Alexandria Fragrances Forbidden Plum

In this review
In the shadowed groves of perfumery, where opulence meets intrigue, Alexandria Fragrances' Forbidden Plum emerges as a compelling narrative in a bottle. This composition is not a mere fragrance; it is an olfactory sonnet dedicated to the darker, more sensual facets of fruit. It takes the universally beloved plum—often rendered in perfumery as jammy or bright—and submerges it in a resinous, woody amber and oud accord, creating a scent that feels both familiar and thrillingly transgressive.
The fragrance belongs to the modern gourmand-oriental canon, a genre that has evolved from simple sweetness to complex, textured experiences. Forbidden Plum operates within this space with notable sophistication, weaving a tale of temptation and warmth. It is an homage to a certain style of bold, Middle Eastern-inspired perfumery, reinterpreted through Alexandria's lens of accessibility and robust performance, making a dramatic statement accessible for evening wear and cooler climates.
As a fragrance analyst, the appeal of Forbidden Plum lies in its skillful balance. It manages to be both rich and wearable, projecting a sense of luxurious depth without venturing into overly challenging or animalic territory. It serves as a perfect case study in how contemporary houses are redefining gourmands by pairing edible notes with austere woods and resins, creating a fragrance that is as much a mood as it is a scent.
$85-$120
Accords
Gourmand
Oriental
Woody
Resinous
Fruity
Notes Pyramid
Top
PlumSaffronBergamot
Heart
RoseOudPatchouli
Base
AmberVanillaCedarMusk
Performance Dashboard
⏱️ Longevity
10-12+ hours
📢 Projection
Strong arm's-length projection for the first 2-3 hours before settling closer to the skin.
💨 Sillage
Substantial for the first 3-4 hours, leaving a noticeable and enticing trail, then moderates to an intimate aura.
When to Wear
🌸SpringOKNight
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterBest
🌙 Evening Events📌 Date Nights📌 Formal Dinners📌 Cool Weather Leisure
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and strong initial performance
- ✅ Unique and compelling plum-oud-amber accord
- ✅ High-quality ingredients and composition for its price point
- ✅ Versatile within the evening/cold-weather niche
- ❌ Can be too rich or cloying in warm weather or for some noses
- ❌ The prominent plum note may not appeal to those seeking a purely woody scent
- ❌ Moderate sillage in the dry-down may disappoint some seeking constant powerhouse projection
Price & Value
$85-$120
“Excellent value. It offers a niche-quality scent profile, exceptional performance, and luxurious presentation at a fraction of the cost of the fragrances that inspire its genre.”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported
The Family
None at this time
Explore More
Similar Fragrances
Initio Parfums Prives Oud for Greatness
Initio Parfums Prives
Kilian Paris Straight to Heaven Extreme
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Clone Alternatives
Forbidden Plum is itself often considered an inspired composition within its genre, rather than a direct clone of a single fragrance.
You May Also Enjoy
Layering Ideas
- Layer with a clean, crisp citrus or aromatic scent (e.g., a bergamot-forward cologne) to brighten the top notes for daytime.
- Combine with a simple, linear vanilla or amber solinote to amplify the gourmand sweetness and warmth.
Final Verdict
Alexandria Fragrances' Forbidden Plum is a triumph of accessible opulence. It successfully captures the dark, addictive allure of a gourmand-oriental fantasy with impressive skill and tenacity. While it may not break entirely new ground, it executes a beloved genre with such confidence and quality that it stands as a compelling choice for any enthusiast's wardrobe. A highly recommended scent for those seeking depth, warmth, and a touch of the forbidden after dark.
More fragrances we love
Sponsored picksYou may also like
GourmandOudPlumUnisexEveningWinterAlexandria Fragrances
Xerjoff Erba Pura
Mancera Red Tobacco
Amouage Interlude Man
Her Manifesto
400
Amber & Woods
Doha
My Sensuality
Royal Tobacco