Launched back in 2015 when it was crafted by perfumer Anne Flipo, Jimmy Choo Illicit Eau De Parfum is glamorous and sensual, designed for women who love bold perfumes. The alluring fragrance is perfect for evening and romantic dates due to its warm base of honey, amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood and Cashmere wood.
Jimmy Choo Illicit Perfume
British brand Jimmy Choo launched its first fragrance on January 31, 2017 with a campaign featuring the luxury brand’s president Tamara Mellon. Housed in a jewel-coloured, multi-faceted bottle encased in a pink snakeskin print box, Jimmy Choo eau de parfum has refreshing green notes, Tiger Orchid, Indonesian patchouli and sweet toffee. Here on, the luxury brand’s fragrances inspire glamour and confidence in the urban man and woman.
Whether shoppers prefer something seductive and woody or light and floral, Jimmy Choo has the best fragrances for every occasion. Jimmy Choo Illicit Perfume is a sophisticated and alluring fragrance that inspires romance and elegance, with its ingredients. This perfume masterfully blends warm honey and amber with the sensuality of jasmine and rose, creating a rich, intoxicating scent.
Unlike many floral fragrances, Illicit adds an unexpected edge with spicy ginger and bitter orange, making it a unique and memorable choice. Its impressive longevity ensures it lingers throughout the day or night, while the elegant, art-deco-inspired bottle enhances its luxurious appeal. In this guide, we will explore what makes Jimmy Choo Illicit Perfume popular and the different facets of this intense perfume.
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The Inspiration Behind Jimmy Choo Illicit Perfume
Designed to create an aura of confidence rooted in femininity, Jimmy Choo Illicit was crafted for the modern, urban woman who lives life on her own terms. Inspired by spirit of adventure and seduction, this luxury perfume captures the spirit of fearless glamour, making it the perfect olfactory statement for women who embrace their individuality. The name ‘Illicit’ itself suggests a fragrance that is alluring and rebellious—designed for those who refuse to follow the rules.
The mastermind behind ‘Illicit’ is perfumer Anne Flipo, who aspired to craft a fragrance that was as intoxicating as it was empowering. She expertly blended the warmth of honey and amber with the sensual floral notes of jasmine and rose, creating a perfume that is rich, multi-dimensional and impossible to ignore. To add an unexpected twist, Flipo introduced a hint of spicy ginger and bitter orange. This careful balance makes the fragrance both addictive and sophisticated, setting it apart from other floral perfumes that often lean too heavily on delicate or predictable compositions.
Within the Jimmy Choo fragrance collection, Illicit stands out as one of the brand’s most daring and seductive creations. While other perfumes like Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum celebrate elegance with fruity and patchouli notes, and Jimmy Choo Fever leans into sultry, gourmand territory, Illicit strikes a perfect harmony between sensuality and strength. It is designed for women who like a touch of confidence and mystery. The geometric, art-deco-inspired bottle further enhances this concept, reflecting both luxury and rebellion. With its bold composition and empowering message, Illicit is more than just a perfume—it is a statement of independence, allure, and unapologetic femininity.
The Scent Profile of Jimmy Choo Illicit
Jimmy Choo Illicit was created by perfumer Anne Flipo, who describes it as a remarkable yet audacious fragrance, with a tempting signature. Provocative with underlying sweetness, it is hypnotic and feminine, teasing with a hint of ginger and bitter orange and a heart of Turkish Rose and Jasmine Sambac-Rose, before drying down to reveal the piece de resistance — a gourmand honey-amber-sandalwood accord.
Jimmy Choo Illicit is a bold, sensual, and long-lasting fragrance with a 40ml priced around £40–£55, 60ml at £60–£75 and a 100ml bottle at £80–£100. It plays on the senses, teasing and tantalising in a swirl of playful seduction. Endorsed by American model, singer and actress Sky Ferreira, Illicit was marketed as an edgy yet elegant fragrance, making it a sought-after choice for those looking for a distinctive, long-lasting scent.
How long does Jimmy Choo Illicit last?
