Black Cashmere by Donna Karan c2002

Black Cashmere by Donna Karan: launched in 2002. Created by Rodrigo Flores-Roux. Donna chose the name because for her black cashmere is the ultimate fabric, it and best reflects her aesthetic.  She described it as "calming and protective." But something that could be worn day or night.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an oriental fragrance for women. "A passionate blend of light floral-honey accents, a medley of exotic herbs, with dark wood and warm masala spices."

• Top notes: saffron, white pepper, clove, nutmeg, masala spices, pimento berries
• Middle notes: Ethiopian guggul incense, Singapore patchouli oil, red Maréchal rose, Mediterranean broom flower
• Base notes:  amber, Maltese labdanum drops, African wenge wood, African bois de miel 

The fragrance was available in the following:

• Parfum
• Eau de Parfum
• Chiffon Body Powder
• Shower Gel
• Body Lotion
• Candle

The perfume parfum sold for $160 for half ounce when it was introduced.

Bottles:

The black stone like bottle was designed by Karan's husband, sculptor Stephan Weiss.  It was originally used for the 1 oz Eau de Parfum spray bottle for the Donna Karan New York fragrance from 1992. It is a very simple, and looks a lot like a computer mouse. This design was made to look like a smooth and glossy river rock. The design was later adopted to be used solely for the Donna Karan Black Cashmere line.

"The bottle which looks and feels like a black river rock, is as personal to me as the fragrance. My husband, Stephan,  sculpted it to fit in the hand. Rocks for me, are both sensual and secure. .. You want to hold them, feel their history and soul - a natural object of desire. Just like the scent."


Lombardi Design and Manufacturing, Freeport, NY, made the caps for Black Cashmere’s 50ml and the 100ml bottles. The bottles are made by Vitro and the pump spray by Risdon-AMS. Lombardi also made the base and cap, both of thick walled Surlyn by DuPont, for the purse spray package. The base holds a replaceable glass vial spray.


The perfume pendants are black with "DK" recessed on the outside. It is made up of black resin, polished to give it a smooth rock effect. It weighs about 2.5 oz. It opens in the middle to reveal a  0.7ml perfume sample vial. It is strung onto a long black satin cord with about a 17.5" drop; is adjustable, can be made shorter or slightly longer. Pendant is egg shaped about 2.5" long and 1.5" wide at its largest.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued. Reformulated and relaunched in 2008.