Valentino Donna is the feminine accompaniment to the Born in Roma Intense fragrance. An ode to self celebration, this fragrance rewrites the rules to create a modern but couture scent. Reminiscent of Rome’s street culture, this perfume is floral, and feminine but with an edge of rebellion. Creamy vanilla and magnetic amber combine here to honour a night in Rome. Magnetic, passionate and sultry, this intense and versatile fragrance is equal parts sensual and alluring. I delved deeper into this fragrance to decide whether it was love at first sight…
The Most Important Thing About This Product Is…
This fragrance exudes luxury and is an encapsulation of Valentino’s influence. Whether you are already a fan of Valentino’s signature look, punky modern, and irreverent, or this is your first step into the couture fashion brand’s world, it won’t be your last.
As an Italian luxury fashion house with over 60 years of experience, who better to create a fragrance based on the spiky streets of Rome? Formidable, ultra-feminine and sophisticated, Valentino’s fashion influence cannot be overstated, and this fragrance cannot be underestimated.
I loved how even though I’ve never been to Italy, whilst using this fragrance, I felt transported to a completely different country. One rich in history and culture, whilst also encouraging spontaneity and creativity. The homage to this country with contemporary modern influences secured this fragrance’s spot in my heart.
You Will Love This If…
This fragrance, with its instantly recognisable rock stud exterior, embodies a key signature of Valentino fashion.
Pretty and tough, these ubiquitous and punky studs have punctuated Valentino’s major runways since their debut at the spring/summer 2011 show. Elegant with an edge, the rock stud design encapsulates the true essence of this House. Featured in every shape imaginable – kitten heels, flats, sandals, stilettos, it is unsurprising that the rock studs are now a savvy reimagining on this fragrance bottle.
If you are, like me, unfortunately, unable to afford a pair of tiny Valentino pumps, this fragrance makes up for it. When using this, with its pride of place on my bedside table, this perfume made me feel like I had a piece of Valentino history of my own, even though it was olfactory, not in shoe form (one day).
Story/Inspiration:
The focus here is you – your past, present and future. Your desires and heartbreaks. Created to hold the tension between old and new, this fragrance balances the traditions of Rome whilst showcasing modern pleasures. Drawing upon the eclectic mix of high culture, the arts, fashion and historic architecture, this contrast of historical and modern culture and traditions defines Rome as a timeless location. Engaging in direct dialogue with the city, this fragrance reflects the juxtaposition between modernity and tradition.
The scent encapsulates the couture statement of the luxury brand, staying true to its signature roots whilst adding a deeper layer of gothic revival. Headed by Adut Akech and Anwar Hadid, Valentino Donna embodies the cool aloofness of embracing diversity and difference. Donning leather jackets, chunky hoops and an enigmatic charm, the pair embrace Valentino’s ‘aristo punk’ philosophy, a rebellious underbelly born in Rome.
This fragrance is for those who lightly reflect on the past, ditch the script, and create their own rules.
Hero Notes/Ingredients:
Expert perfumers Antoine Maisondieu and Guillaume Flavingy have seamlessly mixed elegance with fresh coolness to cultivate a scent that is equal parts intoxicating and inviting.
It opens with head notes of bewitching Vanilla Bourbon, a warm and spicy bean with mellow oaty undertones. With a subtle sweetness, this ingredient interweaves golden amber fragrances with apple blossom, black pepper and oak. Creating a nostalgic and cosy scent, this note perfectly pairs with bergamot, cultivating a sharp citrus fragrance. Also hiding a spicy undercurrent, Bergamot is a well-rounded ingredient, complex with nuances of fruit and aromatic elements. Bergamot works alongside Blackcurrant accord to lift the top vanilla note, reminding me of earl grey tea. I can pick out blackcurrant, this vinous fruit being the scent lingering on my skin throughout the day.
A trio of jasmine varieties create the heart of the scent, with Sambac Jasmine Absolute, Jasmine Grandiflorum & Jasmine Tea combining to create a creamy and luminous scent. Whilst I had to do a quick Google search as to what these different assortments of Jasmine meant, the overwhelming fragrance is indolic, rich and opulent. Adding a wildness to this scent, Jasmine is one of my favourite notes in any perfume, and this fragrance is no exception.
The base note of benzoin resin is warm, sensual and magnetic, with a sweet and smooth scent, like vanilla. Benzoin is a balsamic ingredient with a slight edge, like a smokey whiskey. Ceremonial-like incense, this seductive and almost cinnamon-scented note is ideal for adding a little edge to this fragrance.
For optimum performance and desired sensuality, spritz Valentino Donna onto your pulse points – wrist, inner elbow and neck. Do not rub the fragrance, as this will alter how it develops.
What’s Special About The Design?
Blacked out and romantic, this bottle gives a modern gothic look. With vampiric studs, and dignified packaging, this edgy pyramidal design is a signature of Valentino. Inspired by Roman architecture, the rock stud is a transformative symbol, able to turn a classic boot into an irreverent, current look. An otherwise sleek and unassuming bottle, the studs create a tactile and texture bottle that feels luxurious and weighty.
With ornate glass detailing, and a big bottle, this vial boasts a glimpse of the coral liquid inside before you even get your first spritz. The pink juice contrasted with the black outer packaging is exactly… punk – toeing the line between masculinity and femininity and then doing away with gender roles altogether. This decanter is edgy, timeless, and reflects the campaign’s message. Enclosed with a spiked choker collar, this polished and bold bottle pays homage to Valnetino’s irreverent influence and its irresistible modernity.
Discover Valentino Donna:
Valentino Donna Born In Roma Coral Fantasy Eau de Parfum Review
