Black

Ghostly, Luminous & Wistful... A Floral scent by Amandine Clerc-Marie with a timeless, achingly wistful yet luminous quality, and I could imagine smelling this on set of The Phantom of the Opera (film 2004) which came out the same year. Opens with a floral burst of violet accented with citrus. The quickly transitions to the white-floral heart, of predominantly tuberose, jasmine & hyacinth. The blend here is ghostly, ethereal & contemporary, and I get an overall effect that's near lily. The floral support base of musky sandalwood and amber is fluffy, diffuse & soft. Performance is moderate for year round wear. Overall: gorgeous, ghostly & luminous contemporary-white-floral scent with average or slightly above average performance. It's a love for me. Enjoy! Contrast to Pure Poison Dior: These are different, but there are similarities with a contemporary white-floral. Pure Poison has more forward citrus & powdery accords with a 'snow' vibe to my nose, while Black has a more forward tuberose with a 'ghostly' vibe. Pure Poison has a stronger sillage & longevity. Update 06/19/25: Sprayed this on today. Has quite a light feeling for white florals with some watery tones (likely from lotus). The tuberose here is the gentler, lighter, fluffier side of tuberose. There's a passing similarities to other Kenneth Cole fragrances for women (Reaction Kenneth Cole) but this is fleeting. The white florals are somewhat blurred together in a nice way, and jasmine steps forward - maybe ahead of tuberose at times Very easy to wear for people on the fence about white florals, but if you're craving a distinct tuberose you might not be satisfied. Would layer well though with other tuberose or white floral scents. Still a love.

I'm confused why this fragrance gets so much hate. It's a really, really lovley Fragrance. It's nothing that hasn't been done before, but it's just sooo nice. It's such an EASY going floral fragrance. It's not heady, thick, challenging, or cloying in anyway. It's got very mild citruses, soft florals, and a tiny bit of a sunscreen quality. This sits pretty close to the skin, and it doesn't change a whole lot. This is such an easy going scent. This is one of those fragrances that are absolutely perfect when you don't know what to wear, but you still want to smell nice in an effortless way. It's also really good on those days when most scents become really overwhelming, and you just want something mild to wear. This is soft and comforting. I honestly adore this. It's so well balanced that it's almost impossible to pick out individual notes. It's blended to perfection. It's not too fruity, it's not too sweet, it's not too floral. It's honestly just right.

This was my signature around the time I turned 21, way back in 2006. I wanted a more adult perfume to enter this new phase, and after a long deliberation at the perfume counter, decided upon this beauty. It felt so feminine and fresh, bright and sunny, but still a little reserved; perfect for me at that age. There is a slightly green accord that makes this really interesting to me, and that dry down....it's my favorite part. This is such an easy reach in all weather, for every occasion. They still make this, but it's truly not the same though so close. Original formula bottles (look for bottles made by Lancaster Group, not Parlux!) are still going for stupid cheap on the gray market; I finally caved and bought a full 3.4 oz off Mercari for $14 and it's everything I remember and loved. And considering new bottles are going for about the same on Ross shelves, seriously take the gamble on a vintage and test this beauty out for yourself.

I was obsessed with this scent in middle school but never got to buy it. I’m so tempted to buy it now. I do still like and occasionally wear most of the perfumes I used back then. I can only faintly recall the scent and my juvenile nose didn’t know what it was but I knew it was damn good and I remember thinking it smelled so sexy. That’s part of the reason I couldn’t get anyone to buy it for me... it’s all coming back now! Edit: Purchased a 1oz bottle for $10 just in case I didn’t love it like I used to... well, I’m going back for the full size! This is so sensual and sexy to me! It’s like a dark floral with some warm musk to keep it from going too overboard. I’m not great at describing scents but oh man, I’m so glad I bought this! It’s finally mine! My 8th grade dream has come true! I’m going to find a smaller size to purchase and see if I love it like I did back then.

