In 1977, the perfume Opium was born, a true legend of perfumery that had nonetheless been highly controversial at first. It was then followed in 2014 by its successor named Black Opium, a true concentrate of audacity, more urban than before. This fragrance was in turn modernized in 2015, in the form of an eau de toilette refreshed with blackcurrant and electrified with mandarin.
Long criticized, the Opium collection from the house Yves Saint-Laurent has stirred every emotion since its creation in 1977. Hated by some, adored by others, this juice is considered one of the greatest fragrances in history. Also, as if to further extend its renown, the house Yves Saint-Laurent decided to revisit it. The newcomer to the range is named Black Opium Floral Shock. It is presented as a floral and sun-kissed coffee. So, what is truly hidden behind this name, and to whom do we owe this new masterpiece?
Yves Saint-Laurent collaborates with four perfumers
Black Opium Floral Shock is a very ambitious fragrance. Indeed, it follows several legends of perfumery. It therefore had to live up to its predecessors. So, as if to hedge the bet, the house Yves Saint-Laurent chose to have four perfumers collaborate on this project. Thus, Black Opium Floral Shock is a concentrate of all their creativity. This fragrance was notably developed by Nathalie Lorson, Honorine Blanc, Marie Salamagne and Olivier Cresp. Each of them is today among the most renowned perfumers in the world. Nathalie Lorson and Olivier Cresp both grew up in the Grasse region, the world capital of perfumery. Thus, they were immersed early on in the world of scents, and the work of raw materials seems rooted in their genetic heritage. Moreover, it is precisely their sun-kissed and Mediterranean origins that are found in the composition of Black Opium Floral Shock. Marie Salamagne, for her part, is passionate about art in general. Thus, she creates each of her fragrances with the same fervor that guides her in the world of music, painting or dance. Finally, Honorine Blanc has a more scientific vision of fragrances. Together, they developed a very complex yet equally harmonious recipe. The result is an exceptional fragrance emanating from four true geniuses.
The highly elaborate recipe of Black Opium Floral Shock
Black Opium Floral Shock opens with a very airy breath. Thus, it immediately displays its lightness. This fragrance opens with a blend of citrus dominated by bergamot and lemon. These release a citrus breath here, accompanied by the fruity and juicy gourmand quality of pear. Then, freesia opens the way to a more floral heart. This takes us directly to the Mediterranean region. Thus, Black Opium Floral Shock contains one of the most emblematic ingredients of the Mediterranean: orange blossom. This is paired with the opulence of jasmine, an emblematic ingredient of feminine perfumery. Gardenia, for its part, counterbalances its effect with its bewitching clarity. This sensation continues moreover into its sillage. Black Opium Floral Shock is rich in white musk. On the other hand, it gains intensity thanks to the vibrant and euphoric presence of coffee.