In the realm of fragrance, Tom Ford has proven he needs no clues when it comes to discovering the secret of what men and women desire.
With his new Private Blend Collection, he uncovers six distinct fragrance categories - oriental, floral, tobacco, woods, leather and eau de cologne - and reveals them in the form of 12 mesmerizing, unisex fragrances. On the scent of this revolutionary collection, we asked Ford to divulge everything from his olfactory inspiration to his first memory of fragrance, his favourite smell and more.
What inspired The Private Blend Collection?
After making Black Orchid and Tom Ford for Men I found that I had 12 separate and fully developed scents ready to go. Each scent was so compelling and complex that it inspired the Private Blend Collection.
In what way are these fragrances "unconstrained by the conventions of mainstream scent making?"
I find myself starved for rich, complex scents that don't really exist in the fragrances marketplace right now. When I created Private Blend, I really challenged the perfumers to find pure ingredients that had extraordinary depth and personality.
Why did you choose to make this collection unisex?
I've never understood this idea of one flower being only for a man and another flower only for a woman. The fact that women put on floral scents to attract men must mean that men like that smell too. So why not smell that way themselves?
Do you have a favourite scent in the collection?
Right now my favourite is Tobacco Vanille. I also like Japon Noir, which I wear a lot, and Neroli Portofino. I wear different scents for different occasions.
Do you feel that fragrance is a reflection of fashion and, if so, in what way?
The Private Blend fragrances are connected in a direct way to everything that I create. They are hand-crafted and exclusive.
Do you see fragrance as sexual or sensual?
Fragrance can be sexual or sensual, or both, or neither. Mine tend to be both at different times.
How should fragrance be worn?
You should only be able to detect the scent I am wearing if you are very, very close to me.
What's your first memory of fragrance?
My grandmother wore Youth Dew from the early '60s to the day she died. I bought her house in 1995, in New Mexico, and there are moments in time when I can still smell the scent.
What's your favourite smell?
It sounds silly but I love the smell of my dog's ears.
What does 'private' mean to you?
Private Blend is private because not everyone will be wearing them. It is in very limited distribution, so it will always feel like your own personal scent.
The Tom Ford Private Blend Collection is available exclusively at Holt Renfrew locations and through 1-866-Holt-Renfrew (1-866-268-8736).
By Christy Wright
