{"id":1789306,"date":"2026-02-23T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1789306"},"modified":"2026-02-23T14:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T11:00:00","slug":"how-valentinos-perfumers-bottled-sensual-melancholy-for-the-newest-born-in-roma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1789306","title":{"rendered":"How Valentino\u2019s Perfumers Bottled \u201cSensual Melancholy\u201d for the Newest Born in Roma"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

How Valentino\u2019s Perfumers Bottled \u201cSensual Melancholy\u201d for the Newest Born in Roma<\/h1>\n

An interview with Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4te-Mouzzanar. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
By<\/span><\/p>\n
Sophie Vilensky<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Sophie\"Sophie<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nSophie Vilensky\n<\/div>\n
\n
    \n
  • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \nSophie is a beauty news writer for Byrdie. Outside of Byrdie, she’s contributed to Bravo, Us Weekly, Teen Vogue, and Greatist.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Published on February 23, 2026 09:00AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"model\"model<\/div>\n<\/div>
    <\/p>\n

    @valentino.beauty\/Instagram<\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    \n
    \n

    Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

    \n
      \n
    • On February 23, Valentino is releasing Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia.<\/li>\n
    • Perfumers Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar told Byrdie all about the collection’s inspiration(s).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      Have you met Donna? How about Uomo? If not, I’m so happy to introduce you. They’re at a very special time in their lives, you see. If we were going to assign a color to it\u2014which, actually, we definitely are<\/em> going to do\u2014it would be purple. The color of royalty and magic and ambition.\n<\/p>\n

      On February 23, Valentino Beauty is officially launching Born in Roma Purple Melancholia with two scents: Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia. The fragrances were designed by Valentino\u00a0perfumers Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar, who each had a specific vision for how the fragrance should make people feel.\n<\/p>\n

      “It\u2019s meant to lift you up. To give you presence and allure. A magnetic sensuality that feels intimate yet powerful, leaving a trail that is memorable,” Gaurin told Byrdie. As for C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar, words that came to mind were “glamorous, beautiful, and special.”<\/p>\n

      Ahead, discover everything there is to know about the vivid new scents (Donna in particular), including more notes on inspiration from the perfumers themselves.<\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      \"Valentino's\"Valentino's<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      @valentino.beauty\/instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      \n
      $180 at Sephora<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      The Inspiration <\/span><\/h2>\n

      The Born in Roma fragrances first debuted in 2019 with the original Donna Born in Roma and Uomo Born in Roma. Since then, we’ve seen the icons through many changes in “chromatic moods”: Coral Fantasy, Intense, Yellow Dream…\n<\/p>\n

      “I love how Born in Roma plays with color. It\u2019s very fashionable, very contemporary, almost like a couture wardrobe of scents. Each color tells a different story, a different attitude,” said C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar.\n<\/p>\n

      And now, everything is purple\u2014a shade that provided (almost) all the inspiration necessary for the perfumers. Built to bring out the best in you, the scents explore fruity, floral, and creamy notes. Donna, for example, is all about the contrast of radiant plum and velvety vanilla.<\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      \"Anwar\"Anwar<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      Valentino Beauty<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      “Purple immediately evokes something emotional. A form of sensual melancholy, a contrast between light and shadow. My starting point was to create a strong structure, that could carry that emotion. I wanted a fragrance that felt elegant and confident, but with a bit of mystery. I approached it like a modern chypre, crafted with velvety and fruity facets,” explained Gaurin.<\/p>\n

      Like all of his creations, this one was also inspired by sound.\n<\/p>\n

      “My work is always deeply connected to music. I think of perfume as a melody, with an opening, a refrain, and a lasting echo on the skin. It\u2019s about rhythm, tension, and emotion,” he shared.<\/p>\n

      The Process <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Outside of color and sound, both perfumers found inspiration in their collaborative effort.\n<\/p>\n

      “Creating Purple Melancholia was a real exchange with Pascal, an ongoing dialogue that truly nourished our creativity,” shared C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar. “Together, we worked to balance [Gaurin’s] original idea with a vibrant, expressive sensuality. The plum became the key expression of that \u2018purple feeling\u2019\u2013emotional trigger, juicy, bold, slightly liquorous.”\n<\/p>\n

      Gaurin added that the goal wasn’t to repeat what already existed with this scent. Instead, it was about enriching the collection.\n<\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      \"Valentino\"Valentino<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      Valentino Beauty<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      “The original Born in Roma is luminous and modern; Purple brings a new layer, something deeper, more sensual, more magnetic,” he noted. “It introduces liquorous and mysterious facets that were not yet explored, while remaining unmistakably part of the Born in Roma DNA.”<\/p>\n