Jimmy Choo Illicit boasts impressive longevity, typically lasting 6–8 hours on the skin and 12+ hours on clothing, making it a reliable choice for day-to-night wear. Its rich base of honey and amber provides warmth and depth, allowing the fragrance to linger beautifully as it develops throughout the day. However, factors such as skin type, weather conditions and application can influence its staying power. Oily skin tends to hold fragrance longer while drier skin may require additional layering to prolong the scent. Similarly, colder weather enhances the fragrance’s depth while high heat can cause it to dissipate quickly.
With moderate to strong sillage, Illicit is perfect for making a lasting impression without being overwhelming. The fragrance projects well in intimate and social settings, making it an excellent choice for evening wear, date night and special occasions. Its inviting blend of floral, honeyed sweetness and spicy warmth ensures that people will take notice without it being overpowering. For maximum longevity and projection, apply Jimmy Choo Illicit to pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears.
PRO TIP: Consider layering it with an unscented moisturiser or using a light spritz on your hair and clothing to help the fragrance last even longer.
Is Jimmy Choo Illicit Worth It?
Jimmy Choo Illicit stands out among luxury perfumes for women due to its balance of affordability, longevity, and sophisticated design. Compared to high-end fragrances such as Chanel Coco Mademoiselle or Dior J’adore, Illicit is often priced competitively, making it an attractive option for those seeking a luxury perfume without a steep price tag.
While Chanel and Dior fragrances tend to retail at a premium, Illicit offers a similar opulent experience at a lower cost. Despite its affordability, it delivers impressive longevity, lasting up to eight hours on the skin, which is comparable to more expensive perfumes. The fragrance itself, a blend of warm floral and gourmand notes, provides a sensual and modern appeal, making it a versatile choice for day or evening wear.
In terms of bottle design, Illicit exudes elegance with its intricate glass structure and golden accents, reflecting the bold yet sophisticated character of the scent. While other luxury perfumes, such as Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and Tom Ford Black Orchid, opt for darker, more mysterious aesthetics, Illicit embraces a refined and luminous presentation.
The cylindrical glass bottle, inspired by crystal tumblers, enhances its premium feel while maintaining a contemporary edge. This design contrasts with the timeless, minimalist appeal of Chanel’s square-shaped bottles or the curvaceous elegance of Dior’s J’adore. Overall, Jimmy Choo Illicit competes strongly with expensive luxury fragrances, offering an excellent balance of price, longevity, and aesthetic appeal, making it a sought-after choice for those who appreciate high-end perfumery without an extravagant cost.
Best Occasions to Wear Jimmy Choo Illicit
With its rich, warm composition, Jimmy Choo Illicit is best suited for evening wear and formal occasions. The alluring blend of honey, amber, and jasmine creates a sensual and sophisticated aura, making it an excellent choice for romantic dinners, cocktail parties, and elegant social gatherings. While it can be worn during the day, its deep and slightly spicy character shines best in cooler temperatures and dimly lit, intimate settings. The fragrance envelops the wearer in a soft yet commanding presence, making it ideal for women who want to project a hot of confidence and mystery when stepping into a room.
Where To Buy & Additional Tips
Where to Buy:
Purchase directly from Jimmy Choo’s official website or reputable retailers like Sephora, Macy’s or FragranceX for discounts.
Consider authorised discount retailers like FragranceNet or FragranceX for competitive prices.
Seasonal Sales:
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday seasons often bring significant discounts. Keep an eye on special offers.
Testing Before Buying:
Always test the perfume in-store before committing to a large bottle, especially if you are unsure about the scent or longevity.
Loyalty Programs:
Retailers like Sephora offer loyalty programs that may help earn discounts or samples on your next purchase.
Price Comparison:
Use sites like FragranceNet or FragranceX to compare prices and find potential deals before buying. Many offer 10–20 percent off retail prices.
Final Thoughts: Why Jimmy Choo Illicit Stands Out
Jimmy Choo Illicit is a must-have for fragrance lovers who appreciate a bold, effortlessly elegant perfume. With its seductive blend of honey, amber, jasmine, and spicy ginger, it strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and spice, making it ideal for evening and colder seasons. Its impressive longevity and moderate to strong sillage ensure wearers leave a lasting impression, at a romantic dinner or a night out on the town. Illicit is perfect for women who embrace confidence and mystery in their personal style. For more insights into luxury fragrances, follow Fashionabc and stay updated on the latest in perfumery.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
