Cherry on Top

Since its scandalous launch in 2018, the Lost Cherry fragrance can confidently be called a hit and perhaps the brightest star in Tom Ford's fragrance line. And in early 2023, against the backdrop of news about the fashion house's acquisition by Estée Lauder, the brand's fragrance department released two more editions of the collection: Cherry Smoke and Electric Cherry.

Cherry is a popular fruity note that brings sweetness, juiciness, depth and spice to fragrances. No natural raw materials are obtained from cherry fruits, and the note is composed in perfume laboratories. It appears in gourmand, oriental, floral and fruity compositions as a complementing or main note. Most often, cherry is combined with tobacco, woods, white flowers, spices like cinnamon and clove, as well as chocolate. In 2018, Tom Ford launched a trend for cherry compositions by announcing Lost Cherry: according to the release, this is a journey to forbidden territory.

Five years later, numerous variations and copies of the vibrant fruity-gourmand composition continue to appear on the market. Even the Tom Ford perfume department did not stay behind and essentially launched a sub-collection within the Private Blend, dedicated to various facets of the cherry note.

A true example of hedonism, Cherry Smoke plays with fire, exploding with the aroma of dark cherry ignited by seductive osmanthus and smouldering, smoky woods - Tom Ford.

Cherry Smoke is described by the brand representatives as a warm fragrance, yet it is presented as a darker version of Lost Cherry. Alongside the tangy scent of ripe cherries, saffron, frankincense, and smoky leather are blended. Through the dense resinous-leathery accord, the osmanthus flowers are distinctly felt, reminiscent of apricot suede. The fragrance is well-balanced and, as it unfolds, becomes softer and more cherry-centric.

Electric Cherry is both sparkling and playful... a fragrance that reflects flirting and the early stages of romantic relationships — Tom Ford.

Electric Cherry begins with a juicy, slightly tart, neon-red cocktail cherry (not quite authentic: its taste will remind you more of Skittles candy than real Morello cherry). However, this cherry almost instantly disappears as soon as the fragrance touches the skin. The scent becomes weightless, floral-musky with a light soapy undertone, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, the composition lacks the character and meaningful accord found in the flagship fragrance: full-bodied, liqueur-like, with almond and syrupy tones.

Cherry is sometimes associated with fruit scents from the mass-market segment, cosmetics, homemade pastries, and sweets rather than luxury perfumery. Tom Ford managed to change the rules of the game and create a true bestseller. Its flankers continue the berry-gourmand theme, and although Electric Cherry clearly falls behind Cherry Smoke in expressiveness, the new releases have been able to explore different aspects of the cherry note.