Valentino Uomo Born in Roma Purple Melancholia

Is this overtly synthetic and somewhat cloying? Yes! Does it come across a bit one-dimensional? Yes! Do I love it? Absolutely!!! It somehow works perfectly and if you give it time and attention you'll find out that the initial "one-dimensional" accusations are unfair. Those who don't get it, will still enjoy a safe modern day perfume destined to get some compliments. Those who get it, are in for a ride. Forget the modern mess of other popular boy-ish perfumes like Carolina Herrera Bad Boy or Paco Rabanne 1 Million, here you'll find staged simplicity (trust me, it is not simple) and a strong lavender profile due to the Born in Roma DNA that makes it feel more like a twist on a classic. In reality this is the definition of a versatile fragrance. First of all it is absolutely unisex, it's giving both masculine and feminine vibes at the same time. Also, I can see it working on the beach on a hot day and due to a touch of spice I can even see it working in more formal winter occasions with the right attitude. It's also extremely versatile in terms of ...age! Obviously if you are a 20-something you're the target group of the usual modern-day sweet synthetic fragrance, but if you're older, its classic lavender qualities and spice save the day and it's almost like you're making a bold statement: mature, yet still rockin' it! I seriously can't remember any other all-around fragrance like this in recent years. It's fresh and creamy and coconutty and subtly dark under its mainstream sweetness. Initially, my only problem was trying to make sense of the name, but after a few wears I do get the "melancholy" part: this is both "summer" and, as the top and middle notes die down, the memory of a summer, or precisely the memory of a party you had attended wearing Gucci Rush for Men and you sweat it out dancing all night. I know if you look up Gucci Rush's ingredients they don't seem to align with this, but the idea is the same: Designer synthetic DNA, aromatic masculine core and a woody base structure, so I do perceive this as a modern day sweet gourmand version of Gucci Rush. Grade: 9/10

This caught my eye immediately when I saw the notes/accords, and I tested it a few times before purchasing. The main thing I get from this is 100% coconut - its very creamy and much more prominent than in the Le Beaus. The lavender is noticeable for a while, but I actually find that the cardamom starts to come through more and more as it dries down. Its a bit sweet but balanced by the warm spice and fresh lavender, and I think it would best fit something like a summer night with a light breeze if you know what I'm talking about. Another reason this was such a clear yes for me was also because I smelt this (decently strongly too) on someone I know from a few feet away around 6 hours into the day, and he used 4 sprays so I can safely say the performance is very solid. Probably not the most masculine scent I've ever tried but I'd say it has a matureness about it because of the smoothness of the coconut. It's youthful but not as playful as the Le Beaus (especially the EDP) - it's a bit more on the mysterious side. I'd also say that if you're looking for something tropical for the summer, you might want to give this a go, but you shouldn't expect it to be very fruity. I'd definitely recommend, and it's probably blind buy safe if coconut is one of your favorite notes. This could easily be a signature scent as its pretty unique. It attracts attention but doesn't beg for it. Also the bottle design (and scent) is the best Valentino in my opinion.

This was a tough one for me to find. I had been hitting every store that sold Valentino trying to sample it, but it was the same story everywhere I went, "We had a tester out, but someone stole it." Discounters hardly ever have it in stock and Jomashop has had it backordered now for weeks. But one day last week, I was out and passed an Ulta I had never tried, so I went in, headed to the fragrances, saw the women's version of Purple Melancholia, and an associate immediately came to greet me so I asked, "Do you have a tester of the men's Purple Melancholia?". She looked at the shelve and that's when I learn that they just lost their THIRD tester of the week to theft. I was about to just drop everything and give up the search, but I decided I've had enough and blind bought the 50ml bottle at retail price. So far, my only regret is not getting the 100ml which was barely more expensive, because this stuff smells amazing. Unfortunately, smelling good is where it stops, because this stuff just does not last or perform worth a damn. I get that it's an EDT, but I feel like I'm getting 3 hours max on skin and 4 on clothes. I have freshies that hold on to fabric for at least 6. It's been delegated to my after shower fragrance and the fragrance I put on whenever I have a day off. It's really good, it's in my top 5 and my wife says it's her new favorite of mine, but I'm just really let down by the performance.

