Fakhar Black is the most straightforwardly useful fragrance in this list. Green apple and bergamot open it with a ginger sparkle, crisp and slightly sour, the kind of opening that reads immediately as modern masculine. Lavender, sage and juniper berries take over within half an hour, adding a herbal, almost gin-and-tonic dryness, with geranium contributing a metallic green edge. The base is tonka, cedar, amberwood and vetiver: warm but not sweet, woody but not heavy, with a smooth ambery hum that carries it through the afternoon.
The clone claim here is well documented and accurate. Fakhar Black is an interpretation of YSL Y Eau de Parfum, and it is one of the closer matches on the market. The note structures line up almost point for point, and the general shape of the wear, sharp fruity-aromatic opening into a smooth amberwood base, is the same. Where they differ is refinement: the Y has slightly better blending in the transition and a cleaner sage note, while Fakhar Black is a touch rougher in the first fifteen minutes. Beyond that, most people will not distinguish them, and the price gap is substantial.
Performance ranks among the best here. Eight hours or more is the norm, and it projects strongly for the first three, arguably better than the designer it references. Two to three sprays is enough for a full working day.
This is the most versatile fragrance here. It works at the office, at a braai, at a wedding, on a first date and in a gym bag. It handles heat better than the sweet gourmands, so Highveld summer is not a problem. Its main limitation is that it is not distinctive: this profile is everywhere, and you will smell like a great many other people.
With almost 8,000 Fragrantica ratings at 4.21, it has become one of Lattafa's most trusted masculines. If you are buying your first Arabic-house fragrance and want something safe, wearable and genuinely good rather than a novelty, this is the sensible starting point. Note that it sits alongside the original blue Fakhar, which is a different composition.
At a glance
Fakhar Black by Lattafa Perfumes — Oriental – Oriental. Launched 2022. Longevity 6–10 hrs. Sillage very strong. Price in South Africa: R0 - R1,000. Best for: morning commute, weekend brunch, date night, black tie evening.
- Scent profile
- Oriental – Oriental
- Launched
- 2022
- Longevity
- 6–10 hrs
- Sillage
- Very Strong
- Price in South Africa
- R0 - R1,000
- Gender
- Masculine
- Best for
- Morning Commute, Weekend Brunch, Date Night, Black Tie Evening
Performance
Powerhouse — long-wearing with commanding presence.
✍️ Did You Know?
- •Fakhar Black is widely and consistently identified as an interpretation of YSL Y Eau de Parfum, with the two sharing an almost identical apple-ginger-sage-amberwood structure.
- •It has accumulated close to 8,000 Fragrantica ratings at a 4.21 average, placing it among Lattafa's most reviewed masculine releases.
- •Several reviewers argue it outperforms the YSL original on projection and longevity, which is unusual for a designer alternative at this price.
- •It is a distinct composition from the original blue Fakhar, despite the shared name and near-identical bottle shape, so the two are frequently confused by buyers.
Main Accords
Community Opinions
Wear It When
Morning Commute
“A spritz before you leave — fresh enough to wake you up, polished enough for the boardroom.”
Weekend Brunch
“Sun-dappled café tables, iced lattes, and effortless charm.”
Date Night
“Candlelight, slow conversation, and a scent trail that draws them closer.”
Black Tie Evening
“When the invitation says formal — this is what you reach for.”
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This Scent Is For
Warm & enveloping — leaves an unforgettable impression.
Scent Mood
Peak season: ❄️ Winter (95%)
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Sum
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Layer It With
Curated scent pairings to build a signature from Fakhar Black. Each combination is vetted by perfumers, editors, and community.
Adds an uplifting citrus accessory to anything richer — works whenever a scent feels too heavy for the weather.
Layering Tip
Spray the heavier scent first, then the lighter one on top. Start with two scents — more than three quickly becomes muddled. Always test on skin first.
AI Review Summary
Synthesised from fragrance data
Fakhar Black opens with a sharp, peppery spice-and-citrus combo that quickly melts into a smooth orchid-led floral heart before settling into a rich, smoky base of patchouli, vanilla, and amber — dark, confident, and polished from start to finish. It draws obvious comparisons to Tom Ford's Black Orchid territory, but holds its own masculine edge without feeling like a straight copy. Performance is genuinely impressive, with 8 to 10 hours of wear and a heavy sillage that announces your arrival before you do, so keep it to one or two sprays maximum. This one is built for cooler weather and evening occasions — think winter dinners, date nights, or any setting where you want to smell expensive without the designer price tag. At under R1,000, it's one of the better value propositions in the dark oriental space for the man who likes his fragrance bold and unapologetic.
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