Perfumer Roja Dove, who has been a contributor to CaFleureBon (The History of Perfumery in Great Britian)  has told me that he spends a great deal of time in the Middle East, which is the inspiration for his new to the USA Gulf Collection, homage to four destinations: Kuwait, Qatar, The Sultanate of Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Each have a distinctive flair and ingredients reminiscent of his travels.

Kuwait: “Kuwait is one of the most ancient lands on earth, famed for its love of family and friendships and the happiness of its people. I decided to start with a note that makes us all happy –vanilla”-Roja Dove

Notes: Cedrat, rosemary, geranium, rose de mai, orange blossom, jasmine from Grasse, cistus, heliotrope, violet, blackcurrant buds, peach, rhubarb, saffron, patchouli, oakmoss, casmir wood, sandalwood, oud, benzoin, vanilla, tonka bean, birch, labdanum, leather, ambergris, civet, musk

Qatar: famous for having the finest pearls in the world, was inspired by the pearls of  perfumery Ambergris.

Notes: Citrus notes, rose de mai, jasmine from Grasse, violet, pear, peach, clove, saffron, patchouli, cedarwood, casmir wood, sandalwood, oud, candy floss accord, benzoin, vanilla, orris sur cèdre, orris, styrax, birch, labdanum, ambergris, musk

The Sultanate of Oman: Dedicated to the legendary Frankincense of Oman , known to be the world’s finest.

Notes: Grapefruit, orange, rose de mai, grasse jasmine, violet, raspberry, cardamom, elemi, saffron, gurjum, papyrus, oakmoss, cedarwood, guaiac wood, amyris, sandalwood, oud, carrot seed, orris, frankincense, birch, musk

Saudi Arabia: A celebration of Ta’if the  summer capitol and the legendary rose that grows there.

Notes: Aldehydes, lime, mandarin, artemisia, geranium, rose de mai, jasmine from Grasse, chamomile, violet, apple, blackcurrant, strawberry, raspberry, plum, banana, violet leaf, pink pepper, cinnamon, clove, saffron, patchouli, oakmoss, cedarwood, fir balsam, sandalwood, oud, candyfloss accord, vanilla, cocoa, leather, musk

All are extraits and retail for $550 for 50 ml.

Available at Luckyscent, Bergdorf Goodman (ask for Tom Crutchfield, Brand Ambassador in NYC) and other stockists worldwide.

In addition, Roja Parfums is opening its first standalone boutique in the hot shopping district in London-The Burlington Arcade. To commemorate this occasion he created 51 Special Edition Pour Femme.

Notes: Bergamot, lily-of-the-valley, rose, gardenia, orange blossom, jasmine, tuberose, ylang-ylang, raspberry, violet leaf, anise, cinnamon, cloves, patchouli, cashmere wood, sandalwood, benzoin, vanilla, orris root

Available in 30 ml /$415 and 100 ml/$765

 Via press release

Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief