Portrait of a Rose

The Scent Profile

Portrait of a Rose opens with a tart berry blast – think less fresh raspberries and more slightly fermented, syrupy black currant. The pink pepper adds a needed lift, preventing it from becoming completely jammy. The rose emerges quickly, a deep, dark Turkish rose, though initially, it's battling for dominance against the berry accord. The clove and cinnamon provide warmth, but lean slightly medicinal, like spiced cough drops. As it dries down, the incense and sandalwood become more prominent, adding a smoky, woody backbone. It diverges most clearly in the base, lacking the original's refined elegance and settling into a somewhat plasticky sandalwood.

Wear time & Sillage

On my skin, Portrait of a Rose lasts a solid 6-7 hours. Projection is initially quite strong, easily reaching beyond arm's length for the first two hours, before settling into a more intimate scent bubble. I wore this during a chilly evening walk and found it bloomed nicely in the cooler air. It also performed well in an office setting, though be mindful of the initial projection if you're in close quarters.

Final Thoughts

This is for the person who appreciates a bold, unapologetic rose fragrance. Someone who enjoys a slightly gothic vibe and isn't afraid to make a statement. Picture a freelance writer, draped in velvet, working from a dimly lit cafe, fueled by strong coffee and dark chocolate. This is their signature scent.