Plum Harajuku

I should preface this review by saying that Tom Ford Plum Japonais (PJ) is probably amongst my top 3 favorite fragrances of all time. That said, if you cannot find PJ, just buy Plum Harajuku (PH) instead... And that’s a pretty big compliment! I have worn a lot of PJ, and still currently own ~200ml of the fragrance, and I can confirm that PH smells very, very similar. What are the differences? 1) PH may be ever so slightly easier to wear than PJ for those who dislike the typical Tom Ford “funk” found in fragrances like Oud Wood, Noir de Noir, Black Orchid, For Men Extreme, etc. - and which is also in Plum Japonais. I should say though that I do not find PJ challenging at all, and that I always steer well clear of skanky, stinky, funky fragrances (and PJ is nowhere near that). Tom Ford “funk”, to me, is not really funky smelling but rather what gives the scents their edge. (should note that I do not like Tobacco Oud, Oud Wood Intense, Oud Minerale, and other “animalic” fragrances). PH seems to have a slightly more fruity/“plummy” opening and mid (perhaps on account of the lesser “funk”) and a bit less boozy compared to PJ. (edit: following another wear of PH, I think the difference may be explained by PJ smelling/feeling more “wet”/damp whereas the woods in PH are somewhat drier, especially towards mid and dry-down). 2) Performance-wise I would rate PJ above PH, but not by that much. PJ is strong on me and if I apply liberally (say 8 sprays), it comfortably lasts 12+ hours with strong projection for at least 3-4 hours and good/moderate projection throughout the remainder of the wear. PH seems to project a bit less and also seems slightly shorter lived, but still above average. As a result though, I don’t think PH seems as “heavy-wearing” as PJ (which some people might actually prefer, as PJ can potentially be a bit overwhelming). Very, very solid fragrance, and if you can get over not having the classic TF Private Blend bottle and are comfortable wearing “a dupe”, then this should make you very happy. Stunner 👌🏻

Plum Harajuku is a recreation of the long-lost Plum Japonais by Tom Ford, and by god it does a good job of resurrecting such an amazing scent profile. Initially from the first spray, it doesn’t come across quite as refined as the Tom Ford however this is only fleeting - within a few minutes this scent starts to shine fantastically. An overdose of sweet, sticky, juicy plums and elegant florals are contrasted by the comforting warmth of intense cinnamon and a hint of dark woodiness. These notes are what dominate the overall scent profile - this fragrance smells like Christmas Day to me, in the best way possible. Not long ago I actually got a decant of the original Plum Japonais and whilst it’s fantastic, I actually like this version better. The plum and the cinnamon seem to jump out at you even more, encapsulating the very essence of plum and cinnamon together. As usual with Insider Parfums the quality greatly surpasses what the amazingly low price might suggest - this is fantastic.

I’ve never tried Plum Japonais, but Harajuka smells very high quality and expensive. In the opening I detect fruity plum and saffron, with a slight boozy nuance alongside touches of cinnamon and florals. As it dries down, oud and amber begin to appear, but the plum and saffron still sit nicely on top. The oud is not challenging, it simply adds depth rather than taking over the show. The amber becomes more apparent soon after and gives the drydown a rich, warm base that’s smooth, resinous and slightly sweet. Performance is also impressive with strong projection in the opening and excellent longevity. It smells luxurious, refined and far more expensive than its price point would suggest.

Hmm. Drydown smells so similar to Plum Japonais, the opening though it’s more herbal and something minty about it? It actually smells like snorting amphetamine right on the opening LOL. But, it’s a good dupe for Plum Japonais at surface, but I realized what I so love about plum japonais is the whole experience of it smelling so natural and there are no weird notes ever in the experience of wearing it contrary to this. :(

One of the best from Insider. Plum, saffron, oud and vanilla with a hint of cinammon. Sillage is arms length maybe a little more longevity is great. Value for money is insane. Plum Japonais was a lovely TF classic brought back to life here. I’m so happy with Insider’s quality of work and curation. Do try Tokyo Black, Damber Absolute, The Captain, Trinity and Obsidian.

Nearly identical to og. Wore both this and og side by side on opposite wrists and could barely tell the difference. Worn on its own you could forget which one is which they’re so exact. Performance is also nuclear. Projects for a good 6-8 hours within arms length, and 12+ hours later I can still smell it on skin. Juicy, spicy, rich. It’s so good. Addicting

I can't recommend this enough. It's a fantastic take on the discontinued PJ by tom Ford. Longevity and performance is excellent and the quality of this juice is top quality. If you have never owned or smelled the OG you don't need to spend hundred to get the scent, this is a 1 to 1. The best from Insider Parfums imo.