Far too much hate on this site. I often fall prey to the same attitude, which is negative and cancerous. It is a fragrance site. These are smells, folks. You don't like one? Just wait. Another one is coming next month that maybe you will enjoy... Despite not being a big coconut fan (particularly if it is considered or comes across 'lactonic, creamy') I actually find this one to be pretty damn good. It is more of a 'green' coconut than milky. Yes the cardamom is strong initially, but I happen to like excess cardamom. This reminds me of CH Birds of Paradise, which has no coconut, but comes across 'green' in a similar way. Owning many of the 'reminds' already, I was prepared for a redundant experience. I actually didn't find it to be so. I think this fits in between Paradise garden and Le Beau Le Parfum somewhere. But made more mature. I find this to be significantly less sweet than both, as well as its siblings in the BIR line. With the exception of Green Stravaganza, which is just mediocre all-around. I passed on Ivory. Too milky and nondescript. This one gets a full bottle. Longevity on my skin has been slightly above average, with average projection. It is already in the lower price bracket retail ($135 for a 3.4) compared to most that are over $150-160, and once it hits discounters for around $80 will be even better.

Oh. My god. Easily my signature scent. The coconut. It's the stand out note, and yeah, it's good, really really good. Super creamy, smooth and ''full'' coconut, nothing to do with sunscreens or body washes. It's also a bit spicy and warm which in my opinion compliments it really well. Can't really get lavender (or whatever else is supposed to be in the middle lmao), just coconut and tonka bean/vanilla, which ties it together and makes it very smooth. It's kinda similar to JPG Le Beau EDT, but the coconut is more noticeable and nicer, and it doesn't have the synthetic-ish smell JPG has, at least for me Not a fresh fragrance by any means, but I can easily see myself wearing it in hot weather. I'd also say it's versatile for... pretty much anything, to be honest. Maybe not a professional environment, as it's sweet and playful, but other than that I can't see any other situation where I wouldn't wear this. Oh and also, no, this has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of the Born in Roma line. I don't know what else to say, it's completely different. For me this is a good thing as I'm not a huge fan of the BIR line, but this is a standout in my opinion

I bought a decant of this and immediately fell in love... there are few that have this effect. I love the youthful sweet shit, Paradise Garden is probably #1. Anyway, anything with coconut in it is almost guaranteed win for me, and this one is just awesome. The coconut is not strong like PG or even like Le Beau, it is more natural and subtle but not as dry as VIW or Bottled Pacific or even Eternity Aromatic Essence; every so often it will hit you, and hit you strong. I think the lavender is the main note and is constant. And there is a definite sweetness about the overall scent, I can best liken it to the sweetness of Million Gold Elixir. IMO this smells nothing like Le Beau; first of all, the coconut its different. If you are a coconut person, you know what I mean (in the same way PG is not LB is not VIW) Second, the sweetness is not constant and in your face--it is an after note, like MGE, or maybe even Phantom Elixir. And Le Beau has a definite nuttiness and spiciness, neither of which is present here. Yes they are both modern designer fragrances that aim for least common denominator---but if you like that---and I proudly do--you will like this.

I grabbed this at the start of spring from Macy's and it was seriously love at first sniff. The opening is strong on the Cardamom and lavender accords but as it dries down the lavender, coconut, and the ambery tonka bean scents balance out VERY NICELY. the Cardamom calms down a lot too and I dare say it almost smells niche. It is simple in its profile but it is such a nice year round scent that even does great in humidity and heat. I dont understand the hate for it, but if you dislike lavender or coconut you probably won't like this as those are the two strongest accords on my clothes and skin. The longevity and projection are solid too, i get around 6 hours of projection and 24 hours on skin with a nice sillage that stays consistent for hours throughout. This and coral fantasy are by far the best valentino scents and purple melancholia is a great unisex scent at that. I'd highly recommend trying this with an open mind and it makes a great unique addition to your collection, especially if you dont already have le beau (though I would say this has a completely different coconut profile).

