David ApelThe nose · 20 fragrances · also made Les Belles de Ricci (1996)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Tom Ford · Sold as unisex
Purple Patchouli
A cozy library where books are lined with leather and the air is filled with the lingering scent of patchouli, amber, and subtle floral notes.
Full bottle: Luxury tier, typically $250+. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Purple PatchouliLuxury · $250+
70%Similar accords, often for lessEsencia Elixir · LoewePremium tier, $100–250 · all 3 of its listed notes are in this one8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
NotesAs listed
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 2007 by Tom Ford and crafted by perfumer David Apel, Purple Patchouli is a Floral Woody Musk fragrance that reimagines the earthy charm of patchouli. The composition opens with an aromatic burst of freshness, quickly giving way to the rich, warm notes of patchouli and amber. This isn't just any patchouli; it's deepened by balsamic and woody undertones, creating a scent that feels both lasting and modern. A hint of white floral adds a touch of sweetness, balancing out the earthy richness.
Apply Purple Patchouli to pulse points for a more intimate experience — it's designed to be closer to skin rather than filling a room. The fragrance blooms over an hour, so allow time for its full character to emerge.
Fig. 01 — Purple Patchouli, Tom Ford
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
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David Apel
New England landscapes, Parisian trainingDavid Apel is a perfumer born in New Jersey who studied environmental chemistry before an offer from Givaudan drew him into fragrance, starting in the gas chromatography lab analyzing products already on the market.
Designer Tom Ford
More from the house · founded 2006 · United States
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $250+ price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalPurple PatchouliTom Ford · Luxury · $250+Loewe · 2023Esencia ElixirAll 3 of its listed notes are in this one$100–250★ 4.22 (502)56%Match
Dior · 2025Dior Homme Parfum 2025Shares Patchouli, Amber and Vetiver$100–250★ 3.24 (4,633)56%Match
Hermès · 2005Parfum des MerveillesShares Patchouli, Peru balsam and Amber$100–250★ 4.31 (154)60%Match
ChanelChance Hair MistShares Patchouli, Jasmine and Amber$100–250★ 4.11 (46)
With Acqua di Parma Colonia Quercia
Adds citrus, fresh spicy and mossy; shares patchouli.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Well loved by wearers: loved by 51%, disliked or hated by 17%.