Xerjoff
BLACK MOONLIGHT x DURAN DURAN

2025

bergamot
mandarin
cardamom
Saffron

lavender
ylang-ylang
jasmine sambac absolute
myrrh

labdanum
tolu balsam
tonka bean
patchouli

Released in collaboration with Duran Duran, alongside NeoRio (2025).

‘Sensual, daring, and irresistibly captivating, Black Moonlight guides its wearer deep into the heart of night, a realm where secrets whisper softly and darkness sparks intrigue. Inspired by the evocative interplay of shadow and light that defines Duran Duran’s music, this fragrance embodies mystery, seduction, and the potent elegance of self-expression. Black Moonlight envelops the skin in an aura of sophistication, gently enticing the mind to explore hidden depths within, celebrating the enigmatic beauty of complexity. Opening notes of vibrant bergamot, sparkling mandarin, and aromatic cardamom ignite the senses, while a luxurious heart of saffron, lavender, sambac jasmine absolute, rich myrrh, and ylang-ylang creates a mesmerizing, intimate embrace. The scent settles gracefully upon a base of earthy patchouli, smoky labdanum, creamy tonka bean, and warm tolu balm—forming a sensual, timeless fragrance. True to Duran Duran’s legacy, Black Moonlight is transformative yet introspective, blending artistry, innovation, and profound emotion. The flacon and perfume coffret proudly feature Simon Le Bon’s handwritten signature, marking a unique collaboration.’ – Xerjoff

Xerjoff launched not one, but two collaboration with Duran Duran, Black Moonlight & NeoRio. I’ve worn both side by side and they feel like pretty good companions. Black Moonlight is definitely my favorite of the two. I’m not sure if I like it better than alternatives that I already have in my collection for this type of fragrance, but it’s a great option nonetheless.

I find this fragrance intriguing, but not easy to grasp at first. The opening has some floral tinges, but instantly the earthiness from patchouli comes through. For a moment I felt this would be as resinous as NeoRio, but on my skin, this quickly turns dry, almost powdery. Honestly, I feel like the citrus notes and even the florals can be neglected here, as they are completely gone for me within minutes.

What Black Moonlight turns to is an earthy cocoa powder on my skin, with some charred woods. Similar to the drydowns of Parfumeur 502 Iris Cartagena or a D:SOL MMXVI Terram. Maybe even some coffee powder too, leaning towards fragrances like Atelier des Ors Cocoa Kimya and Diptyque Bois Corse. All fragrance that I like, so it’s no surprise that I ended up liking Black Moonlight as well.

Saffron stands out for a while, but it barely goes leathery for me. If anything I feel like I get some booziness here, even though NeoRio is the one of the duo that lists a boozy note. It sticks to the woods and earthiness, with a nice balanced sweetness. I wish there was more of the brightness from the opening to break up the monotony of the wear for a while longer (the way the fruitiness in Iommi does wonders there). Here, it’s more on the  warmer, ambery woody vibe. In the air, I keep getting wafts of dark powdery chocolate, which was quite enjoyable.

Overall, a fragrance that I could see myself wearing for sure and it gets a strong thumbs up.