Tom Ford: Rive d’Ambre
“In reading about the Orient’s rituals and history, I became entranced with the refined art of gift-giving. Rive d’Ambre in inspired by the tradition of presenting precious citrus fruits as gifts. True to my nature, the sparkling fruits are wrapped in rich and warm sensuality.”
– Tom Ford
The Notes
Bergamot, Lemon, Bitter Orange, Tarragon, Cardamom, Moroccan Spearmint Oil, Benzoin, Pear Wood Accord, Cognac Oil, Tolu Balsam and Amber.
How Does it Smell?
Rive d’Ambre possibly sticks out amongst the others in the Atelier d’Orient collection simply because it is the least heavy, dense or spice laden perfume in the bunch – in fact it is positively refreshing and effervescent in comparison.
Opening with a blast of zesty orange, mandarin and a sprinkle of bergamot, Rive d’Ambre is a sparkling and almost drinkable citrus cologne in its opening stages with a nice balance between the bitter and sweet facets of fruit – but it isn’t just a cologne – in fact it is so much more.
Sitting just beneath Rive d’Ambre’s surface is a palpable layer of sweet, gauzy benzoin which adds to the proceedings a comfortable layer for which those citrus notes can bounce off. As the citrus dies down the benzoin becomes richer but it never transforms in to a fully realized amber accord (there is no creamy or plush vanilla to bolster it), meaning that it keeps the spirit of the cologne alive.
Rive d’Ambre is a delightful perfume that takes the age-old style of cologne and turns it into something warmer and deeper. This is by far one of my favorite Tom Ford private collection scents.
