Fleur Noire

Fleur Noire is a white floral with a dark base from the Italian house LPDO, released in 2020 and worn by anyone. Everyone who describes it calls it floral, about half add citrus, a third find it woody, and a smaller group mention spicy, gourmand and amber.

Mandarin orange, bergamot and other citruses open it brightly, with black gardenia already present, creamy and heady with a slightly darker, mushroomy edge than ordinary gardenia. The heart is lush: jasmine, rich and warm; ylang-ylang, sweet and creamy; orchid and lotus, soft and watery; and a touch of spice that adds warmth. The base is where the name earns its keep, with incense bringing a dry smoke, patchouli an earthy depth, sandalwood a creamy wood and vanilla a soft sweetness.

Bright at first, then full and smoky, it suits evenings and the cooler months. Anyone who likes big white flowers but wants an incense-and-patchouli shadow beneath them should find it rewarding.

Fleur Noire — unisex fragrance by LPDO (released 2020). Top notes: Black Gardenia, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Citruses. Heart notes: Jasmine, Spicy Notes, Ylang-Ylang, Orchid, Floral Notes, Lotus. Base notes: Vanilla, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Incense. — Parfica open fragrance database