VALENTINO
DONNA BORN IN ROMA PURPLE MELANCHOLIA

2026

plum
osmanthus
jasmine
vanilla

Donna Purple Melancholia is an Eau de Parfum (EDP) concentration. Launched alongside Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia (2026).

‘Valentino’s Born in Roma Donna Purple Melancholia evokes nostalgia, inviting you to unlock your most comforting memories with every wear. A Born in Roma scent designed not just to be worn, but to be remembered. Born in Roma Donna Purple Melancholia Eau de Parfum is a warm floral fragrance that evokes cherished memories. This women’s perfume opens with a succulent burst of plum accord, softened with floral tones of osmanthus and jasmine, and finishes with the rich warmth of vanilla.’ – Valentino

Donna Purple Melancholia is a surprisingly tame fragrance versus my expecatations. On one hand, it’s definitely a bit more generic than I figured, but it’s also a bit better than most recent women’s designer releases, at least for my taste.

From the first moment, it feels all rather vague, abstract, with a mushy, cotton-cloud-like texture. It’s wears pretty softly.

Scent-wise, on the sweet side, but definitely not overly so; this is not a blast of sugary or bubblegum sweetness when compared to a lot of contemporary releases. Instead, this reminds me mostly of coconutty, sun-tan, semi-sweet fragrances. After a while it starts to feel even more mushy and powdery on my skin.

There’s a hint of fruitiness, although I can’t say it smells purple or like plum to my mind; more like… kiwi… pear? It’s subtle though.

As a whole it’s understated and frankly, on the generic, boring side. If you’re looking for a wow-factor and statement maker, this one may let you down. Personally, I’ll take boring over a lot of fragrances that have come out surrounding this release. I’m happy to report that this wears pleasantly enough to be worth a try.