Alexandria Fragrances Alexandria's Forbidden Fruit
In the rarefied world of luxury perfumery, certain fragrances achieve a near-mythical status—not merely for their scent, but for the way they encapsulate a moment, a mood, or a memory. Tom Ford's Plum Japonais, released in 2013 and subsequently discontinued, became one such legend: a dark, opulent, and hauntingly beautiful blend of Japanese plum, cinnamon, and oud that left an indelible mark on all who experienced it. Its departure from the market created a void that many have sought to fill, but few have managed with the grace and fidelity of Alexandria Fragrances' Alexandria's Forbidden Fruit.
Crafted by the house's founder and perfumer Hany Hafez in 2018, Forbidden Fruit is not merely a homage; it is a scholarly reimagining that captures the very essence of its muse while asserting its own distinct identity. It is a fragrance that speaks to the connoisseur of complex gourmand-ouds, a scent that unfolds like a richly illuminated manuscript, revealing layers of history, craftsmanship, and olfactory artistry. This review seeks to dissect this composition with the rigor it deserves, examining its notes, accords, performance, and place within the modern fragrance canon.
At its core, Alexandria's Forbidden Fruit is a study in contrasts: the bright, tart sweetness of Japanese plum against the dark, resinous depth of agarwood; the warmth of cinnamon and saffron against the cool, ethereal whisper of fir and camellia. It is a fragrance that demands attention, not through brute force, but through the sheer complexity and beauty of its construction. For the initiated, it is a journey back to a beloved scent memory; for the uninitiated, it is an invitation to explore a masterclass in modern perfumery.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Performance Dashboard
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and projection for the price point.
- ✅ Masterful blend of fruit, spice, and oud that is both complex and wearable.
- ✅ Excellent value proposition, offering a comparable experience to fragrances costing significantly more.
- ✅ Versatile enough for both intimate evenings and formal occasions.
- ✅ High-quality ingredients that avoid synthetic harshness.
- ❌ May be too sweet or intense for those who prefer fresh, aquatic, or minimalist scents.
- ❌ The strong projection can be overwhelming in hot weather or confined spaces.
- ❌ Batch variations have been reported, leading to some inconsistency in the opening notes.
- ❌ The name and branding may lead some to dismiss it as a mere 'clone,' despite its own merits.
Price & Value
“Exceptional value. For a 100ml EDP with this level of performance and complexity, the price is remarkably accessible, placing it in a category of its own for cost-to-quality ratio.”
📜 Reformulation History
Some users have reported variations between batches, particularly in the intensity of the plum and cinnamon notes in the opening. Earlier batches are often described as having a more pronounced, tart plum, while later batches may lean slightly sweeter and more cinnamon-forward. This is a common phenomenon with smaller, independent houses and does not significantly detract from the overall experience.
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🧪 Layering Ideas
- Layer with a simple vanilla or amber body oil to enhance the sweetness and longevity.
- Combine with a fresh, woody fragrance like Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 to add an airy, iso e super radiance.
- Spray over a unscented moisturizer to create a more diffused, skin-like sillage.
