Creed Love In Black: Is This Modern Classic Worth Your Investment?
A No-Nonsense Review of Creed's Bold Floral
Launched in 2018, Creed Love In Black arrived as a modern interpretation of a classic floral, designed to appeal to a contemporary audience while retaining the brand''s signature opulence. It entered the market as a daring, almost audacious scent, positioning itself not as a delicate bloom but as a powerful, captivating statement. Unlike some of Creed''s more overtly masculine or feminine offerings, Love In Black aims for a sophisticated unisex appeal, blending traditional floral elements with unexpected dark, leathery undertones.
Within Creed''s extensive and storied lineup, Love In Black occupies a unique space. It stands apart from the universally adored Aventus or the timeless elegance of Green Irish Tweed. It''s a fragrance that demands attention, often polarizing opinions but undeniably leaving a lasting impression. Its market positioning leans towards the discerning consumer who appreciates complexity and a departure from the mainstream, seeking a scent that is both luxurious and distinctively their own.
The inspiration behind Love In Black is deeply rooted in the idea of modern allure and nocturnal elegance. It''s said to be inspired by the mystery and confidence of women who command attention in any setting, embodying a dark, captivating beauty. The perfumers sought to capture the essence of a woman who is both sophisticated and powerful, a muse for the night. This concept translates into a scent that is rich, dark, and undeniably sensual, moving beyond simple floral sweetness.
In the fragrance community, Love In Black has garnered a reputation as a divisive but highly respected scent. Many praise its unique blend of notes, its impressive longevity, and its bold character. It''s often cited as a departure from Creed''s more traditional formulations, showcasing the brand''s ability to innovate. However, its intensity and particular aroma profile mean it''s not for everyone, leading to strong opinions both for and against its complex composition. It’s a fragrance that sparks conversation, a hallmark of any truly memorable scent.
The Nose Behind the Scent
The perfumers behind Creed Love In Black are Olivier Creed and Erwin Creed. Olivier Creed, the sixth-generation master perfumer of the House of Creed, has been instrumental in shaping the brand''s modern identity, known for his intuitive approach to scent creation and his ability to translate inspiration into olfactory art. Erwin Creed, his son and the seventh generation, works alongside Olivier, bringing a fresh perspective while upholding the brand''s heritage. Together, they have crafted numerous iconic fragrances for Creed, including Aventus, Green Irish Tweed, and Silver Mountain Water, demonstrating their mastery across diverse scent profiles.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The opening of Love In Black is immediately striking, dominated by a cool, slightly metallic greenness from the violet leaf and a powdery, dusky floral from the violet. It’s not a bright, zesty opening; instead, it’s moody and sophisticated, with a hint of dark fruitiness from the blackcurrant subtly emerging.
As the fragrance settles, the heart reveals a richer, more opulent floral bouquet. The Turkish rose takes center stage, its jammy, velvety facets blending beautifully with the sweet, slightly indolic honeysuckle. The blackcurrant note deepens, adding a dark, juicy sweetness that balances the floral intensity and hints at the darker notes to come.
The drydown is where Love In Black truly shows its depth and longevity. The woody notes of Virginia cedar provide a dry, elegant foundation, while patchouli adds an earthy, slightly damp resonance. The leather accord emerges here, not as harsh or animalic, but as a smooth, dark, almost suede-like note that wraps around the lingering florals and woods, creating a sensuous, long-lasting trail.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional longevity, easily lasting 10-12 hours on skin and over 24 hours on clothing.
Strong projection for the first 3-4 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble, then settles to a more intimate but still present aura.
A substantial sillage that leaves a distinct, elegant trail for several hours, noticeable in indoor environments and during movement.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Receives numerous compliments, particularly from those who appreciate unique and luxurious scents. Often described as intriguing and sophisticated.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and captivating scent profile
- ✅ Outstanding longevity and performance
- ✅ Luxurious and sophisticated drydown
- ✅ Bold, statement-making character
- ✅ High-quality ingredients evident
- ❌ Can be polarizing; not universally loved
- ❌ May be too intense for some occasions or preferences
- ❌ Premium price point, requires investment
- ❌ The violet opening can be divisive
Price & Value
“While expensive, the exceptional performance, unique scent, and luxurious feel justify the price for those who fall in love with it. It''s an investment in a high-quality, long-lasting fragrance experience.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women 25-55
- Confident individuals with a bold style
- Those who appreciate dark, sophisticated florals
- Fans of unique, statement-making fragrances
- Individuals seeking a luxurious evening scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer light, fresh, or aquatic scents
- Individuals sensitive to strong, powdery notes
- Office environments where a subtle scent is required
- Very young wearers who may not appreciate its complexity
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a dark, opulent floral and earthy profile with a strong performance.
Offers a classic, powdery, and vanillic drydown with a sophisticated oriental feel.
Features a prominent dark rose and patchouli combination with excellent longevity.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Users report a surprising resemblance to the dark floral and powdery aspects at a fraction of the cost.
Often compared for its rich floral and woody character, though less complex.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who appreciate unique, high-performance, and compliment-getting fragrances.
If you appreciate the dark, woody, and sophisticated aspects of Love In Black''s drydown.
For those who enjoy a prominent, sweet, and slightly powdery floral profile, though Love In Black is more mature and complex.
More from Creed
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple, clean musk oil to enhance diffusion
- A creamy vanilla-based fragrance to add sweetness
- A light, woody scent like Santal 33 to deepen the base
🏆 Final Verdict
Creed Love In Black is not a fragrance for the faint of heart. It''s a bold, sophisticated statement piece that commands attention. If you''re searching for a unique, dark floral with unparalleled longevity and a luxurious drydown, this is a fragrance that deserves your consideration. Its blend of powdery violet, rich rose, and a grounding leather and wood base creates an aura of modern elegance and mystery. While the price is undeniably premium, the performance and distinctiveness of Love In Black make it a worthwhile investment for those who seek a signature scent that stands out from the crowd and leaves a memorable impression.