      \n

      Related Stories<\/h2>\n
      \n
      8 Italian Perfumes That Embody La Dolce Vita in Fragrance Form<\/div>\n
      \n
      \"Fornasetti\"Fornasetti<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      12 Minimal ’90s Perfumes With Major Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Energy<\/div>\n
      \n
      \"Carolyn\"Carolyn<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      The Notes <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Per usual, both fragrances are housed in Valentino’s signature Rockstud bottles, reimagined in a “melancholia purple” shade with black leather detailing.<\/p>\n

      Belonging to the “warm, floral, and fruity” olfactory family, Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia starts with a burst of radiant plum. C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar explained that, because plum doesn\u2019t exist as a natural extract in perfumery, they were able to create an idealized accord that’s “more intense, more contrasted, more sensual than nature itself.”\n<\/p>\n

      “The fruitiness is my favorite facet. It gives the fragrance its personality. It\u2019s joyful, bold, and immediately captivating,” she added.\n<\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      @valentino.beauty\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      After the plum settles, you’re led into a heart note of osmanthus that Gaurin is particularly fond of.\n<\/p>\n

      “Osmanthus has a multifaceted character, at the crossroads of many olfactive tones. I particularly love how this little flower creates a smooth, enveloping transition from vibrant brightness to sensual warmth,” he explained. “In Born in Roma Donna Purple Melancholia, it enhances the juicy plum and blackcurrant notes while adding contrast and sophistication, reinforcing the fragrance\u2019s edgy personality.”\n<\/p>\n

      And when the fragrance finally dries down, you’re left with lingering sweetness via sensual vanilla and comforting musks.\n<\/p>\n

      “I also love how osmanthus connects beautifully with the chypre structure. Its slightly dark, ambery character enriches the woody base, especially patchouli, reinforcing depth, trail and long lasting,” the perfumer added. “The fragrance evolves from a lighter shade to a deeper, more intense purple, gaining richness and sensuality over time.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      \n
      \n
      Read more:<\/div>\n
        \n
      • Fragrance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n
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            <\/main><\/p>\n

            \n
            \n
            \n

            If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

            How Valentino\u2019s Perfumers Bottled \u201cSensual Melancholy\u201d for the Newest Born in Roma<\/h1>\n

            An interview with Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4te-Mouzzanar. <\/p>\n

            \n
            \n
            \n
            By<\/span><\/p>\n
            Sophie Vilensky<\/p>\n
            \n
            \n
            \n
            \"Sophie\"Sophie<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
            \nSophie Vilensky\n<\/div>\n
            \n
              \n
            • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
              \nSophie is a beauty news writer for Byrdie. Outside of Byrdie, she’s contributed to Bravo, Us Weekly, Teen Vogue, and Greatist.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              Published on February 23, 2026 09:00AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \n
              \n
              \n
              \n
              \"model\"model<\/div>\n<\/div>
              <\/p>\n

              @valentino.beauty\/Instagram<\/p>\n

              <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

              \n
              \n

              Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

              \n
                \n
              • On February 23, Valentino is releasing Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia.<\/li>\n
              • Perfumers Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar told Byrdie all about the collection’s inspiration(s).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                Have you met Donna? How about Uomo? If not, I’m so happy to introduce you. They’re at a very special time in their lives, you see. If we were going to assign a color to it\u2014which, actually, we definitely are<\/em> going to do\u2014it would be purple. The color of royalty and magic and ambition.\n<\/p>\n

                On February 23, Valentino Beauty is officially launching Born in Roma Purple Melancholia with two scents: Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia. The fragrances were designed by Valentino\u00a0perfumers Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar, who each had a specific vision for how the fragrance should make people feel.\n<\/p>\n

                “It\u2019s meant to lift you up. To give you presence and allure. A magnetic sensuality that feels intimate yet powerful, leaving a trail that is memorable,” Gaurin told Byrdie. As for C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar, words that came to mind were “glamorous, beautiful, and special.”<\/p>\n

                Ahead, discover everything there is to know about the vivid new scents (Donna in particular), including more notes on inspiration from the perfumers themselves.<\/p>\n

                \n
                \n
                \"Valentino's\"Valentino's<\/div>\n<\/div>
                <\/p>\n

                @valentino.beauty\/instagram<\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                \n
                $180 at Sephora<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                The Inspiration <\/span><\/h2>\n

