We Tried Taylor Swift's Fave Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Scent & Went On A Stunning Floral Ride
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Some fragrances live a quiet life of obscurity, while others seem to thrive in the spotlight. But few perfumes in history have the distinction of inspiring both a hit single and a hit songwriter. Whether you're a fan of Wale's 2011 hit, "Lotus Flower Bomb," or want to wear one of Taylor Swift's favorite scents, Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum is sure to be a contender for your next signature fragrance.
Launched in 2005, Flowerbomb is considered one of the most subtle and unexpected florals in the perfume world. Featuring a blend of intoxicating blooms from osmanthus and jasmine to orchids, the unique scent is rounded out by spicy patchouli, musk, and vanilla. Maybe you've had a chance to try it for yourself, but if not, we've got you covered. We wore Flowerbomb extensively to see how the Y2K-era scent would perform from start to finish. The result? It may be nearing its 20th anniversary, but Viktor & Rolf's floral fantasy has undoubtedly stood the test of time.
Our first foray with Flowerbomb
Frankly, this test actually marked our second encounter with Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. It had been a while since we sampled the iconic original fragrance, though we had fond memories of wearing the scent many years ago. From what we could recall, it was one of our favorite daily drivers: It was bold, but not overpowering, and delightfully soft with a rebellious streak, similar to Valentino's Rock n' Rose (another interesting floral released the year after Flowerbomb). Still, we were interested to see whether the latest formulation of Flowerbomb would have the same effect on our senses.
One thing is for sure: Flowerbomb is not for the faint of heart. Before we'd even sprayed the scent, we picked up on a strong whiff of its pungent, floral aroma. True to its name, the first spray revealed an explosion of mesmerizing florals, accented by a sparkling, citrusy accord. There's also a hint of something creamy, like a sweet dessert. Within a few moments, the fresh, fruity top notes died down, making way for a licorice-like aroma. As we struggled to place whatever it might be — anise? fennel? — it started to fade off. Over the course of the next few hours, the bright, sharp floral became muskier and spicier, giving the fragrance a surprisingly sultry finish.
Final notes on Flowerbomb
Just as we remembered, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb was a stunning olfactory journey, particularly in the first hour or so of wear. Our biggest qualm with Flowerbomb, however, was its longevity and sillage. Like Thierry Mugler's Alien, Flowerbomb is an extraordinary jasmine fragrance, and we would have loved it if it had lasted longer. There's no denying that its opening is powerful, and we initially questioned whether it might be too strong. Yet, by the five-hour mark, there was little left of the scent on our skin.
Interestingly, some of the notes we picked up on were indeed part of Flowerbomb's formula, while others had no explanation at all. We learned that its creaminess comes from vanilla and its spice from patchouli, but the licorice element was something of a phantom. In fact, only a handful of wearers addressed it from the thousands of reviews that we searched. "It has subtle notes of vanilla and licorice on me," wrote one reviewer on Sephora's website. As such, you may have an entirely different experience while wearing Flowerbomb.
Overall, we'd highly recommend Flowerbomb, especially to those looking for a perfect daytime to evening scent. Prices start at $38 for a miniature spray bottle (0.33-oz), though serious fans of Viktor & Rolf's release can spring for the full-sized, 3.4-oz bottle for $180. Furthermore, if you're looking for a twist on the original Eau de Parfum, there's always Flowerbomb Nectar or Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid.