THERE are few things that Tom Ford does not excel at. Whether it be his primary role as fashion designer, or his role as filmmaker and director, Ford has proven that whatever he chooses to put his hand to, he shall succeed. But when it comes to his namesake fragrances, he truly shines – although my personal favourite will always be Grey Vetiver, any one of them will assuredly induce feverish fantasies of the man they allow you to become.
Noir Anthracite is no exception to this. Bergamot is pitched against rich black woods, creating a duality and finesse that travels beyond the average fragrance. When sprayed, it brings to mind memories of the Middle East, partly because of its deep and intensively spicy pepperiness, but also because Bahrain was the first country in which I wore it – without doubt, the perfect setting to experience it.
Tom Ford Noir Anthracite, 50ml
Top notes of bergamot, Sichuan pepper and warm ginger appear as the fragrance begins to unfold, whilst a rich floral heart of tuberose and jasmine sambac emerges, balancing the fragrance’s innate masculinity with subtle femininity. Bringing out the darkness, patchouli mixes with woods of fine cedar, santal and Indonesian Macassar. It is here that the fragrance truly shows its hand, letting the deep and musky wood leave a lasting impression.
Shot by Mert Atlas and Marcus Piggot, the Noir Anthracite campaign is at once both futuristic and sharply modern, yet stripped back and natural, reflecting both the duality of the fragrance itself and also its permeating sensuality, brought to life by supermodels Jon Kortajarena and Yasmin Wijnaldum.
by Thomas Marrington
Purchase Tom Ford Noir Anthracite Eau de Parfum 50ml from Harrods for £85