de Toilette opens with bold coffee notes that blend harmoniously with pear, the whole enhanced by pink pepper berries. Native to Ethiopia and tropical Africa, the coffee tree is an evergreen shrub. Its cultivation spread to Yemen and to Arab provinces where it is called K’hawah, which means invigorating in Arabic. In the 15th century, the Arabs introduced coffee to Persia, Egypt, and North Africa. Coffee arrived in Europe around 1600, thanks to Venetian merchants. In perfumery, coffee absolute is used. It is obtained through volatile solvent extraction of the seeds of the coffee tree's fruit. It releases powerful, full-bodied tonalities. Then, the heart of Black Opium Eau de Toilette is filled with a sumptuous bouquet of white flowers, mainly composed of jasmine and orange blossom. The base of Black Opium Eau de Toilette is sensual and oriental, combining vanilla, patchouli and cedarwood. Contemporary and impertinent, the composition of Black Opium Eau de Toilette leaves an unforgettable sillage. As for the bottle, it draws on the main codes of its predecessor, taking up the shape of the Japanese inro. It is here covered in glittery black for maximum modernity, with a candy pink heart, resolutely feminine.