I own KC Black and KC White, and in my opinion the juice of Black belongs in the White bottle, and vice-versa! Black is a fresh, clear and crisp floral, almost aquatic in that it brings to mind a cool, energizing shower. It's really refreshing, which must be the citrus, and upon drydown, it's got a cozy side to it - as a comment below mentioned, like the sun on fresh, clean laundry. It's a really nice scent - again, not what I would associate with the word "Black." Giving my wrist another sniff, the drydown is starting to bring to mind one of my all-time favorites, DKNY Pure. It's got that same clear, crisp and cozy vibe that I get from Pure. This is a really nice scent, suitable for all seasons - even winter, when you need a burst of sunshine on a snowy, drab day - starts out fresh, dries down cozy. Will definitely buy this again when I run out!

Masterpiece. Period. I bought it yesterday on sale, and boy, oh, boy, I remembered this perfume well, even though I had it ten years ago. The white flowers are so well blended that you can feel Jasmin, but it is not overpowering. This is a sexy, close-to-skin perfume with a very sophisticated polish vibe. After so many cheap-smelling vanilla scents on the market and a mass hysteria for food-smelling scents, - this is a relief. It smells like a second skin because the florals are so smoothed, and musk is only peeping through them. There is no sharp musk here, but it is here for sex appeal. That's how I wanna smell in the morning, when I come to the bathroom in panties, with his white shirt over my shoulders. And, of course, in the evening when I lie in bed. And at the meeting, when I present a new project. And... Masterpiece.

I had this, used it up and never thought about revisiting it, even though I loved it. Well, I got to thinking about this frag for some reason or another, and decided a revisit wouldn't be a bad idea. I really love the rich, warm aroma that exudes from this fragrance. I can't believe I never thought about repurchasing it! The white flowers are very noticeable in this frag and some say it's too sharp, but I don't get any sharpness at all. After it settles, it's this warm, sexy amber/sandalwood combo on my skin. I always got compliments when I owned it the first time, especially from men. Great fall/winter frag that has great sillage and longevity for those cooler temps.

Sprayed this on today. Has quite a light feeling for white florals with some watery tones (likely from lotus). The tuberose here is the gentler, lighter, fluffier side of tuberose. There's a passing similarities to other Kenneth Cole fragrances for women (Reaction Kenneth Cole) but this is fleeting. The white florals are somewhat blurred together in a nice way, and jasmine steps forward - maybe ahead of tuberose at times. Very easy to wear for people on the fence about white florals, but if you're craving a distinct tuberose you might not be satisfied. Would layer well though with other tuberose or white floral scents. Still a love. Original review 11/25/23.

I have loved this scent since I first tried it back in 2005. I was waiting for a flight to Osaka in the San Francisco airport and decided to give myself a treat from Duty Free. I fell in love with this and the original Marc Jacobs scent, which is rather similar. Kenneth Cole Black won out. This is a gorgeous fragrance and I am happy to have it part of my arsenal again. It IS rather weaker than what I remember, but who cares? For as cheap as it is, I throw it into my handbag and refresh throughout the day with no worries whatsoever. This is an elegant, delicious fragrance and for the price? A real winner.

I bought this along with White July 4th 2015, so I've been rocking this for 3 years. Its the best White Floral I've ever worn. Somehow this manages to be very floral but not at all stomach turning. It is not an aquatic, but it does have a water with floral feeling, like your watering the garden, or sitting next to a river with a bouquet of flowers. My Mom loves White Shoulders, and this shares a lot of notes. If you like that classic you'll enjoy Black as its got the white floral vibe but in an updated way. I highly recommend, I reach for this often, its a no brainer.

I’ve own this for a while but never really used it. If you like white floral adn a bit of yellow floral thrown in you will love this. this is a floral bomb in my eyes and on me. It’s a juicy white floral, if that makes sense. I think from the Lily of the valley and lotus combination. I do not like lotus in fragrances but in here it’s ok and sits in the corner. This should be worn on a spring and summer day. In winter I would wear it in the evening. This is very feminine scent IMHO. Recommended 7/10 Nothing unusual at all

this definitely has to be one of my favorites. The dark seductive smell is simply irresistible. My mother used to own a bottle, i had borrowed it from her for a certain occasion and since then i just couldn't let go. I usually like fruity smells, but this floral one is really like no other. I still put it on when i want to feel sexy and specially on nights when I'm in party mood.