                The Born in Roma fragrances first debuted in 2019 with the original Donna Born in Roma and Uomo Born in Roma. Since then, we’ve seen the icons through many changes in “chromatic moods”: Coral Fantasy, Intense, Yellow Dream…\n<\/p>\n

                “I love how Born in Roma plays with color. It\u2019s very fashionable, very contemporary, almost like a couture wardrobe of scents. Each color tells a different story, a different attitude,” said C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar.\n<\/p>\n

                And now, everything is purple\u2014a shade that provided (almost) all the inspiration necessary for the perfumers. Built to bring out the best in you, the scents explore fruity, floral, and creamy notes. Donna, for example, is all about the contrast of radiant plum and velvety vanilla.<\/p>\n

                \n
                \n
                \"Anwar\"Anwar<\/div>\n<\/div>
                <\/p>\n

                Valentino Beauty<\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                “Purple immediately evokes something emotional. A form of sensual melancholy, a contrast between light and shadow. My starting point was to create a strong structure, that could carry that emotion. I wanted a fragrance that felt elegant and confident, but with a bit of mystery. I approached it like a modern chypre, crafted with velvety and fruity facets,” explained Gaurin.<\/p>\n

                Like all of his creations, this one was also inspired by sound.\n<\/p>\n

                “My work is always deeply connected to music. I think of perfume as a melody, with an opening, a refrain, and a lasting echo on the skin. It\u2019s about rhythm, tension, and emotion,” he shared.<\/p>\n

                The Process <\/span><\/h2>\n

                Outside of color and sound, both perfumers found inspiration in their collaborative effort.\n<\/p>\n

                “Creating Purple Melancholia was a real exchange with Pascal, an ongoing dialogue that truly nourished our creativity,” shared C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar. “Together, we worked to balance [Gaurin’s] original idea with a vibrant, expressive sensuality. The plum became the key expression of that \u2018purple feeling\u2019\u2013emotional trigger, juicy, bold, slightly liquorous.”\n<\/p>\n

                Gaurin added that the goal wasn’t to repeat what already existed with this scent. Instead, it was about enriching the collection.\n<\/p>\n

                \n
                \n
                \"Valentino\"Valentino<\/div>\n<\/div>
                <\/p>\n

                Valentino Beauty<\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                “The original Born in Roma is luminous and modern; Purple brings a new layer, something deeper, more sensual, more magnetic,” he noted. “It introduces liquorous and mysterious facets that were not yet explored, while remaining unmistakably part of the Born in Roma DNA.”<\/p>\n

                \n

                Related Stories<\/h2>\n
                \n
                8 Italian Perfumes That Embody La Dolce Vita in Fragrance Form<\/div>\n
                \n
                \"Fornasetti\"Fornasetti<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                12 Minimal ’90s Perfumes With Major Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Energy<\/div>\n
                \n
                \"Carolyn\"Carolyn<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                The Notes <\/span><\/h2>\n

                Per usual, both fragrances are housed in Valentino’s signature Rockstud bottles, reimagined in a “melancholia purple” shade with black leather detailing.<\/p>\n

                Belonging to the “warm, floral, and fruity” olfactory family, Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia starts with a burst of radiant plum. C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar explained that, because plum doesn\u2019t exist as a natural extract in perfumery, they were able to create an idealized accord that’s “more intense, more contrasted, more sensual than nature itself.”\n<\/p>\n

                “The fruitiness is my favorite facet. It gives the fragrance its personality. It\u2019s joyful, bold, and immediately captivating,” she added.\n<\/p>\n

                \n
                \n
                \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
                <\/p>\n

                @valentino.beauty\/Instagram<\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                After the plum settles, you’re led into a heart note of osmanthus that Gaurin is particularly fond of.\n<\/p>\n

                “Osmanthus has a multifaceted character, at the crossroads of many olfactive tones. I particularly love how this little flower creates a smooth, enveloping transition from vibrant brightness to sensual warmth,” he explained. “In Born in Roma Donna Purple Melancholia, it enhances the juicy plum and blackcurrant notes while adding contrast and sophistication, reinforcing the fragrance\u2019s edgy personality.”\n<\/p>\n

                And when the fragrance finally dries down, you’re left with lingering sweetness via sensual vanilla and comforting musks.\n<\/p>\n

