Tom Ford Black Orchid

Like many people, I am totally over the sleek, sexed-up aesthetic that Tom Ford peddled at Gucci until his departure from the brand in 2004. So it's just as well that the bottle for his new perfume, due to be launched this month, is a paragon of 1930s style.

The campaign stars Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, the daughter of the editor of French Vogue

Ford has patented the world's handful of black orchids, using headspace technology to capture and replicate their essence. The fragrance has top notes of French jasmine, black gardenia, ylang ylang, bergamot, mandarin and citrus; a heart of Tom Ford black orchid, spicy floral orchid accords and lotus wood, and a drydown of patchouli, incense, amber, sandalwood and vanilla.

After returning to fashion with eyewear and a limited edition collection for Estée Lauder, Ford is quietly building his empire with a dozen fragrances planned for next year in addition to a menswear collection. His first freestanding store is slated to open on Madison Avenue next spring, though Ford continues to insist he has no plans for a women's collection. Let's wait and see!

Addendum: Ford has just announced he is also working on a collection of luggage and high-end jewelry. March on, Napoleon!