This is just a beautiful scent. All white floral. All feminine. I suspect this will become a staple in my wardrobe since often in the office I am dressed in drab gray & black neutrals. The femininity of this will be the perfect contrast. Love it! Also of interest....many very floral scents irritate my allergies. No impact in this one. I've finally found a floral I can wear. :)

I get lots of jasmine and hyacinth but it's not overpowering and though I Normally dislike florals I kinda like this one because it's a light floral, very springlike and pretty. I think it's very similar to Michael by Michael Korrs. I think this perfume might be good for layering too. I'll either get a tester or a bottle, it seems to be a keeper...so far. 8/10

I almost didn't even try this. I am a "white" perfume girl and shy away from the "blacks". I sprayed some on a sampler and waited for the spice, the patchouli, the amber, the heady musk. Instead I got stunning white flowers. Jasmine, tuberose, magnolia, lily of the valley. Gorgeous. I could not buy this fast enough. New favorite. <3

This should be called White for all of the soft beautiful florals. Lots of Tuberose. I cannot get enough of this scent. So soft and feminine. I LOVE IT! Masterpiece of a scent in my opinion and it does not copy another scent!! Very original and perfect! Way to go K. Cole!

it is very close to my dream perfume....i love lily of the valley,and i like it how they made it in this perfume. sadly it does not resist more then 1 or 2 hours on my skin.i am gonna try it again in a few years ,maybe i have better luck.

I love this as a post shower freshie. Relaxing. Reminds me of night blooming jasmine from bath and body works in the 90s. Relaxing, clean, not cloying. Good bedtime fragrance. Grab the bargain if you like that note and find this. Dreamy.

i think, this is one of my favorite. warm, natural and sex-appeal. combines urbanocentrism and naturalism in one bottle! awesome for spring and summer, but better for days. i wonder why it is called so "nightly"...

This is more of a tropical night in the darkest of skies in my favorite Eden, Hawaii. Maybe a black night in Mauna Kea but not BLACK as in dirty or dark. This is pure jasminey tuberose. Very very nice

this is definitely my signature scent. everyone knows when i walk into a room and my bf just can't get enough lol the scent makes me feel seductive and at the same time so calm :) LOVE LOVE LOVE :)

Delicious tuberose with a underlying creep of jasmine. This is a simple, dominant floral done right. The sillage keeps it from being too forward. Perfect night out fragrance.

i love this scent. It is unusual, attractive, especially on my skin. Always get compliments wearing it... And being brunette myself i like the name ;-)

Love this scent! Many people ask me what I am wearing! It is intriguing and last for a long time! My signature scent!

A very elegant, feminine and chic fragance. Very Versatile as well, if you know how to pull it off for any occasion.

This fragrance starts off flirty, then goes into a very good foreplay... #delicious

I went on a cheapie buying spree last week and lucked out as I am more than happy with every single perfume I purchased. While all were cheap, none of them smell cheap, and no two are alike. This buy is a very unusual floral perfume. As others have noted, the contents do not match the bottle. There is nothing dark to me here. On first spray I'm immediately hit with a floral blast of violet, quickly followed by a mélange of flowers - tuberose, hyacinth, LOTV, jasmine, magnolia, and ylang. I could smell all very clearly. One would think with such an abundance of florals that this would be a heavy scent, but it's not. It's actually very airy and sort of has an aquatic feel, which I am attributing to the lotus note. This perfume also has a very cool feeling that I am really enjoying on this hot and humid day. It's as if I am standing inside a florist refrigerator and smelling all the flowers, including leaves, stems, and the water in the vases. It stays this way for quite a while, and then it veers into green territory and smells strictly like the flower leaves and stems. That only lasts a short time and then disappears as the iris joins the mix, and combines with the musk becoming slightly powdery. These are my initial impressions with this first wearing, but there really seems to be a lot more going on than just what I noted. Fortunately, I am not smelling anything synthetic, and certainly, no rubber, burnt or otherwise. Nor is there anything sharp here. I think the light amber is preventing it from being so. Overall, this perfume makes me think of spring, and in particular, Easter. I think it would be lovely and fitting to wear at that time of year. If I have one complaint, it is that it only lasted about 3 hours on me. It is very inexpensive though, so it won't break the bank to respray. Overall, I am very happy with this pretty and unusual scent.

