Velvet Orchid by Tom Ford is widely celebrated as Black Orchid's more approachable, floral, and boozy sister. It's a luxurious, deep, and sensual scent that evokes a certain 'rich auntie' vibe, though it can polarise with its strong powdery and occasionally sharp floral notes.

Orchid Essence takes the floral-oriental idea of Tom Ford Velvet Orchid but skips the boozy rum-and-honey opening entirely, landing a brighter, simpler florals-and-vanilla scent with a fraction of the original's sillage and staying power.