Valentino Beauty’s Newest Fragrance Wraps You in a Warm Blan…

Valentino Beauty has long been known for stirring up our senses. And the Born in Roma fragrance franchise has gone viral for a reason. First, there was Born in Roma Donna Eau de Parfum Intense—a warm floral made up of vanilla, jasmine, and benzoin—and it’s magnetic the second you smell it (to that end, it the won The Fragrance Foundation’s Luxury Fragrance of the Year award in 2024). And Uomo Born in Roma Coral Fantasy, which offered red apple dosed with tobacco and sage.

Each one more delectable than the last, always a “sensual interplay of contrasts,” as the brand eloquently describes, correctly characterizing the way their sweet scents tend to dip into savory, and the warm, woody offerings pack an invigorating punch. It’s sophisticated nostalgia, it’s mixed messages, and it’s downright iconic.

Today marks the launch of the newest iterations from the Born in Roma collection, Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia, housed in Valentino’s signature rockstud bottle, reimagined in purple with black leather detailing.

Ahead, everything you need to know about Purple Melancholia, plus my honest review.

The Fragrances

Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia

A warm, fruity floral, Donna Born in Roma Purple blends a juicy bite of plum with osmanthus, as well as vanilla and musk. It’s intimate and comforting—but bright—and applies like velvet. It’s the fragrance version of “opposites attract,” and conjures memories of a first crush (and the rush of running into them unannounced). I know that’s abstract, but when you smell it you’ll know what I’m talking about.

At first spritz, it smells fruity. Then it settles into the soft florals and warm vanilla. It’s the base vanilla that lingers, and the reason it feels so familiar. I wore vanilla all through middle school, which is appropriate as the launch party for this fragrance gave intense early 2000s nostalgia (think chatting on AIM in your bedroom level wistfulness). The rich, sweet-and-tart burst of plum shakes up my usual idea of a fruity fragrance, and once again offers the contrast I crave. I’m hooked.

Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia

Now, this is the one I can’t stop dreaming about. Uomo Born in Roma Purple is a deeper, more textured juice filled with cream and spice. Highly aromatic cardamom immediately hits at first sniff, and then coconut and woody amber follow. Its intensity is enveloping, yet electric, and is the perfect sexy party scent for those who love both the familiar and the unexpected.

It’s no surprise this one is my favorite of the bunch, as I’m naturally drawn to warmer, spicier, woodier scents. But this one is different. The cool, creamy hits of coconut keep it fresh and balanced, offering a nutty sweetness in the middle. It’s limited edition, so you better believe I’ll be stocking up. It’s the type of fragrance you can’t quite put your finger on—which, I believe, is exactly the point.

Valentino Beauty likes to keep us on our toes. And consider me ready.

Valentino Beauty Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia are available now at Sephora.