After testing this for the second time I definitely like this fragrance well enough to purchase it. All other opinions are valid to anyone who may not like this fragrance, but for me I believe it's a decent release from Valentino. Just FYI, I think it's foolish to have such high expectations for most designer fragrances!! No this fragrance isn't unique, no it's not mind blowing and no it's not ultra niche level artistic masterpiece fragrance!! Sometimes this community can be overly critical about fragrances but for myself, this will be a good date night fragrance that I can just slap on and I won't offend a soul. Any random non fraghead in the real world isn't going to tell you that what your wearing smells boring, they'll either tell you that you smell nice or they might not tell you shit!! I own niche fragrances as well and most times nobody gives a fuck!! So just buy and wear what you like and stand on it and if you hate it, Stand on your opinion and just don't buy it? I like it and I'm buying it and I stand on it!!

This is a fragrance that I would repurchase when my bottle runs out!! Now that all of the hype has faded let me tell you that this is a nice fragrance that has a bit of character to it. I know that iris is not listed but I'm getting a bit of iris in the mid and the dry down with that amber wood that smells amazing!! I purchased this fragrance days after it was released because when I got my nose on this fragrance I really enjoyed how it jives with my skin chemistry and I got well over 8 hrs on my skin and clothing with medium projection. Purple 🟣 Melancholia and Blue 💙 lullaby by Tada Parfumeur are the fragrances I will be wearing when I go on my cruise trip this summer 🏝️ one designer and one niche with both being suitable for night and daytime use. I honestly really love this fragrance! I know it's not ultra niche or super unique, ground breaking, mind blowing, but I love it and it sits right next to my ultra niche, mind blowing, super unique niche fragrances in my collection.

Yeah after my purchase of this fragrance yesterday my mind has not changed and to be honest I've elevated from a like to a love. That coconut and lavender in the mid is really nice and the amber wood in the base along with that vanilla or maybe tonka bean is very decent to my nose. This is a spicy, creamy, woody sweet fragrance with decent longevity because I got a good 8+ hours before the fragrance was faint on my skin but I could still smell this well after 8 hours of wear. I believe this could be worn in the summer days because here in the bay area we are in a heat wave and this held up well in 84° weather with no humidity because I live close to the water but I plan on wearing this during summer nights particularly date night. I believe once this catches on with the masses Valentino might reconsider discontinuing this fragrance? Or not! Either way I love this fragrance and Im happy with my purchase but the bottle looks absolutely stunning!! That purple just does it for me.

I adore this. The cardamom, lavender and coconut actually initially smelled like pine to me, but after taking a bottle home and wearing it I do get a lot more differentiation. It reminds me a lot of YSL's blue electric due to the blue cardamom vibe but there is that diffusiveness from the coconut that carries it around, and the warmth from the amberwood blends in so smoothly. This is definitely a blue scent, not too sweet but also not too earthy. Cool and woody is definitely a good overall descriptor. Valentino has done a superb job with this. I usually grab dupes of my fragrances but for once I was 100% okay paying full sephora price on this bottle. It seems to last I would say 6hr+ but of course the top notes die pretty soon (30 mins ish) leaving a solid amberwood lavender trail. 9.5/10 in my books, maybe backup bottle worthy (in my humble opinion)

Uomo Purple Melancholia is as stunning as anticipated. Velvety smooth, compliment inducing and harmoniously blended. 💐 Exquisite / Intoxicating / Sexy / Unique After dry down a gorgeous scent emerged with a heavy creamy coconut influence, hints of powdery soft lavender and faint trail of spicy cardamom amid a background of gentle woods. Performs beautifully during Northern California high temps, results may vary in climates with high humidity. Described as dark but more of a sensuous dark. Like wearing a black negligee under moonlight and having a lover stand behind you, gently holding your throat as they kiss the back of your neck. Longevity ~ 6+ hours Projection ~ initially moderate, mild once settled Seasons ~ seasonally fluid, day or night

Once I smelled this at the store, I was 100% sure I need to have it. Love at first sight. I literally had a random teenage girl stop me on the street saying how good I smell and asked me what it is. Personally, the scent profile is the second best out of all summer fragrances I've ever smelled, only behind MYSLF edp. It's really that good. I heard some influencer say it's good for nightclubs and yes, it probably is but I would pick others that are even stronger. Sillage is very good and longevity is also very solid. As for comparisons, I love JPG but with all due respect, this is by far the best coconut fragrance I've smelled so far. If you enjoy Le Beau or any other coconut fragrance, this is a must try. Also I find it to be perfectly unisex.