                “I also love how osmanthus connects beautifully with the chypre structure. Its slightly dark, ambery character enriches the woody base, especially patchouli, reinforcing depth, trail and long lasting,” the perfumer added. “The fragrance evolves from a lighter shade to a deeper, more intense purple, gaining richness and sensuality over time.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                \n
                \n
                Read more:<\/div>\n
                  \n
                • Fragrance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n
                  \n
                  \n
                  \n
                  \n
                  \"model\"model<\/div>\n<\/div>
                  <\/p>\n

                  @valentino.beauty\/Instagram<\/p>\n

                  <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                  \n
                  \n

                  Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

                  \n
                    \n
                  • On February 23, Valentino is releasing Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia.<\/li>\n
                  • Perfumers Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar told Byrdie all about the collection’s inspiration(s).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    Have you met Donna? How about Uomo? If not, I’m so happy to introduce you. They’re at a very special time in their lives, you see. If we were going to assign a color to it\u2014which, actually, we definitely are<\/em> going to do\u2014it would be purple. The color of royalty and magic and ambition.\n<\/p>\n

                    On February 23, Valentino Beauty is officially launching Born in Roma Purple Melancholia with two scents: Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia. The fragrances were designed by Valentino\u00a0perfumers Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar, who each had a specific vision for how the fragrance should make people feel.\n<\/p>\n

                    “It\u2019s meant to lift you up. To give you presence and allure. A magnetic sensuality that feels intimate yet powerful, leaving a trail that is memorable,” Gaurin told Byrdie. As for C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar, words that came to mind were “glamorous, beautiful, and special.”<\/p>\n

                    Ahead, discover everything there is to know about the vivid new scents (Donna in particular), including more notes on inspiration from the perfumers themselves.<\/p>\n

                    \n
                    \n
                    \"Valentino's\"Valentino's<\/div>\n<\/div>
                    <\/p>\n

                    @valentino.beauty\/instagram<\/p>\n

                    <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                    \n
                    $180 at Sephora<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    The Inspiration <\/span><\/h2>\n

                    The Born in Roma fragrances first debuted in 2019 with the original Donna Born in Roma and Uomo Born in Roma. Since then, we’ve seen the icons through many changes in “chromatic moods”: Coral Fantasy, Intense, Yellow Dream…\n<\/p>\n

                    “I love how Born in Roma plays with color. It\u2019s very fashionable, very contemporary, almost like a couture wardrobe of scents. Each color tells a different story, a different attitude,” said C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar.\n<\/p>\n

                    And now, everything is purple\u2014a shade that provided (almost) all the inspiration necessary for the perfumers. Built to bring out the best in you, the scents explore fruity, floral, and creamy notes. Donna, for example, is all about the contrast of radiant plum and velvety vanilla.<\/p>\n

                    \n
                    \n
                    \"Anwar\"Anwar<\/div>\n<\/div>
                    <\/p>\n

                    Valentino Beauty<\/p>\n

                    <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                    “Purple immediately evokes something emotional. A form of sensual melancholy, a contrast between light and shadow. My starting point was to create a strong structure, that could carry that emotion. I wanted a fragrance that felt elegant and confident, but with a bit of mystery. I approached it like a modern chypre, crafted with velvety and fruity facets,” explained Gaurin.<\/p>\n

                    Like all of his creations, this one was also inspired by sound.\n<\/p>\n

                    “My work is always deeply connected to music. I think of perfume as a melody, with an opening, a refrain, and a lasting echo on the skin. It\u2019s about rhythm, tension, and emotion,” he shared.<\/p>\n

                    The Process <\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Outside of color and sound, both perfumers found inspiration in their collaborative effort.\n<\/p>\n

                    “Creating Purple Melancholia was a real exchange with Pascal, an ongoing dialogue that truly nourished our creativity,” shared C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar. “Together, we worked to balance [Gaurin’s] original idea with a vibrant, expressive sensuality. The plum became the key expression of that \u2018purple feeling\u2019\u2013emotional trigger, juicy, bold, slightly liquorous.”\n<\/p>\n

                    Gaurin added that the goal wasn’t to repeat what already existed with this scent. Instead, it was about enriching the collection.\n<\/p>\n

                    \n
                    \n
                    \"Valentino\"Valentino<\/div>\n<\/div>
                    <\/p>\n

