Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino

This Summer, apart from dressing us up in glistening eye makeup and luscious nude pouts [see here], Tom Ford has also released a sexy new member to the Neroli Portofino series. This is a small collection of cologne-inspired style of fragrances within the Private Blend Collection, and is now joined by the 4th and latest – Fleur de Portofino.

Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino Collection is a special series of fragrances that are designed in the “Eau de Cologne” style, which is traditionally a recipe of citrus and herb notes with very little in the base. Not to be confused, however, to indicate lesser concentration as is now commonly associated with in the industry, as these are still labeled as Eau de Parfum. The spirit of the collection is vibrant and fresh, inspired by seaside towns and sunny summers. The latest Fleur de Portofino carries very much the same characteristics, but with a very interesting and uncommon twist – this is a floral cologne!

“Vibrant. Carefree. Captivating. Private Blend Fleur de Portofino is inspired by the cascades of white flowers that spill off the branches of the white acacia beloved shade tree that dots the mediterranean’s gardens and lines its tranquil avenues. Fleur de Portofino creates a crisp and bright floral accord from this bloom, then surrounds it with effervescent citruses and acacia honey. The fragrance creates an effect of sheer floral possession that is incomparably hypnotic and extremely bold.”
– Tom Ford

Having given the original Neroli Portofino several tries in the past, and each time regretting it on my skin; I was very surprised when I took a whiff of Fleur de Portofino and fell in love. It opens with the slight crisp bite of citrus essences – Sicilian lemon, mandarin from Sorrento, Calabrese bergamot, and tangerine. In true cologne style, it has that freshness and lifts the entire fragrance up to the senses. But within minutes, that opening note fades and what you experience after that, is quite simply the warm summer sunshine draped over the fertile Tuscan fields.

At the heart of the fragrance is the white acacia blossom. It is paired with white magnolia, Moroccan rose absolute, and jasmine grandiflorum concrete… all blending harmoniously to give a stunning floral bouquet. The inclusion of the fragrant orange flower Templar, the spicy cassie tree and herbaceous mimosa, keeps things interesting for Fleur de Portofino. The dry down is a smooth golden honey… the nectar of the acacia flower mixed with Cistus absolute produced a golden, resinous flavor. This is warmed further by vanilla absolute and Tolu balsam. Fleur de Portofino is a sexy Italian, warm-hearted and spirited, full of the joie de vivre of summer.

Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino is a warm floral scent made interesting by a citrus zest and kept light enough to be enjoyed in the summer months ahead. At the same time, it is a voluptuous, alluring cologne that beckons the beguiling. I only wish it lasts longer on me, because at SGD330 (USD215) for 50ml, 4-6 hours’ wear time seems too short.  It will be available in Singapore at the TANGS Orchard Beauty Hall in June.

_{^{I was provided a small decant of this fragrance for my sampling and consideration by the kind folks at Tom Ford Singapore.  All opinions expressed above are my own honest, unbiased views.}}