This is like if you took all the fruityness out of Le Beau, and added in a nice dose of lavender to make up for the lack of fruit. This literally smells like an island. There are little hints of something masculine underneath this mass of coconut and lavender, but my nose can't really tell what it is, more just a "ahh yes theres that cologne smell" making it smell to me, more masculine. Good longevity, easily getting me through a day at work, I did have what fel like rather strong sillage as well from this. Definitely seems to be built for warmer spring and summer days too. Don't imagine I'd like this very much in the fall or winter unless I'm just yearning for a really nice day. Lol. Smells like an island.

Went to Macy's to try it out not owning a single Valentino fragrance and honestly after smelling all the top sellers i couldnt stop going to this one, not sure if its because its new but man i really love it. Although im a fan of blue fragrances as much as the next guy ive been leaning more towards fruity/musky fragrances like D&G Capri In Love i just think it give a summery fragrance more depth and apart from the typical blue fragrances every guy wears. That said i recommend if you wanna try a different approach to summery fragrances although one might say you can wear this when ever, its great and my wife loves it so hey that may be all you need lol

first of all, i absolutely love it. personally i love coconut fragrances and when coconut and cardamom combined with lavender, a masterpiece appeared. i think this kinda reminds me invictus victory elixir and le beau lp but more mature and a better one. when i try this on my skin, it lasted MORE THAN 24 HOURS but rn it usually stays 10-12 hours on my skin so i think this is a very long lasting fragrance and sillage is not bad at all the only con i can count is this is a very overpriced fragrance. i live in Turkey and got it like 115$ 50ml from sephora. last of all, if you love coconut fragrances, you should try this out, you'll definitely love it

Amazing! I’m so in love with this fragrance. My favorite Valentino is BIR Intense but this is such a close contender and in time might overthrow the intense for me. It starts off with a big blast of Cardamom, and after a short time that tones down a little bit (although still loud) and you start getting the creaminess of the coconut. Throughout you also get the sweetness from the BIR signature lavender. This has a medium projection but does last a long time. I can smell it on my skin even 12 hours later. I think this is good to wear year-round and day or night as long as it’s not 90 degrees outside. Such a classy and lovely scent, 10/10!!

This is really really good. I just got a 2ml sample and think I will go for a full bottle, was considering just going for another full bottle of the original. This is not like the horror show of le beau, that made me feel so nauseous, the ingredients were intense. This is maturer. Still for younger people or people who look after themselves, I thought this could be a ‘dirty’ coconut smell, like tanning lotion mixed with sweat on your holiday. It’s not, it’s fresh but surprising long lasting, it’s not too creamy as there is notes cutting through that which is why it could suit a hot day. I think this will be my signature for summer 2026

Cruising 🚢 the southern Pacific Ocean 🪸🌊 while wearing this fragrance and it performed very well on my skin and clothing and I enjoyed how it kept giving me whiffs through out the day!! 10+ hours of longevity with medium projection 🔥🔥. This fragrance gets some hate from most but it's a love for me and I believe valentino did a good job on this fragrance and you can rock this in the summer 🏝️🌞 for sure with the exception of humid 🥵 climate, I live in California and we get hot weather but not humid heat. Good mass appealing designer fragrance that gets the job done if you enjoy smelling great 👍🏾💯.

Opens with the cardamom and dries down into the creamy coconut and lavender scent. I can understand where some people are coming from when they say it smells rotten however I rarely have that problem. After wearing it for a full week as the only bottle I took with me away, I would definitely recommend to others that they try it. As usual with any fragrance really it is not a safe blind buy and should be tested on skin first. (I did blind buy oops) Overall 8/10 scent that I would wear anywhere, throw in a few more sprays and would be pretty decent in winter as well.