Opium is an opulent perfume that signifies pleasure and wealth to the excess, a hedonistic lifestyle so to speak. Launched in 1977 this made news in the fragrance community and around the world for its unapologetic character.

Considered one of the cloying mother, Opium has a reputation for being a powerhouse and though it has undergone reformulation it still sport projection and longevity that would snuff the lights out of modern fragrances, and instantly fill the room with its larger than life presence.

When I smell this, I am enveloped in a cloud of oriental-spicy fragrance that radiates with confidence. Marketed for women - yes. However, to this day many men wear this scent without realizing that this is intended for the female gender. I cannot blame them, I wear this fragrance myself. The spices added into this perfume I believe is what makes it a gender bender. Well, I am not the type who is concerned about what is for women or for men when it comes to fragrance. I just wear what I want.

Now that I am collecting fragrances, of course I cannot allow my fragrance wardrobe to be without Opium. Currently I have the vintage and the current formulation at EDT concentration. Next month I plan to purchase the EDP and its flanker the Black Opium which I heard has a strong coffee note.

To cap off my review, I know most of the modern folks out there may have heard but haven't tried Opium. And if you are one of them, please do not feel afraid, give it a try, you might actually find yourself captivated. Just be careful though since this is a bold fragrance, better brace yourself otherwise this scent will wear you.