Hi, perfume fellows 💜. Today we are going to discuss one of the newest perfume releases – Valentino Purple Melancholia from the Born in Roma Donna line.
When I first saw this launch, I won’t lie — I was excited. I’ve been following what’s happening around the brand through the years, yet it has somehow never been quite enough to win my heart.
I should confess, though, that the reason for this is that I was never really a fan of the original Donna. The first perfume from the line felt heavy to me, with spices that reminded me of something stored away in a dark place for too long and then suddenly rediscovered. I’m not sure if something was off with my bottle, especially considering how huge the hype around that first release was.
After that, I tried Coral Fantasy — and yes, I liked it. It was a pleasant scent and, in my opinion, definitely better than the original Born in Roma Donna. Next came Green Stravaganza, and I have to say, I enjoyed that one a lot. Here is my full review.
Overall, Valentino Donna was never a line that made me rush to test or blind-buy.
And then… this release appeared. Plum and osmanthus in Valentino Purple Melancholia Donna? That was enough to make me curious — and curious enough to go and smell it myself.
So what happened next? Did this fragrance repeat my past experiences — or did it finally change my relationship with the Valentino Donna line?
Stay tuned until the end. 💜
Check out my roundup of the hottest designer scents—you might just find your next ‘oops, I wore it again’ signature fragrance!
Valentino Purple Melancholia Born in Roma Donna vs Other Born in Roma Flankers – Full Comparison
| Fragrance | Fragrance Family | Key Notes | Scent Character | Recommended Wear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in Roma (Original) | Floral Amber | Jasmine Sambac, Bourbon Vanilla, Cashmeran | Spicy, refined, with a subtle leathery depth | Evenings and cool-weather outings |
| Born in Roma Yellow Dream | Floral Musk | Peony, Rose, White Musk | Fresh, luminous, and softly musky | Daytime wear, spring and summer |
| Born in Roma Coral Fantasy | Floral Fruity | Orange, Rose, Jasmine | Bright, playful, and fruity-floral | Casual daytime wear |
| Born in Roma Intense | Floral Amber | Vanilla, Jasmine, Benzoin | Bold, warm, and deeply ambery | Evenings and special occasions |
| Born in Roma Green Stravaganza | Floral Woody | Lapsang Souchong Tea, Jasmine, Vanilla | Green, aromatic, and modern with a smoky edge | Daytime to early evening, spring and fall |
| Born in Roma Extradose | Floral Amber | Vanilla, Rum Accord, Jasmine | Rich and intense | Nighttime wear, statement occasions |
| Born in Roma Purple Melancholia | Floral Fruity | Plum, Osmanthus and Vanilla | Soft and powdery | Daytime wear |
Where to Buy Valentino Purple Melancholia Donna: Currently Available Only in Europe
I’ve scoured perfume shops and online retailers worldwide, and for now, Valentino Purple Melancholia Donna is keeping its European debut all to itself. It hasn’t officially launched anywhere outside Europe yet — so if you want to get your hands on this beauty, your best bet is Douglas, some Sephora stores, and other European retailers. Patience, perfume fellows… it will reach the rest of the world eventually! 💜
Available Prices: Valentino Purple Melancholia Donna – EUR € & USD $
• 30 ml – €90 ≈ $105 USD
• 50 ml – €130 ≈ $153 USD
• 100 ml – €175 ≈ $205 USD
Fragrance Notes and Family of Valentino Purple Melancholia Donna
The perfume is described as opening with chypre-fruity plum, moving into a delicate osmanthus heart, and finishing on a rich, cozy vanilla base.
Perfume Family: fruity-floral fragrance with chypre and gourmand undertones
Fragrance Notes:
- Top: Plum
- Heart: Osmanthus, Jasmine
- Base: Vanilla, Patchouli
Purple Melancholia: A Mood, Not Just a Name
Valentino Purple Melancholia loves giving its fragrances a mood, a memory, or a feeling — and Purple Melancholia clearly got the emotional brief. The name alone sounds like it’s ready to sit quietly with its thoughts. This flanker nudges the Born in Roma line into a calm, slow-moving space, where dark plum, a soft osmanthus floral heart, and a warm vanilla base come together to deliver a slightly nostalgic vibe.
First Impression (In-Store Test)
The plum shows up right away — juicy, playful, and promising — but don’t get too attached, because it fades pretty quickly. Soon enough, the scent moves away from fruit and into a more floral, slightly soapy territory, led by osmanthus and that familiar white-floral vibe we’ve all smelled before. The florals definitely take the wheel here, while vanilla steps in at the end to add a soft sweetness and keep everything nicely balanced.
Performance (Longevity & Sillage Check)
Longevity and sillage sit comfortably in the moderate range. It stays close to the skin after a while, making it more of a personal scent — noticeable to those nearby.
Why Purple Melancholia Donna is the Perfect Name for This Dark Plum Perfume
At first, seeing the notes, I thought, “Dark plum and Melancholia — no way! Juicy and deep feels the opposite of quiet sadness.” But then I tried it… and I got it. The name actually makes sense — it’s calm, a bit wistful, and kind of slow-moving in the best way.
Purple Melancholia vs. Other Born in Roma Perfumes: Quick Take
The original Born in Roma and its many flankers — like Coral Fantasy, Yellow Dream, Green Stravaganza, and Extradose — mostly lean fruity-floral with a mainstream, designer-friendly appeal. Valentino Purple Melancholia tries to feel a bit more thoughtful and subdued, but it’s not actually a dark scent.
That said, my early impressions suggest it doesn’t quite have a distinct personality compared to some of the other Born in Roma releases.
Purple Melancholia Review: Sweet, Fruity-Florals That Don’t Break the Mold
Honestly? Nothing groundbreaking here — it’s your classic floral-vanilla with a fruity wink. Totally wearable and a bit sweet, but I kept thinking: if that plum had been juicier and deeper, we could be talking magic. The price? Let’s just say I raised an eyebrow — it feels a bit fancy for what you get. If sweet vanillas and fruity florals are your jam, go for it; if you’re after something richer, darker, or more artisanal… well, you might end up a little underwhelmed. As for me? I’m still on the fence about shaking hands with Purple Melancholia.
Rating: 3.0/5
Valentino Born in Roma Purple Melancholia Donna – Main Accords
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