Xerjoff
NEORIO x DURAN DURAN
2025
candied fig
elemi
cistus
maple syrup
rose
Saffron
peru balsam
tonka bean
patchouli
Released in collaboration with Duran Duran, alongside Black Moonlight (2025).
‘Duran Duran NeoRio: The first Xerjoff perfume to feature four distinct variations of its illustrious and iconic flacon, NeoRio is a testament to limitless creativity and artistic fusion. Bold and captivating, it mirrors Duran Duran’s ever-evolving spirit and boundary-breaking energy — a quality shared with Xerjoff. Past, present and future collide in a perfume as magnetic and unpredictable as the band itself. NeoRio is a striking celebration of limitless creativity and artistic synergy. Bold, magnetic, and ever-evolving, this fragrance mirrors Duran Duran’s innovative spirit and boundary-defying energy—qualities deeply embedded in Xerjoff’s identity. Past, present, and future intertwine in a perfume as dynamic and unpredictable as the legendary band itself. As the first Xerjoff perfume to offer four distinct versions of its iconic flacon, NeoRio opens with an irresistible fusion of candied fig and rich rum, accented by the sparkling freshness of elemi absolute and the aromatic depth of Spanish cistus oil. Its heart radiates with the fiery warmth of saffron paired harmoniously with delicate rose oil and indulgent maple syrup, creating a uniquely captivating accord. At its base lies the creamy sophistication of Tonka bean, earthy patchouli, and the timeless, resinous allure of Peruvian balsam. NeoRio is an exuberant tribute to boundless energy, freedom, and the joy of life’s most electrifying moments. Each flacon and coffret proudly features Simon Le Bon’s handwritten signature, a personal touch underscoring the perfume’s distinct identity.’ – Xerjoff
NeoRio is available in four different color bottles.
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. I’m not sure if either of them truly wowed me, but I did like them better than most of the bigger niche releases that came out around this time. I like them almost equally, but I’ll give the edge to Black Moonlight for sure.
NeoRio is the more playful, quirky, sweeter one of the duo; as should be no surprise given it’s brighter, colorful bottle presentation. Straight away, I get licorice more than anything. Strong, slightly salty liquorice (not quite salmiak, but in that direction). It feels quite candied, with gummy bear like candy sweetness.
The notes list candied fig, but it takes a lot of my imagination for NeoRio to register as fig. Most of the notes elude me here; I get a lot of resinous texture, chewy soft candy sweetness and an earthiness. It’s not as patchouli-heavy as Iommi, but both NeoRio and Black Moonlight have quite an earthy patchouli base again.
With the salty licorice vibe that I’m getting, I’m reminded a little bit of a (much much darker) Fomowa Akatsuki Melba that came out around the same time and I much prefer the Xerjoff in comparison. It is also somewhat similar to Iommi, but much smoother, closer to Iommi Deified in that sense. I think NeoRio is a more playful, candied fragrance though and while I’ve fallen out of love with Iommi a bit since it’s release, it did make more of an impression on me than NeoRio does.
Overall, the scent is okay for me, the texture being the highlight. I feel this wears really nicely on skin and it holds up well throughout the drydown, which is where this feels more complete versus many of the fragrance that are coming out now. Solid.