With the new Extrait Extrême Collection, the trendy South Korean fragrance label BORNTOSTANDOUT proves once again that restraint is not part of its DNA. Known for provocative names, uncompromising compositions and a strong olfactory signature, founder Jun Lim’s brand is now taking the theme of extrait de parfum to a new level. More intense, deeper, even more striking – and at the same time surprisingly wearable and modern.
The new line at a glance
As the name suggests, the Extrait Extrême Collection is all about concentration, intensity and presence. With a perfume oil content of 50 to 60%, the fragrances in this line are significantly higher than what we are used to from classic extraits – and you can feel it. They are high performers right from the start, unfold in an opulent way and remain on the skin for a long, really long time. BORNTOSTANDOUT once again demonstrates an innovative spirit and impresses with an expressive fragrance language that pushes and redefines boundaries.
The flacons remain true to the house’s characteristic look. They are minimalist, monochrome and edgy. In terms of content, however, the fragrances in the Extrait Extrême Collection venture into new contrasts, intense fruit accents, dark nuances and a modern interpretation of sensuality and excess. This olfactory reorientation of the line is also reflected in the intense berry-colored bottles, which I was able to admire at Excense in Milan, while the classic line is kept in white and red.
The four extraits de parfum in the new collection are called Black Guava, Black Mango, Oud Candy and Purple Stain. The first two are based on tropical fruits, as the names suggest. However, the fruity exoticism of these compositions has an extravagant twist. Oud Candy and Purple Stain also demonstrate unconventional facets, combine opulent ingredients and not only impress with their ultimate longevity.
Black guava – exoticism, reinterpreted
Created by perfumer Suzy Le Helley, Black Guava is a creation that symbolizes “the eternal duality of light and darkness”. Guava initially sounds like a vacation in the tropics, sun on your skin and fruity, sweet refreshment. But the exotic fruit has much more to offer than just a summery image. Originally from Central and South America, the real guava(Psidium guajava) is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions. Its green to yellowish-pink skin protects an aromatic interior which, depending on the variety, can be sweet, sour or almost perfumed and exotic.
Guava has rarely been used in fragrances to date. This makes its use in Black Guava all the more exciting. Its olfactory profile is multifaceted: juicy, fruity, slightly acidic, with a hint of greenish freshness. Reminiscent of a mixture of pears, strawberries and citrus fruits, but with an exotic finish.
In combination with darker accords, it could bring tension and a certain lightness to a fragrance. So guava is definitely not mainstream, but is already unconventional in perfumes per se. Suzy Le Helley combines guava with cardamom, mandarin, eaglewood (oud), geranium, peony, rose, nagarmotha, patchouli and ambergris.
Juicy, sweet, sensual and anything but good. Black Guava kicks off straight away with a dark fruity force: Do I smell blackberries? Cassis? Or is it just the deep red flacon design playing tricks on me? It’s probably the guava that gives the fragrance its name, with its sweet, perfumed character that causes a lot of olfactory confusion. It is joined by delicate blossoms – I can smell rose and peony – which lend the fragrance a touch of airiness and lightness. For as opulent as Black Guava may seem, it is not too heavy. Creamy, soft notes shimmer in the background, presumably patchouli and ambergris, which ensure durability and balance. They prevent the composition from losing its bearings between fruity weight and floral transparency. I even detect clean, powdery tones – surprisingly dark and hard to pin down. Black Guava plays with contrasts, and this is what makes the extrait de parfum so incredibly exciting.
One thing is clear: Black Guava is not for the faint-hearted. It’s all about presence, statement and performance. If you are looking for delicate, minimalist skin flatterers in fragrance form, the Extrait Extrême Collection is definitely not for you. But anyone who loves fruit with a kick, sweet extravagance and tropical drama will celebrate this creation from BORNTOSTANDOUT. Unisex, eye-catching, perfect for evenings when you want to be seen and sniffed at. An extrait for connoisseurs! ❤️
Black Mango – Tropical opulence meets depth
The mango is one of the most popular tropical fruits in the world, and not without reason. Its golden-yellow flesh, juicy-sweet taste and seductive aroma make it the epitome of exotic sensuality. Originally from South Asia, the mango has long since begun its triumphal march around the globe – in smoothies, desserts and also as an olfactory statement.
In the world of fragrances, we don’t come across mango all that often. And when we do, it is usually as a cheerful, fruity accent that dances light-heartedly through the composition. But Black Mango by BORNTOSTANDOUT shows: This fruit can also be different. Its fragrance profile ranges from juicy, sweet and velvety to tart and slightly resinous, with aromatic and grassy nuances. When combined with darker, spicy or creamy notes, the mango loses its innocence and gains depth and sophistication. This is precisely what makes it so exciting in Black Mango – tropical, yes, but with rough edges and a good dose of character.
Perfumer Violaine Collas created the mango fragrance for the Extrait Extrême Collection by BORNTOSTANDOUT from the ingredients mango, orange, bourbon vanilla, tolu balsam, ambrette, eaglewood (oud), leather, sandalwood and nagarmotha.
Tart, smoky, distinctive. Black Mango clearly plays on the dark side of the tropical fruit scale. The mango? Ripe, very ripe and almost with a hint of fruit brandy on the nose. This is joined by tangy, creaky notes of orange peel and a smoky but subtle oud. Ambrette brings a creamy, almost velvety powderiness into play, while lovely tolu balsam provides gentle warmth. And then the leather enters the scene – dark, present and in perfect harmony with the oud. A powerful duo that counteracts the sweet mango. It nevertheless remains perceptible, liqueur-like and intense. A mango with personality, charisma and a slight buzz. Earthy, woody accents of nagarmotha and a dash of sandalwood round off the whole and give the fragrance depth and structure.
Black Mango is not a crowdpleaser and doesn’t want to be. The fragrance is loud, challenging, irritating, provocative. Tropical sweetness meets darkness, overripe meets leathery edginess. It is exciting, unusual and definitely not for the faint-hearted. But just right for anyone looking for fruity fragrances with power and character. Unisex? Absolutely. An everyday fragrance? Not really. This is an olfactory statement in the spirit of BORNTOSTANDOUT – loud, uncompromising and absolutely consistent. 😉🥭
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