Never had the privilege of smelling the OG. Picked this up for £40 and I'm really glad I did. Warm, spicy plum, oud, saffron and vanilla. Just lovely. Fairly linear but small changes along the way. Not a massive performer and way more male than female leaning. Love it.

Identical to Tom Ford Plum Japonaise. Just get it, you won't be sorry 🙂 10/10

The time has come to update my whole review. I now have the original Plum Japonais and Plum Harajuku. In first 2-3h they are at most 50% similar and 80% in dry down. In dry down they lose the beauty that made them legends so you definitely shouldn't buy them for that portion. Plum Japonais is dirty, narcotic, dark, boozy. Unisex. Smells more feminine on women and masculine on men due to skin chemistry. Plum Harajuku is loud, fruity, bright. Much more prominent plum note. More feminine than unisex. Got comments that it's a female perfume. I went on a task of modifying Plum Harajuku to become more similar to original from description of other reviewers (at the time I didn't have original). With confidence I can say that I've succeeded. I've added Oakmoss Absolute and Oud. Now everybody I've asked says that it's a male perfume. It has less projection, better sillage and stronger dry down. Not loud but leaves a strong scent trail (sensed it on a spot where my friend was standing while he went 3 meters away). I still have some work to do on this formulation as I learn perfumery more. I already see improvement by adding some more transparent aromachemicals. I doubt it will ever be on level of original but one can dream. Plum Harajuku 8/10 Plum Harajuku with Oakmoss and Oud 9.5/10 Plum Japonais 10/10 EDIY 2: Finished the beauty, OH MY GOD, plum plum plum and some more plum with dark background

I’ve been wanting to try Plum Japonais for so long but decant prices are ridiculous! I just discovered this brand on my fab decant site and ordered last night! Can’t wait to try this. I’ll come back with a proper review when it arrives! If anyone wants to know the site bc it was only $8.99 for 2ml just PM me! I’m in the USA.

Super big and juicy, then embraces a light smokiness with some unfamiliar florals before softening into a more herbaceous, sweet plum that sits just above her other notes. Leathery through the middle, and vanilla does show up but only once everything has softened sufficiently for it to be heard.

Honest review. I had plum japonais last time 2018. And i had small nostalgic over it, but could not find anything close to it, than my friend eaudeJarino told me that this company exist and that i should try it. I said ok and bought sample of it through petitperfumes.nl. Opening is slighly less boozy and leaning more feminine, and i was worried, but after 15-20 minutes this is straight up clone of Plum Japonais 1:1 clone. You got dark boozy plum, woods, floral notes in the drydown. The fragrance is very oily and thick, much thicker than plum japonais, i assume its extract de parfum. Longevity is great, i got 10 hrs on my skin with average projection and massive sillage, after 4 hours i still smell this fragrance whenever i turn my head. Hands down top 3 best clones i ever tried with alexandria - black panther and thameen - carved oud, even tho people say that insider parfums amber absolute is even better clone, which i did not try. Cons : availability and price. Outside of UK this fragrance costs a small fortune. 80€ is great price for it but on etsy they charge you 20€ For shipping and 20€ for custom release since bottle is coming from UK, i think its overall very expensive for the clone. If anyone selling a bottle or have alternative solution please contact me directly, i would be happy to buy a bottle thanks

Oh yes yes yes.... Insider Parfums made my day today, oh yes am so overwhelmed, it has been years that am missing Plum Japonais that was with Japon Noire my entry to the Tom Ford old prestige and creativity, today I received both and am enjoying both, they’re not totally the same at all, but extremely well inspired. I got also the Roja Chypre that I never got the chance to sample but since I own Diaghilev, I was sure that I can’t go wrong. Insider Parfums thank you for having this bright idea of recreating what we love and miss, recreating it with such good craft. Chapeau

Thankfully the juice is fantastic, because the latest presentation from Insider Parfums looks budget to say the least, & they're all the same too (what a bonus), the previous bottles were much nicer. Just imagine how splendidly bland & boring these will look sitting in your collection. This bottle design has ruined the brand for me unfortunately, so i won't be buying them. Oh well, you can just hide them at the back.....or maybe in a drawer!

This fragrance is awesome. I thankfully received the older bottle from scent split before they updated their bottles. I do not like their new bottles to say the least. They look like a pharmaceutical medication smh . I digress, the scent is nice.

Too light and airy, needs more strenght, projection and sillage is poor.