1977: Yves Saint-Laurent gave birth to a landmark fragrance, named Opium and evocative of sex, drugs and transgression. 2014: appearing as the new symbol of emancipated women, Black Opium reinvents this legend and presents itself as the burning, sulfurous elixir of a new century. 2023: the sensual heroine of the house of Yves Saint-Laurent is once again in the spotlight, in an even more intense version. The sensuality of this collection reaches its peak with the release of Black Opium Le Parfum by Yves Saint-Laurent.
Opium by Yves Saint-Laurent is a fragrance that has always been deeply talked about. Created in 1977, it immediately caused controversy. Adored by some, it sold out barely a month after its release in Europe. Conversely, Americans found its illicit connotations so shocking. Yet, in 2023, the story of this essence extolling artificial paradises and debauchery still endures. Yves Saint-Laurent invites you to a new frenzied dance, with Black Opium Le Parfum. Here is our review.
Olfastory’s review
Black Opium Le Parfum by Yves Saint-Laurent, a legend!
First, let us salute the boldness of the house of Yves Saint-Laurent. Indeed, it took considerable courage to dare take on such a monument of perfumery! Yet, it must be noted that the challenge is brilliantly met. Black Opium Le Parfum by Yves Saint-Laurent is indeed addressed to the enchanting women of today. It is a new burning, magnetic elixir, thrilling the skin. Dangerously contemporary, it once again invites flirtation with the forbidden and simply intoxicates with desire. With a single breath, Black Opium Le Parfum by Yves Saint-Laurent transports one to an illicit elsewhere. It paints the portrait of a bold, sulfurous woman. Yves Saint-Laurent's new heroine celebrates life unrestrainedly. With her, everyday life is a celebration. Black Opium Le Parfum by Yves Saint-Laurent invites nocturnal abandon and the magic works instantly!
The extraordinary work of vanilla by Yves Saint-Laurent
As before, and in keeping with tradition, Black Opium Le Parfum by Yves Saint-Laurent is built around a coffee and vanilla duo. However, the work on the vanilla truly sets it apart from its predecessors. The pods are worked with extreme care, giving rise to a custom composition. Perfumers Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp and Honorine Blanc notably blended Planifolia vanilla from Madagascar, Madagascar vanilla pod, Tahiti vanilla absolute and Bourbon vanilla infusion from Madagascar. The result is an oriental, woody juice, further enhanced by other ingredients, such as an intense patchouli, jasmine, orange blossom, pear or mandarin. The whole unfolds a smooth, captivating femininity with a subtly tangy edge. Moreover, the ingredients used here are rigorously selected and some of them even come from sustainable supply chains.
Black Opium Le Parfum dons an enchanting bottle
From then on, all that remained was to design a bottle worthy of the occasion. Here again, the expertise of the house of Yves Saint-Laurent resurfaces on every front. Black Opium Le Parfum by Yves Saint-Laurent is once again presented in a case inspired by a Japanese inro. This time, however, it is now decorated in a particularly glossy black shade, resembling vinyl. To electrify this dark night, its center is set with a shower of glitter. The result is a luminous halo resembling the lights illuminating the city at dusk.