                    Valentino Beauty<\/p>\n

                    <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                    “The original Born in Roma is luminous and modern; Purple brings a new layer, something deeper, more sensual, more magnetic,” he noted. “It introduces liquorous and mysterious facets that were not yet explored, while remaining unmistakably part of the Born in Roma DNA.”<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Related Stories<\/h2>\n
                    \n
                    8 Italian Perfumes That Embody La Dolce Vita in Fragrance Form<\/div>\n
                    \n
                    \"Fornasetti\"Fornasetti<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                    12 Minimal ’90s Perfumes With Major Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Energy<\/div>\n
                    \n
                    \"Carolyn\"Carolyn<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    The Notes <\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Per usual, both fragrances are housed in Valentino’s signature Rockstud bottles, reimagined in a “melancholia purple” shade with black leather detailing.<\/p>\n

                    Belonging to the “warm, floral, and fruity” olfactory family, Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia starts with a burst of radiant plum. C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar explained that, because plum doesn\u2019t exist as a natural extract in perfumery, they were able to create an idealized accord that’s “more intense, more contrasted, more sensual than nature itself.”\n<\/p>\n

                    “The fruitiness is my favorite facet. It gives the fragrance its personality. It\u2019s joyful, bold, and immediately captivating,” she added.\n<\/p>\n

                    \n
                    \n
                    \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
                    <\/p>\n

                    @valentino.beauty\/Instagram<\/p>\n

                    <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                    After the plum settles, you’re led into a heart note of osmanthus that Gaurin is particularly fond of.\n<\/p>\n

                    “Osmanthus has a multifaceted character, at the crossroads of many olfactive tones. I particularly love how this little flower creates a smooth, enveloping transition from vibrant brightness to sensual warmth,” he explained. “In Born in Roma Donna Purple Melancholia, it enhances the juicy plum and blackcurrant notes while adding contrast and sophistication, reinforcing the fragrance\u2019s edgy personality.”\n<\/p>\n

                    And when the fragrance finally dries down, you’re left with lingering sweetness via sensual vanilla and comforting musks.\n<\/p>\n

                    “I also love how osmanthus connects beautifully with the chypre structure. Its slightly dark, ambery character enriches the woody base, especially patchouli, reinforcing depth, trail and long lasting,” the perfumer added. “The fragrance evolves from a lighter shade to a deeper, more intense purple, gaining richness and sensuality over time.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    \n
                    \n

                    Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

                    \n
                      \n
                    • On February 23, Valentino is releasing Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia.<\/li>\n
                    • Perfumers Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar told Byrdie all about the collection’s inspiration(s).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                      Have you met Donna? How about Uomo? If not, I’m so happy to introduce you. They’re at a very special time in their lives, you see. If we were going to assign a color to it\u2014which, actually, we definitely are<\/em> going to do\u2014it would be purple. The color of royalty and magic and ambition.\n<\/p>\n

                      On February 23, Valentino Beauty is officially launching Born in Roma Purple Melancholia with two scents: Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia and Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia. The fragrances were designed by Valentino\u00a0perfumers Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar, who each had a specific vision for how the fragrance should make people feel.\n<\/p>\n

                      “It\u2019s meant to lift you up. To give you presence and allure. A magnetic sensuality that feels intimate yet powerful, leaving a trail that is memorable,” Gaurin told Byrdie. As for C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar, words that came to mind were “glamorous, beautiful, and special.”<\/p>\n

                      Ahead, discover everything there is to know about the vivid new scents (Donna in particular), including more notes on inspiration from the perfumers themselves.<\/p>\n

                      \n
                      \n
                      \"Valentino's\"Valentino's<\/div>\n<\/div>
                      <\/p>\n

                      @valentino.beauty\/instagram<\/p>\n

                      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                      \n
                      $180 at Sephora<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                      The Inspiration <\/span><\/h2>\n

                      The Born in Roma fragrances first debuted in 2019 with the original Donna Born in Roma and Uomo Born in Roma. Since then, we’ve seen the icons through many changes in “chromatic moods”: Coral Fantasy, Intense, Yellow Dream…\n<\/p>\n

                      “I love how Born in Roma plays with color. It\u2019s very fashionable, very contemporary, almost like a couture wardrobe of scents. Each color tells a different story, a different attitude,” said C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar.\n<\/p>\n

                      And now, everything is purple\u2014a shade that provided (almost) all the inspiration necessary for the perfumers. Built to bring out the best in you, the scents explore fruity, floral, and creamy notes. Donna, for example, is all about the contrast of radiant plum and velvety vanilla.<\/p>\n

                      \n
                      \n
                      \"Anwar\"Anwar<\/div>\n<\/div>
                      <\/p>\n

                      Valentino Beauty<\/p>\n

                      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                      “Purple immediately evokes something emotional. A form of sensual melancholy, a contrast between light and shadow. My starting point was to create a strong structure, that could carry that emotion. I wanted a fragrance that felt elegant and confident, but with a bit of mystery. I approached it like a modern chypre, crafted with velvety and fruity facets,” explained Gaurin.<\/p>\n

