FRAGRANCE | Lavender Extrême EDP by Tom Ford: Lavender in extreme doses

The metallic bottle sure is eye-catching, and it definitely helped pique my interest when Tom Ford Lavender Extrême was released some two years ago. What I didn't like was the designer marketing this in the upper tier of his Private Blend Collection. I always hate it when he does that, as if his offerings aren't expensive enough. Oh well, poor me. But thanks to a good deal, I got a bottle. 

Lavender is indeed here and in extreme doses. It's a very realistic representation of dried lavender flowers with its aromatic and dusty character. Although I love it, I reckon this may be off-putting to some because it smells too raw and real, more like the actual herb than a perfume. In most fragrances I've tried that feature lavender in a prominent light, it's usually smooth and creamy. From classics like YSL's Rive Gauche pour Homme and Ralph Lauren's Safari for Men, to Mr Ford's own Beau de Jour, the flowering herb is always nice and smooth. Here, there's hardly any glossing over. 

After a few minutes, however, a budding oily facet slowly comes through. It's almost like coconut to my nose. Notes begin to overlap and the lavender starts to smoothen out. While it does become more rounded, it doesn't fully commit to being all-out creamy. The dry and dusty herbal aspect of the opening is still very recognizable, just toned down a few notches.

Later, a deep tonka sweetness develops but ends up coating the scent only mildly. In contrast, Lush's Twilight, which also features a very dominant dried lavender, is much sweeter. There's also a tiny sharpness peeking, a subtle accent that helps maintain balance in the composition. Even as the scent progresses and gradually dips in strength, lavender remains the star. Throughout its long life on my skin, there's absolutely nothing that obscures its distinct aroma. Everything introduced here complements the tiny purple flower perfectly. 

Tom Ford Lavender Extrême is a fragrance that's true to its name—and quite unapologetically so. It's a celebration of the aromatic flowering herb, where its raw beauty is consistently spotlighted throughout. Lovers of lavender—and maybe of herbal scents in general—are likely to enjoy this frag. 

It projects a relaxing vibe, borrowing from lavender's innate calming properties. It's versatile weather-wise but I think its use may be limited to more casual settings or personal spaces. But then who am I to say so?