Kim Kardashian Eau de Parfum- Is it a dupe for Tom Ford Black Orchid?

Kim Kardashian isn't a celebrity I know a great deal about. Of course, I've heard who she is and have an idea of what she's famous for but I've never tuned into her show, Keeping up with the Kardashians. Likewise, I'm not a fan of celebrity fragrances so this post may seem an odd choice. I was invited to her recent fragrance launch in the UK but unable to attend, the PR kindly sent me a sample of the fragrance to try.
As part of the initial research, Kim took to Twitter to ask her followers what they'd like to see in her signature scent. It's interesting to see that social media is now being used in this way, not to mention that it demonstrates a certain savviness on the part of Kim and her advisors. I also admire that she hasn't followed the standard celebrity formula of a fruity, floral which I'm beyond bored of.
I was sent the 30ml EDP and, having seen pictures of the larger sizes (first image), I have to say that I'm hugely disappointed that the same design doesn't extend to the purse spray (second image).

The 30ml size is quite literally the ugliest, cheapest looking bottle I've ever laid eyes on- pearlised pink with a repeated logo based on Kim's initials. There's absolutely no way that I'd consider carrying this in my purse and spraying it in public. Likewise, the empty bottle won't be joining my collection on display under a bell jar.
Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised at the contents as the fragrance itself isn't bad at all. Ok, it's not the most sophisticated scent. It's very sweet and didn't seem to develop beyond the initial fragrance. However, there's something about this fragrance which I really like and I think it's because it is reminiscent of several other fragrances which I enjoy using. I was initially convinced that violet is one of the key notes (which must be a good thing as I adore the scent of violet) but it isn't mentioned in any of the accompanying materials. However, it's very floral to the extent that some may find it cloying.
People have commented that this is comparable to other fragrances such as Tom Ford Black Orchid, Michael Kors' signature scent and the original Juicy Couture so I wanted to run a little experiment. I was also intrigued to see how it would compare with one of my favourites, Miller Harris Noix de Tubereuse.
I tried comparing it to Miller Harris first up seeing as they both boast the key note of Tubereuse. This highlighted a certain bitterness to the Kim Kardashian fragrance that I hadn't noticed on my first try, which I'm guessing comes from the opening notes of mandarin and orange blossom. Miller Harris is also sweet in the overall theme but is more powdery and less in-your-face, as you would expect from a prestige fragrance. In addition to Tubereuse, Tonka Bean features across both perfumes.
Once I noticed the bitterness, I realised that it includes one of the notes from Benefit's Carmella scent which is quite unusual and really hits you in an unashamed way. I almost want to describe it as a chemical odour.
I absolutely adore the sexy smokiness of Tom Ford Black Orchid which I don't feel is captured in Kim Kardashian's creamier version. As it dries down, I noticed some similarities but Tom Ford's is undoubtedly the more sophisticated of the two. Looking at the composition, the two fragrances do share a number of the same notes, namely jasmine, gardenia, mandarin, orchid, vanilla and sandalwood so it's not surprising that they've been compared but I feel that these remain two distinctly separate fragrances.
Looking at how Kim Kardashian's fragrance compares to Michael Kors' signature scent, I have to say that they are the closest out of the comparisons I made, which I found pleasantly surprising. In terms of composition, they share just one similar note although admittedly, it's the boldly distinctive Tubereuse. I used to wear Michael Kors for years so I've enjoyed rediscovering it through the comparison.
Finally, Juicy Couture. Again, the common thread here is Tubereuse, with vanilla and mandarin also both featuring across the two scents. Whilst there's a similarity and if you like one, you'll most likely enjoy the other, I don't feel that they are so similar as to draw a close comparison. I'd say Juicy Couture feels like a younger fragrance.
I guess that this highlights just how predominant the Tubereuse note is which is why so many people pick up on it and make the comparison. Moral of the story? Only try this if you're a fan of Tubereuse!
I was impressed to note that the scent lingered on my skin throughout the day. Taken on it's own merits, I'd say that this isn't half bad, particularly when you consider that it's a celebrity offering. Overall, I quite like it although I'm not sure I'd go out and repurchase it over others. If you're wondering whether to purchase this as a dupe for a similar fragrance, I'd say go with your original favourite and don't be afraid to invest.