As he developed Bal d’Afrique for Byredo, Ben Gorman called upon his father’s time in Africa. The fragrance is an interpretation of those memories and with a sprinkle of his own imagination. It is a journey throughout the continent in scent, as can be clearly seen in the notes breakdown.
$205 for 50 mL
Top Notes:
- African marigold- Northern Africa (Okay technically native to south America, but through trade were grown in northern Africa)
- Bergamot- West Africa
- Buchu- flower native to south Africa
Middle notes:
- Moroccan Cedarwood- ahem, Morocco
- Cyclamen- Somalia
Base notes
- Violet-North Africa
- Vetiver – Sub Saharan Africa
This might seem an odd thing to say, but I appreciate this interpretation of Africa. As something that is subtly sweet and loving, it contrasts with the brash images we often get of war, turnover, and desolation. It is an ode to the flowers of the continent, a love letter to the people, and song about the beauty of Africa. While floral, it does not smack me in the face and scream “Hey! I’m a flower!” It is almost like a clean fresh scent, but it something else, that I find comforting and close. As soft and subtle as the scent is, it still has projection power.
I can, even as someone with horrible sinus, smell the scent I sprayed coming from underneath my hoodie and vest as I am typing here in the coffee shop. It holds its own among those other smells, even though I am slightly chilled. And the way it lingers on clothes, that is something I have been enjoying.
If I had to choose, I would consider it more feminine due to the soft florals, but that is probably because I am jealous and want to keep it all to myself. Right now, I am not really seeing a season or occasion where this would be inappropriate. This could be a signature scent. Or for a sweet date night. Or a fanning self in church approved fragrance. Or even great for warm hugs with your grand baby. Or maybe not, I just really like the scent and want to wear it all the time.
I really like this and have been “testing it out all week” just as the excuse to keep putting it on constantly. This might be replacing Blanche as my favorite Byredo fragrance. But don’t tell her that.
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