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What does Shanghai Lily smell like?

Shanghai Lily is a study in texture, offering a smooth and velvety interpretation of a spiced floral that feels atmospheric rather than aggressive. Despite the name, the fragrance doesn’t rely on a literal lily note; instead, it uses a lush trio of jasmine, rose, and tuberose to recreate the heady, waxy impression of a lily in full bloom. This floral heart is immediately enveloped in a dry, crackling heat from black pepper, clove, and pink pepper, creating a shimmering effect that feels like sunlight filtering through a hazy, incense-filled room. Wearing it feels like stepping into a glamorous, dimly lit lounge. As the initial floral brightness settles, the scent deepens into a resinous, smoky base. Frankincense and cistus provide a spiritual, slightly cold smoke, while Siam benzoin and vanilla add a subtle, sophisticated sweetness that never veers into gourmand territory. The drydown is anchored by cashmere wood and guaiac wood, leaving a trail that is dark, sophisticated, and distinctly "vintage" in its complexity, yet polished for a modern setting.

Details

House: Tom Ford
Gender: unisex
Year: 2013
Longevity: 8.2 / 10 · 214 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 7.5 / 10 · 212 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (85 votes), Winter (68 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Evening (81 votes), Night Out (77 votes)
Scent Profile: Spicy, Floral, Oriental, Sweet, Resinous

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

The fragrance is widely praised for its high-quality composition and "smooth texture," with enthusiasts often citing it as an exception to the brand's more polarizing releases.
Performance is a point of contention: while many enjoy its longevity, others find the projection to be more "muted" and intimate after the first hour, describing it as a skin-hugging fragrance rather than a room-filler.
It is frequently compared to a more refined, modern, and floral-centric version of vintage YSL Opium, stripped of its 1970s "beast mode" heaviness.
Most users recommend this for cooler months, specifically fall and winter evenings, as the resins and spices can feel too heavy or "thick" in high summer heat.
Because it has been discontinued, the value of remaining bottles has become a debate, with some collectors considering it a "must-have" masterpiece and others arguing that the price on the secondary market is too steep for the performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this fragrance lean masculine or feminine?+

Shanghai Lily is marketed as a unisex fragrance. While it features classic white florals like tuberose and jasmine, the heavy dosage of clove, frankincense, and various woods gives it a spicy, smoky backbone that many men find very wearable.

Is Shanghai Lily still in production?+

No, this fragrance has been discontinued. It was originally part of the 2013 Atelier d’Orient collection and is now increasingly difficult to find, often commanding premium prices from collectors.

How does this perform in a professional or office setting?+

While the scent profile is opulent and "dark," the sillage is relatively moderate and non-oppressive. If applied lightly, it can work for business settings, though most users prefer it for evening leisure or nights out.

How do the spices interact with the floral notes?+

The spices, particularly clove and black pepper, are prominent from the start. They don't overshadow the florals but rather "pierce" through them, preventing the jasmine and tuberose from becoming too cloying or sweet.

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Unisex Fragrances3693 2010s Fragrances3361 Fragrances Starting With S615

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What does Shanghai Lily smell like?

Shanghai Lily is a study in texture, offering a smooth and velvety interpretation of a spiced floral that feels atmospheric rather than aggressive. Despite the name, the fragrance doesn’t rely on a literal lily note; instead, it uses a lush trio of jasmine, rose, and tuberose to recreate the heady, waxy impression of a lily in full bloom. This floral heart is immediately enveloped in a dry, crackling heat from black pepper, clove, and pink pepper, creating a shimmering effect that feels like sunlight filtering through a hazy, incense-filled room. Wearing it feels like stepping into a glamorous, dimly lit lounge. As the initial floral brightness settles, the scent deepens into a resinous, smoky base. Frankincense and cistus provide a spiritual, slightly cold smoke, while Siam benzoin and vanilla add a subtle, sophisticated sweetness that never veers into gourmand territory. The drydown is anchored by cashmere wood and guaiac wood, leaving a trail that is dark, sophisticated, and distinctly "vintage" in its complexity, yet polished for a modern setting.

Details

House: Tom Ford
Gender: unisex
Year: 2013
Longevity: 8.2 / 10 · 214 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 7.5 / 10 · 212 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (85 votes), Winter (68 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Evening (81 votes), Night Out (77 votes)
Scent Profile: Spicy, Floral, Oriental, Sweet, Resinous

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

The fragrance is widely praised for its high-quality composition and "smooth texture," with enthusiasts often citing it as an exception to the brand's more polarizing releases.
Performance is a point of contention: while many enjoy its longevity, others find the projection to be more "muted" and intimate after the first hour, describing it as a skin-hugging fragrance rather than a room-filler.
It is frequently compared to a more refined, modern, and floral-centric version of vintage YSL Opium, stripped of its 1970s "beast mode" heaviness.
Most users recommend this for cooler months, specifically fall and winter evenings, as the resins and spices can feel too heavy or "thick" in high summer heat.
Because it has been discontinued, the value of remaining bottles has become a debate, with some collectors considering it a "must-have" masterpiece and others arguing that the price on the secondary market is too steep for the performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this fragrance lean masculine or feminine?+

Shanghai Lily is marketed as a unisex fragrance. While it features classic white florals like tuberose and jasmine, the heavy dosage of clove, frankincense, and various woods gives it a spicy, smoky backbone that many men find very wearable.

Is Shanghai Lily still in production?+

No, this fragrance has been discontinued. It was originally part of the 2013 Atelier d’Orient collection and is now increasingly difficult to find, often commanding premium prices from collectors.

How does this perform in a professional or office setting?+

While the scent profile is opulent and "dark," the sillage is relatively moderate and non-oppressive. If applied lightly, it can work for business settings, though most users prefer it for evening leisure or nights out.

How do the spices interact with the floral notes?+

The spices, particularly clove and black pepper, are prominent from the start. They don't overshadow the florals but rather "pierce" through them, preventing the jasmine and tuberose from becoming too cloying or sweet.

What are the main differences between this and YSL Opium?+

Shanghai Lily shares the resinous, spicy DNA of Opium but trades the heavy aldehydes and animalic density for a cleaner, smokier, and more floral-focused elegance. It feels "clearer" and more modern.

What are the best conditions for wearing this scent?+

It shines best in low temperatures. The resins and woods bloom beautifully in the cold air of autumn and winter, which helps to preserve the delicate balance of the floral notes without them becoming "waxy" or overwhelming.

Accords

Notes

HeartClove//Tuberose//Black pepper//Cashmere wood//Frankincense//Jasmine//Pink pepper//Rose//Siam benzoin//Vanilla//Bitter orange//Castoreum//Cistus//Gaiac wood//Vetiver

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Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Unisex Fragrances3693 2010s Fragrances3361 Fragrances Starting With S615

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Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.