By Kilian Black Phantom Memento Mori

In this review
By Kilian’s Black Phantom Memento Mori, launched in 2017, stands as one of the most distinctive offerings in the luxury fragrance market. Conceived by perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur, the scent serves as a dark, gourmand exploration of contrast, balancing the bitterness of cyanide and coffee against the rich sweetness of caramel and chocolate.
As part of the house's narrative-driven approach, this fragrance invites the wearer to contemplate the 'memento mori'—a reminder of mortality—through a lens of opulent indulgence. It remains a staple in the By Kilian collection for those seeking a bold, unisex signature scent that defies traditional olfactory categories.
$240-$320
Accords
Gourmand
Sweet
Spicy
Woody
Creamy
Notes Pyramid
Top
RumCyanide accord
Heart
CoffeeVetiverSandalwood
Base
Sugar caneDark chocolateCaramelAlmondHeliotrope
Performance Dashboard
⏱️ Longevity
8-10 hours
📢 Projection
moderate
💨 Sillage
moderate
When to Wear
🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallAvoid
❄️WinterBest
🌙 Evening events📌 Formal gatherings📌 Date nights
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique scent profile
- ✅ High-quality ingredients
- ✅ Excellent longevity
- ❌ Price point is high
- ❌ May be too sweet for some
Price & Value
$240-$320
“Premium pricing reflective of the brand's luxury positioning and ingredient quality.”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported
The Family
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Clone Alternatives
Fragrance World Spectre Ghost
Paris Corner Emir Phantom
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Layering Ideas
- Layer with a woody fragrance to ground the sweetness
- Pair with a pure musk scent to add depth
Final Verdict
Black Phantom Memento Mori is a triumph of modern gourmand perfumery. Its balance of dark, bitter, and sweet elements makes it an essential acquisition for any serious fragrance collector.
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