Love in Black 2024

The fragrance opens with an immediate tart burst of red cranberry and fresh raspberry, paired with the crisp, green snap of violet leaves. Rather than smelling sweet like jam, the opening feels brisk, tangy, and slightly aquatic. Within fifteen minutes, this sharp fruity brightness begins to soften, giving way to the underlying powdery florals.

After the berry opening fades, a heart of powdery violet, earthy orris, rose, and jasmine takes over. A subtle butter accord lends a smooth cosmetic lipstick quality. Over three to four hours, the scent dries down into a sturdy base of dark jacket leather, dry cedarwood, and clean musk, creating a smoky, skin-hugging finish.

On moisturized skin, you can expect between 7 and 9 hours of noticeable longevity before it becomes a subtle skin scent. When applied to clothing, scarves, or wool jackets, the cedarwood and leather base notes remain detectable for more than 24 hours, surviving long after the top berries have dissipated.

During the first two hours, the perfume projects assertively within a 3 to 5 foot radius, leaving a distinct trail of powdery violet and dark fruit. As it moves past the heart stage, the projection settles into an intimate 1 to 2 foot scent bubble that feels polite yet easily noticeable up close.

This fragrance performs at its peak during cool autumn days, cold winter nights, and crisp early spring weather. The brisk temperatures balance the dense orris and rich leather notes. In hot summer weather above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the buttery floral profile can feel overly thick and heavy on the skin.

The moody, sophisticated profile makes it ideal for formal evening events, theater visits, upscale cocktail lounges, and romantic dinner dates. While you can wear it cautiously to a climate-controlled office with two light sprays, it is far too dramatic and rich for casual gym workouts or relaxed beach outings.

While marketed primarily to women, the composition carries a prominent leather and cedarwood foundation that gives it unisex appeal. Lovers of dark woody florals, regardless of gender, can easily pull this off, although the powdery violet and cosmetic orris notes do retain a classic vintage feminine allure.

The original 2008 release was renowned for its heavy blackcurrant, dark cedar, and spicy clove character, making it distinctly smoky and austere. The 2024 edition feels slightly more fruit-forward in the opening thanks to cranberry and raspberry, while introducing a smoother, creamier butter note into the powdery violet heart.

At Creed's luxury Eau de Parfum pricing, it is certainly an expensive fragrance. If you are looking for a mass-pleasing everyday floral, it may feel overpriced. However, if you prize unique, vintage-style cosmetic powder combined with supple leather and tart fruit, the individuality and ingredient quality justify the premium cost.

This perfume layers wonderfully with simple woody cedar or sandalwood scents, which amplify the dry-down's earthy warmth. You can also pair it with a light, sparkling citrus or pure vanilla base to soften the sharp cranberry opening and enhance the creamy butter facet of the violet heart.