Good news Tom Ford fans; Edgars in the V&A Waterfront has just gotten its very own Tom Ford counter, one of just four in the country.

I popped into the launch the other night and loved being able to sniff all of Mr Ford’s super exclusive Private Blend fragrances on South African soil. (I usually play with these when I’m in Sephora overseas, always making a made a beeline for Neroli Portofino. A mix of citrus, orange blossom, neroli and amber, it perfectly captures the essence of a summer’s day by the sea.)

Aside from the Private Blend fragrances, all the other signature Tom Ford scents are there too, think Black Orchid, White Patchouli, Violet Blonde and Sahara Noir.

I’ve been wearing the lighter version of Black Orchid for years now; Black Orchid Voile de Fleur. It’s always been my go-to ‘sexy’ scent when I want to make a real statement and add the finishing touch to a wicked little cocktail dress. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to discover I’d been given a bottle of the original Black Orchid upon leaving.

For those of you not familiar with the scent, it’s a heady blend of notes that include French jasmine, black truffle, ylang-ylang, blackcurrant, patchouli, sandalwood, dark chocolate, incense, amber, vetiver and vanilla.

Ultimately, Black Orchid is the kind of scent that, much like Thierry Mugler’s Angel, often announces itself before you enter the room and, if you’re not careful, can end up wearing you as opposed to the other way around. For these reasons, you’ll either love it or hate it. There is no in between.

Personally, I’ve always liked Black Orchid but ended up buying Voile de Fleur as I felt it was an easier way to wear the scent. However, Voile de Fleur’s clearly acted as a ‘gate way drug’ in that I’m now fully obsessed with the original. Obsessed. It’s now big guns Black Orchid all the way, darlings! I’m even glad we’re having a li’l spate of miserable weather right now as it’s perfect for wearing Mr Ford’s most potent, deliciously dark and addictive scent.

Anyway, if you’re in the V&A make a plan to check out the new counter. You’ll be sure to find a fragrance or two that you’ll fall in love with too. You’ll also get to play with all of Tom Ford’s super creamy lip colours too.

Each shade is Tom’s ideal of a particular hue and colours range from the most delicate nudes to the boldest, sexiest reds.

Love, love

Leigh