125th & Bloom
Designed for those who stray from typical sweet scents, Vilhelm Parfumerie 125th & Bloom offers a dry, sophisticated blend of leather and florals. It captures the contrast of Harlem brownstones with a sharp start of saffron and herbal angelica, leading to a heart of rose and violet. The base of ebony wood adds a dark, masculine structure to the powdery floral middle. Ideal for spring and autumn wear, this unisex scent is perfect for gallery hops or formal dinners. If you want a leather scent with a floral twist, start with a sample of this intriguing juice.
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Performance Metrics
658 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Lasts eight to ten hours on the skin with strong projection for the first three hours. It performs best in cool, temperate spring or autumn weather.
Notes Pyramid
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A dry, woody-floral scent featuring a prominent saffron opening, a powdery heart of rose and violet, and a base of clean leather and ebony wood.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe leather accord is dry and polished, while the warm spicy saffron gives it a sharp edge. The rose and violet add a powdery, metallic floral texture.
Community Data
459 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in winter and spring.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Excellent eight plus hour longevity on skin
Unique non sweet rose and leather combination
Strong projection during the first three hours
Refined and sophisticated unisex appeal
Ideal for cool spring and autumn weather
Dry and powdery violet heart notes
Distinctive dark ebony wood base structure
Airy and clean dry down of violet and rose
Intriguing herbal-spicy opening of angelica and saffron
Refined alternative to heavier sweet leather perfumes
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Sharp and medicinal saffron opening
Initial spray can feel harsh or synthetic
May turn sour in high heat and humidity
Not suitable for lovers of sweet gourmands
Premium price point is a heavy investment
Leather note can feel dry or dusty to some
Initial petroleum or gasoline vibe on first application
Strong smoky facets can overwhelm the florals
Reminds some wearers of industrial shoe polish or funeral flowers
Screechy performance variations depending on skin chemistry
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Vilhelm Parfumerie 125th & Bloom: A Dark Rose Wrapped in Leather”
The first spray of Vilhelm Parfumerie 125th & Bloom is an intense experience. A sharp, almost medicinal blast of saffron hits the nose, accompanied by the bitter, green herbal notes of angelica seeds. It is a loud, uncompromising start that might startle those expecting a soft garden scent. This opening mimics the tough exterior of the Harlem brownstones that inspired it.
As the initial sharpness simmers down over the first thirty minutes, the heart reveals itself. A dry, powdery rose emerges, joined by a cool, slightly metallic violet. There is no jammy sweetness here. The florals feel structured and airy, balanced by a growing warmth underneath. It is a sophisticated transition that keeps the scent from feeling too heavy or cloying.
In the dry-down, the leather note takes center stage. It is a clean, dry leather, reminiscent of a new luxury bag, rather than a smoky, animalic hide. Combined with dark ebony wood, the base grounds the floral heart. This stage is where the fragrance remains for the rest of its life on your skin, presenting a smooth, woody finish.
Performance is impressive. On clean skin, the fragrance projects strongly for the first three hours, easily noticed at an arm's length. It maintains a moderate sillage for the remaining five to seven hours of its wear time. The scent thrives in cool, crisp weather, making spring and autumn the ideal seasons to wear it. High humidity can make the leather turn slightly sour, so keep it for cooler days.
This is a unisex fragrance that balances masculine and feminine elements well. The powdery violet appeals to floral lovers, while the leather and ebony wood provide a solid, masculine frame. It suits someone who wants an elegant, slightly edgy signature scent that works for both office settings and formal evenings.
Overall, 125th & Bloom is a successful, unconventional take on the classic rose-leather pairing. The medicinal saffron opening won't please everyone, but the beautiful, dry floral dry-down makes it worth the wait. We suggest sampling this before buying a full bottle.
FAQs
What does Vilhelm Parfumerie 125th & Bloom smell like?+
It smells like a gritty, non-sweet blend of dark leather and damp rose. The opening is sharp with saffron and angelica, which soon softens into a powdery violet and rose heart, before drying down to a smoky ebony wood base.
Does 125th & Bloom lean more masculine or feminine?+
It is a true unisex fragrance. The floral violet and rose middle notes appeal to traditional feminine preferences, while the heavy leather and ebony wood base notes attract those who prefer masculine profiles. It balances right in the middle.
How long does 125th & Bloom last on the skin?+
You can expect between eight and ten hours of longevity. The leather and ebony wood base notes linger on clothing for even longer, making it an excellent choice for a full day of wear without needing to reapply.
What is the sillage and projection of this fragrance?+
It projects strongly for the first three hours, extending about an arm's length. After that, it settles into a moderate scent bubble that hugs the skin but remains noticeable to anyone standing close to you.
For which season is 125th & Bloom most suitable?+
This scent shines brightest in spring and autumn. The cool weather helps the powdery violet and saffron notes pop, while the heavy leather base keeps it from feeling too fleeting in the crisp air.
What occasions are best for wearing 125th & Bloom?+
It is perfect for formal evening events, gallery openings, or casual outdoor strolls in smart casual attire. The sophisticated leather accord gives it a polished feel that fits professional environments as well.
How does the opening of 125th & Bloom compare to its dry-down?+
The opening is a medicinal, sharp burst of saffron and green angelica. Over the hours, this harshness fades, leaving behind a smooth, powdery rose wrapped in dark leather and woody ebony.
Is 125th & Bloom safe for a blind buy?+
No, it is not a safe blind buy. The metallic saffron and strong shoe-polish leather notes can be polarizing, so we highly recommend purchasing a sample to test on your skin first.
Are there any good alternatives or dupes for 125th & Bloom?+
It shares similarities with Byredo Black Saffron due to the prominent leather and saffron pairing. However, 125th & Bloom features a much drier, powdery rose and violet heart that sets it apart.
Does 125th & Bloom perform well in hot weather?+
High heat can cause the leather and ebony notes to turn slightly sour or cloying. It is best to avoid wearing this in peak summer, saving it instead for cool nights or temperate days.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCORECompare with Byredo Black Saffron for a sweeter take, or Hermes Galop for a brighter, cleaner rose-leather blend.
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