First Impressions – BDK, Tom Ford

BDK Parfums – Velvet Tonka – A bit of a misstep from BDK with their latest scent, Velvet Tonka. It opens up promisingly enough with a sweet vanillic almond mix that evokes the smell of marzipan and other such delicacies. However, before too long, the star of the show tonka accord starts to make its way through. It is well-executed, showcasing the powdery sweet hay-like facets of the tonka bean. However, it ultimately falls apart in the base notes, unable to sustain much of the polish of the opening—the behemoth-like woody amber accord busting through, and acting to cheapen the whole composition. 

The last thing I expected to encounter in a perfume at this price range was that dreaded combo. Such a shame, as this one could have been a contender. If you liked their Rouge Smoking, you might enjoy this one, and even though I’m not a ardent fan of that one, I would still prefer it over Velvet Tonka. Unfortunately, it also ends up being too sweet for my liking. 

Tom Ford – Ombre Leather Parfum – I didn’t love the original of this Tom Ford. The EDP from 2018 seemed to hum along at the same monotonous tone for its entirety. The Parfum is more enjoyable and wearable. The darkness of the original is gone, almost as if Sonia Constant has given the notes more room to breathe. The florals are accented. Ozonic violet leaf injecting the Parfum with that slight hint of gasoline and rough and ready edge ala Fahrenheit. Some of the softer florals of jasmine and orris provide interesting lift and contrast. The woody, smoky trail of the base sends this one out on a fitting note. Very nicely done.

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Bottle images courtesy of Google. Samples bought by the author.