Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) has updated its pillar Opium feminine fragrance – introduced in 1977 – with a new, edgier urban version. Black Opium is rolling out into travel retail worldwide this month.
The fragrance concept is about risk-taking, desire, seeking out the forbidden and always wanting more, according to YSL.
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The juice was composed by Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Honorine Blanc and Olivier Cresp. Described as a new-generation oriental gourmand, the juice does not feature a traditional olfactory structure, according to the brand, but was inspired by “chiaroscuro”, whereby the emphasis is on the contrast and tension between light and dark.
Each nose contributed a specific, distinct element. Lorson created an intense coffee accord; Salamagne notes of pear and pink pepper; Cresp’s vision focused on the addictive nature of the fragrance; while Blanc was inspired by white flowers. Other key ingredients include vanilla, cedar and patchouli.
The flacon is a reworked version of the original Opium bottle, and retains the signature circle within a square design. However, in line with the fragrance name, this incarnation is finished in a matte, black glitter. The outer carton is black and rose gold, with YSL’s famous “˜Cassandra” logo highlighted in black glitter.
The face of Black Opium is UK model Edie Campbell, famous for her black cropped hair and indie/rock style. The ad campaign was shot in Shanghai, and depicts Campbell on a frantic quest to recover her precious fragrance from the lover who has taken it.
