Black Origami

Scent Breakdown

Black Origami opens with a blast of truffle and gardenia; it's definitely trying to mimic Black Orchid's boldness. The black currant is a touch more prominent here, giving it a slightly fruitier edge initially, something less pronounced in Tom Ford's original. At the heart, the spicy orchid accord is undeniably present, though it lacks the luxurious smoothness and depth of the inspiration. A slight synthetic edge creeps in around the edges. The drydown leans heavily into the Mexican chocolate and patchouli. It’s a satisfyingly dark and gourmand conclusion, maybe 88% close to Black Orchid but with a noticeably rougher texture.

Wear time & Sillage

This isn’t a skin scent. Black Origami projects reasonably well for the first 2-3 hours, leaving a noticeable scent trail. Longevity is decent; I get a solid 6-7 hours on skin. It mellows considerably after that, becoming a softer chocolate-patchouli hum.

Final Thoughts

Black Origami gives you a decent rendition of the Black Orchid vibe without the hefty price tag. If you want to dip your toes into the dark, gourmand world without committing to Tom Ford's investment, this is a viable option. However, the synthetic notes are noticeable if you're familiar with the original. But if you're happy with a good approximation for everyday wear, Black Origami will serve you well. This is for the person who wants to project intrigue on a budget.