Bill Blass 1991 EDC

F £ Statement

Basic Black

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Bill Blass Basic Black is a Cologne launched in 1991. Basic Black opens with Bergamot, Mandarin, Ylang-Ylang, and Carnation, settles into a heart of Rose, Jasmine, Violet, and Tuberose, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Sandalwood, and Vetiver. Bill Blass's Basic Black carries a Statement verdict, a floral-led wear.

Basic Black is a divisive, unashamedly vintage chypre that some adore for its complex, bold character and others find overwhelmingly dated or even unpleasant. If you're after a statement scent from a bygone era, this could be your surprisingly affordable gem.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Classic
  • Mysterious
  • Sophisticated
  • Sensual
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Basic Black Cologne bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Given its moderate longevity and the community's descriptions of it as a 'heavy duty' or 'serious' fragrance, Basic Black isn't ideal for the office or sport. It truly shines in formal evening settings or on a sophisticated date, with some finding it versatile enough for casual wear if applied lightly.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Geraniol from Rose
  • Oakmoss Evernia prunastri extract from Oakmoss

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Basic Black opens with a rich, fruity-spicy burst of plum, peach, and cardamom, quickly moving into a dense floral heart where honeyed rose, ylang-ylang, and carnation entwine. The base is a dramatic, animalic blend of civet, oakmoss, and patchouli, softened by amber and sandalwood, creating a dark, earthy, and subtly sweet finish. Think of a gothic romance novel in a bottle.

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Where to buy

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.