The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Onyx belongs to Nick Ricardo Collection and presents itself through a dark, mineral-inspired idea. That sense of solidity gives the fragrance a composed character from the outset, without relying on an exaggerated masculine brief to define it. The opening is vivid and lucid, shaped by bergamot, ginger, and lemon: citrus brightness meets peppery warmth and a clean herbal lift. The scent then moves into a more tactile heart, where spices, white pepper, basil, and violet leaf create a layered aromatic presence. It feels polished but active, with each stage adding a distinct texture to the composition.
What makes Onyx interesting is the tension between clarity and depth. Bergamot and lemon introduce a polished brightness, while ginger adds warmth and a gently energetic edge. In the heart, spices and white pepper bring a clean snap that keeps the opening from feeling overly sweet. Basil introduces a green, herbal quality, and violet leaf lends a cool leafy accent. Those elements overlap to create a composed aromatic center with more movement than a simple citrus scent.
The evolution
Onyx begins with bergamot, ginger, and lemon, a combination that registers as bright, warm, and finely sharpened. The citrus facets feel clean, while ginger adds a gentle zing that gives the opening momentum. As the first impression softens, spices and white pepper move forward with a dry, aromatic snap. Basil contributes a fresh herbal layer, and violet leaf introduces a cool green note that balances the warmth of the spices. The drydown turns toward tonka bean, Tahitian vetiver, and cedar. Tonka bean adds a rounded sweetness, Tahitian vetiver introduces an earthy depth, and cedar gives the finish a steady woody frame. The result is controlled, layered, and quietly assured.
Cultural impact
Onyx offers a different way to approach fragrance naming: the title suggests a material with weight and visual character, while the composition reveals a more nuanced scent beneath that strong impression. For scent wearers who value a deliberate presentation, its progression from bright opening notes to a deeper, earthy base makes it a fragrance to explore thoughtfully. The name invites recognition, but the note structure gives the wearer a more personal way to understand it.
The House
Nick Ricardo CollectionNick Ricardo Collection is an independent, gender-neutral fragrance house based in San Francisco, founded by Nick Ricardo Yeast ll. Launched in 2018, the brand debuted with a focused lineup including Turbulent, Desire, Mention, and Onyx. It operates as a small-batch operation positioned outside the traditional gendered structure of the mainstream fragrance market, appealing to wearers seeking scent without conventional masculine or feminine categorization.
The Creator
Roger HowellWith over three decades of experience across multiple market segments, Howell works fluidly across categories, from fine fragrance to functional scent. He favors warm, resinous bases and has a particular affinity for constructing fragrances that deepen over time on the skin—a…