                      Like all of his creations, this one was also inspired by sound.\n<\/p>\n

                      “My work is always deeply connected to music. I think of perfume as a melody, with an opening, a refrain, and a lasting echo on the skin. It\u2019s about rhythm, tension, and emotion,” he shared.<\/p>\n

                      The Process <\/span><\/h2>\n

                      Outside of color and sound, both perfumers found inspiration in their collaborative effort.\n<\/p>\n

                      “Creating Purple Melancholia was a real exchange with Pascal, an ongoing dialogue that truly nourished our creativity,” shared C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar. “Together, we worked to balance [Gaurin’s] original idea with a vibrant, expressive sensuality. The plum became the key expression of that \u2018purple feeling\u2019\u2013emotional trigger, juicy, bold, slightly liquorous.”\n<\/p>\n

                      Gaurin added that the goal wasn’t to repeat what already existed with this scent. Instead, it was about enriching the collection.\n<\/p>\n

                      \n
                      \n
                      \"Valentino\"Valentino<\/div>\n<\/div>
                      <\/p>\n

                      Valentino Beauty<\/p>\n

                      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                      “The original Born in Roma is luminous and modern; Purple brings a new layer, something deeper, more sensual, more magnetic,” he noted. “It introduces liquorous and mysterious facets that were not yet explored, while remaining unmistakably part of the Born in Roma DNA.”<\/p>\n

                      \n

                      Related Stories<\/h2>\n
                      \n
                      8 Italian Perfumes That Embody La Dolce Vita in Fragrance Form<\/div>\n
                      \n
                      \"Fornasetti\"Fornasetti<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                      12 Minimal ’90s Perfumes With Major Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Energy<\/div>\n
                      \n
                      \"Carolyn\"Carolyn<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                      The Notes <\/span><\/h2>\n

                      Per usual, both fragrances are housed in Valentino’s signature Rockstud bottles, reimagined in a “melancholia purple” shade with black leather detailing.<\/p>\n

                      Belonging to the “warm, floral, and fruity” olfactory family, Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia starts with a burst of radiant plum. C\u00f4t\u00e9-Mouzannar explained that, because plum doesn\u2019t exist as a natural extract in perfumery, they were able to create an idealized accord that’s “more intense, more contrasted, more sensual than nature itself.”\n<\/p>\n

                      “The fruitiness is my favorite facet. It gives the fragrance its personality. It\u2019s joyful, bold, and immediately captivating,” she added.\n<\/p>\n

                      \n
                      \n
                      \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
                      <\/p>\n

                      @valentino.beauty\/Instagram<\/p>\n

                      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                      After the plum settles, you’re led into a heart note of osmanthus that Gaurin is particularly fond of.\n<\/p>\n

                      “Osmanthus has a multifaceted character, at the crossroads of many olfactive tones. I particularly love how this little flower creates a smooth, enveloping transition from vibrant brightness to sensual warmth,” he explained. “In Born in Roma Donna Purple Melancholia, it enhances the juicy plum and blackcurrant notes while adding contrast and sophistication, reinforcing the fragrance\u2019s edgy personality.”\n<\/p>\n

                      And when the fragrance finally dries down, you’re left with lingering sweetness via sensual vanilla and comforting musks.\n<\/p>\n

                      “I also love how osmanthus connects beautifully with the chypre structure. Its slightly dark, ambery character enriches the woody base, especially patchouli, reinforcing depth, trail and long lasting,” the perfumer added. “The fragrance evolves from a lighter shade to a deeper, more intense purple, gaining richness and sensuality over time.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      [analyse_source url=”https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/valentino-born-in-roma-purple-melancholia-launch-11909127″]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      [analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/kxecy3_myhnfiajbd3xY6_RvIhM=\/1500×0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()\/valentinopurplesocial-6ca25e09193b47cca67b417a77de6a97.png”] If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. How Valentino\u2019s Perfumers Bottled \u201cSensual Melancholy\u201d for the Newest Born in Roma An interview with Pascal Gaurin and Natasha C\u00f4te-Mouzzanar. By Sophie Vilensky Sophie Vilensky Sophie is a beauty news writer for Byrdie. Outside of Byrdie, she’s contributed to Bravo, Us […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83,226],"class_list":["post-1789306","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1789306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1789306"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1789306\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1789306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1789306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1789306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}