This review is for the fragrance mist. Yesterday, I wore Black for Her—it was after a nice, early morning shower—where I used cherry and almond scented products. I hadn’t worn this in years—since before the pandemic! The last time I wore it, I remember sitting at the bar with my husband, on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We ran a few errands then decided to stop at Buffalo Wild Wings for an early dinner. This lady came over to us twice...complimenting my fragrance and wanting to know the name of it. I told her the name and showed her the bottle. She loved it! I was kinda shocked because it was just a “fragrance mist,” lol. I had mixed feelings about Black for Her then—and still do! It reminds me of a lower quality Sean John’s Unforgivable Woman. The longevity, sillage, and dry down is great in Black for Her—especially for a fragrance mist, but there is something off-putting in the initial sprays. It is so off-putting, I am contemplating decluttering one of my two fragrance mists—giving it to my daughter, if she likes it. I have one with a lost top that I may give her. Anyway, in my opinion, this fragrance is very sexy, seductive, and dark. It has citrus notes in the description, but my nose is unable to detect them. What my nose does pick up: lots of musk. Very animalic, as it dries down. It becomes earthy, almost forbidden! I love the dry down! I will try layering this with another fragrance to try and kill the opening. Ultimately, Black for Her is a feel good fragrance. I would purchase the eau de toilette if I saw it reasonably priced at a discount store. This is not a safe blind buy, especially if you plan on buying it for someone other than yourself. I wouldn’t recommend wearing it to work either! Too darn sexy, too darn musky! As a matter of fact, this is too risqué for my daughter! I’ll find a top for it and keep it for myself, lol!!!

This is so poorly named, nothing about this is "black" in the slightest. I'm adding this to my mental list of fragrance misnomers 🤣 I love dark heavy things, but I also love fresh, clean, brisk florals...which this is. Yet...this is laced with powdery accents. It's honestly SO nice, and it took me utterly by surprise when I tested it. I didn’t expect to even enjoy this at all. The florals though? They're so entangled it's really hard to pick anything out, though I do get some jasmine. Beyond that? A total melange of cleaned up florals. However, it's also unapologetically floral. If you can imagine a dynamic of really polite people all speaking at once, all are polite and mannered, but none are cowing to the other....they're calmly bold. It's different than a lot of current fragrances lately, and it isn't sweetened up or covered with a bomb of laundry musk. It smells like a different era...and one I miss. Anyway, great stuff. Super versatile, super moderate performance, and really refreshing.

All I get for the first few hours is a very strong Jasmin-tuberose. A little of the sandlewood and must appear then, and tones down the floral slightly for me. Its very simple, very floral on me, which I usually don't care for, but i like this scent. Its not super sweet, or cloying as I too often find floral perfumes to be. Used lightly, I like it a lot. Layered over something woody or spicy and I love it. It lasts a really long time in me. I've had it last 12 hours when layered with John Varvatos or Sanderling woody fragrances and probably longer if I hadn't showered. On its own, is a plain, simple, nice floral, but sometimes that's just what I want. Although, on its own it fades down within an hour and I can only smell it if I put my wrist to my nose. I find I have to spray 3-4 times on each wrist to get any sort of projection or staying power. I do wish it faired better on me alone. Good thing I got it for a very reasonable price, even better.

This is my first review. I felt compelled to come to the rescue here. Black is not to be mistaken with the sentiment associated with the darkness of the night. I believe it is black as a cashmere cardigan, black as that dress you can take from day to night. It is discreet yes but still holding to a sense of personality and quiet confidence. I bought Black as a blind buy and did not regret it. I wore it at work and out to parties where it drew compliments from my colleagues and bohemian friends alike. However it sits close on the skin and I found having to spray every 2 hours. At first it is fresh and lively and dries down to a balmy almost powdery scent. It is just like meeting up with your best friend: the joy and elation at embracing at first and then the comfort and content of exchanging each other deepest secrets. This scent is for a confident, fully assuming, feminine woman. Black is Inner Beauty in a bottle.

Reminds me a lot of my mommy <3 I'm in my early 30s now, but so many fragrances I have an attachment to because my mom used to wear them growing up. She loves her musky, white florals balanced with some fruits and woods. This perfume, Burberry London, Dior Pure Poison, Estee Beyond Paradise, Jadore. They all have a special place in my heart, and I am also drawn to these scents as an adult. I remember when we'd go to the counters at Macy's/Bloomingdales for her to get her perfumes, I wanted to be grown up like her. I have a bottle I wear here and there, and its such a clean, floral inoffensive scent. It makes me think of my mom. In the colder months, I like to spray it on a scarf and it makes me feel so cozy like I am back in time and hugging my mom when she picks me up after school. Very nostalgic. It is easy to find a bottle at discounters online and Ross often.

I have to say that I really, really like Kenneth Cole Black for Women. The opening notes are floral, but not in the way you'd typically expect. I did not find the florals overly done or sweet. I found that the fragrance develops around the ylang-ylang, white flowers, hyacinth, and lotus. Simply beautiful. There is a very slight white musk base, but it is solid and warm- it doesn't have that synthetic musk undertone to it. There is also a slightly woody undertone as well, but that brings the whole scent together. The only downside is that on average, it lasts only around 4 hours and it wears very close to the skin. It reminds me of a feminized version of a really well done men's cologne. It's classy, smart, and sophisticated. I plan to buy more when I run out.

i agree with all the other reviews stating that BLACK is the wrong name for this fragrance. it shouldve been called WHITE. this scent provokes innocence and is pretty, sweet and youthful which does not relate to black at all. this is a bouquet of white flowers, tuberose being the main contender and at first blast, it is too much bordering on cloying IMHO. i contemplate washing it off but it soon settles to a pleasant and sparkling blend of jasmine, ylang ylang, and gardenia. i can detect LOTV lurking but its only faint thank god. after awhile i can smell violets and hyacinth which adds a certain likable purity but tuberose is there to stay . longevity is good especially if clothes are sprayed. sillage is moderate. this would make a good wedding fragrance.

I bought it keeping in mind that it was an American designer house and made by Coty which means it could be potentially not only unrefined and rough around the edges but also synthetic and cheap smelling. It actually turned out really nice. There is nothing huge, or dark and mysterious about this fragrance, but it is a very pleasant white floral, actually very natural smelling with no cheap notes hanging out in the background. It is a pretty casual perfume, sutable for office or daytime casual wear, but it is definitely elegant and feminine. Very good longevity as well. I like the fact that is very universal, I can wear it with a pair of jeans as well as to the gym.

Black is not heavy and it is not heady. It is a very nice, somewhat light jasmine white floral tuberose sandalwood fragrance. Perfect for summer, or fall. First off you smell strong violets, but they quickly settle into a mixture of subtle creamy jasmine/white floral with wafts of tuberose. It warms up during the dry down, and the musky amber is more prevalent for sure. It is a nice light white floral scent. Not to loud, or strong in any particular note. If you like Michael Kors Michael you will like this they are in the same vein and somewhat similar. If you like Marc Jacobs Marc Jacobs...it is also in the same vein, only Marc Jacobs is very gardenia.

Upon first spritz, it's surprisingly light & almost zesty full of sunlight. Within ten minutes, white flowers dominate like smoke filling a room but it doesn't take long before hyacinth, lotus and iris soften the mix. Sandlewood, musk and amber do indeed tame the very pleasant and wearable fragrance. I'm so glad I received this. It's ME all the way! A feminine, clean floral with a smooth slightly powdery trail. I received so many compliments today at work, I am very impressed! Kenneth Cole Black doesn't fit the delightful floral composition. It should be Kenneth Cole Woman. Lovely!

I do really enjoy this smell and its a very solid fragrance that will get a few compliments but with that said its not a top shelf worthy fragrance. Its above average and pleasant but thats about it. It has a fizzy,citrucy,somewhat green smell thats smoothed out with the incense thats there but its not really an incensy type of scent. Performance is again, above average as it lasts 5-8 hours and projects better than most but its nothing amazing or anything. Id rate this a solid 7 out of 10 ! A very good cologne in all categories but its not 1 of my favorites

Hi Olga, thanks for your explanation! I did try to manage till the dry down, but most of the time I couldn't as the burnt rubber phase is quite intensified in my skin. I couldn't be count objective on this, though..coz sometimes our brains do magical tricks that would make the 'less-loved' scent is stronger or seems to linger longer than the 'loved' ones. PS: I read your comments on comparing this to Mon Classique by Pascal Morabito, too..Sadly, I was only able to smell it from the bottle. Couldn't spray to test...Should try next time :)

I can see what another comment meant by "ghostly", it has this soft powdery dry down that is so effortless and whimsical. I really like wearing this alone and even layering with it. I do not get any tuberose in this, but it is not needed as all the other florals carry this scent. It is quite nice for all seasons. It sits nicely on the skin and lasts for a while. Dark and lovely well blended white floral scent -- with a slight soapy clean feel stemming from the iris and violet.

The bottle is deceiving. What you think you will smell is something heavy, dark and naughty. What you get is the beach in a bottle. Pure Coppertone sun tan lotion in a good way. It smells like a beach in a bottle. It's just such a wonderful feminine scent I love it. If you enjoy light floral's reminiscent of Coppertone lotions from the 90's you most likely will enjoy this one as well. I love the stout heavy bottle and the simplicity of it!

This is the only Kenneth Cole I liked so far. Still musing on buying. It is a little bit crazy fragrance! makes you want to do something mischevious no matter where you wear it.The beginning has a very pretty orange,then a burst of flowers - that`s when the fun begins - and the musky and soft base calms it down a little bit, yet you still can feel those "butterflies" flying about. Think Madonna in Vogue :)Black and white but so vivid.

I'm so much into white flowers, especially jasmine. The top notes did catch my attention. Blown away, I was indeed in love for some moments.... Then, something smells like burnt rubber or tires...which of course putt me off immediately! Tried several times, but it's still there...Such a pity as I put high hopes to like it... Can anyone help why I keep on smelling this burnt rubber/tire? And from which note, particularly?

Smells like a beautiful backyard full of fragrant gardenias in the summer after the sun goes down. It's by far the most feminine scent I have and I take it out when I want to get really dressed up. There's a little bit of powderiness on the dry down that is reminiscent of sunscreen. I got a big bottle of fragrance mist from Ross years ago, which I think is not as strong as the original.

Why this is called "Black" is beyond me. It is the whitest of white scents. Like clean white sheets hung out to dry in the sun, smelling of detergent and fresh air. At the same time there is something slightly sour about it to offset the glaring white flowers, I guess that's where the citrus notes come in. I wasn't expecting too much of this one, but I was very pleasantly surprised!

This isn’t a dark fragrance as the “black” would suggest. It’s very light and airy. It’s a nice floral opening and woody dry down. Lovely scent. Great for office air just a small get together. It’s a cheap fragrance that is a good buy. It’s likeable but not loveable. I did go through a whole bottle but never bought another. I consider it a cheapy that is good as a blind buy.

This is elegant day time fragrance for everyday. Sensual, but not overpowering. I smell tuberose and magnolia very intensive on a soft musky base. I have to wear quite formally to the office and this suits perfectly to my workwear. It`s soft and sensual but not too strong. This could be beautiful also on summer evenings with beautiful summer dress and high heels.

This is beautiful. A good amount of magnolia, which I love. Its a unique floral to me because a lot of florals smell the same like Miracle, Fiori & Eternity moment. This one is different and a strong like for me. The only bad thing is longevity. I only got 4 hours out of it which saddens me. Its the only reason im undecided about rebuying this.

To me, this smells like how cashmere feels. Cozy, warm, comforting. I grew up in the Midwest and loved wearing this during the chilly winter months with the bundled-up clothing. It made me feel very warm and soothed. I still love it. I get a musky white flower scent that is terribly nostalgic and relaxing and will always have a bottle of this.

I forgot how nice this is. Absolute crowd pleaser, no wonder it sold so well in the 1990s. It's still worth having in the collection. ETA: it's much weaker and a little bit sharper in the opening vs. what I remember from the OG. I assume it's been reformulated. I'm looking for something similar that has more sillage and longevity.