Summer is here and there’s nothing more that I like than a good summer fragrance. This is Valentino Born In Roma Purple Melancholia, a brand new scent for 2026.
I have to say that right off the bat that this is a good one.
Here’s everything you need to know about Born In Roma Purple Melancholia by Valentino, including what it smells like.
What Does Valentino Born In Roma Purple Melancholia Smell Like?
As soon as I smell Purple Melancholia, I think of summer immediately. It well and truly is a summer scent for men, there’s no doubt about that.
First up I am hit with a really strong sweet smell, that’s the coconut which immediately transports you into summer.
It has cardamom and lavender, which round outs the scent giving it a warm and lavender and amber style of smell, which is just so nice for the summer.
It has beach and holiday vibes, the tropical style of the fragrance is really intoxicating and is a really good scent to wear this season.
It has similarities to Valentino Sogno In Rosso, that is a milky type of creamy scent whereas Purple Melancholia is a more tropical creamy style.
Purple Melancholia Fragrance Notes
Top Notes – Cardamom
Heart Notes: Lavandin
Base Notes: Coconut Accord
Fragrance Accords
How Long Does Purple Melancholia Last?
I was really impressed with the longevity of this scent. Born In Roma Purple Melancholia lasted 8-9 hours on my skin. I find is a very long time, since I feel this is quite a light style scent as opposed to something really dark and heavy.
How Strong Is Purple Melancholia?
Valentino Purple Melancholia is a reasonably strong fragrance, but not overly strong that you will fill the room. It’s a scent that you can certainly smell on you, and others around you will smell it too.
It’s an eau de toilette, so performs well for a scent with this profile.
It’s subtlety is one of the best things about this fragrance, meaning you’ll smell it on yourself, but it’s not over-powering, and it will continue to last long into the day or night.
How Many Sprays Do You Need?
I sprayed Valentino Purple Melancholia 7 times on my body, which is the usual amount. One on each wrist, three on the neck and finally two on the chest. I could also go for the nape of the neck, but I thought that 7 was more than enough for this scent.
Purple Melancholia Pros And Cons
Pros
- A brilliant summer fragrance
- Really inviting coconut note
- Fantastic longevity and performance
Cons
- Might be too sweet for some guys
- Will only work best in summer
Purple Melancholia Fragrance Bottle
Valentino Born In Roma Purple Melancholia comes in a 100ml bottle, which is what this bottle I have is.
The bottle comes in the Valentino Born In Roma trademark rock stud glass bottle design, an iconic bottle which is easy to identify.
A gradient colour translucent glass gives it a good look, with minimal Valentino branding to the front, and a rock stud collar.
The atomiser is also really good, giving a nice wide spray of fragrance.
What Clothes To Wear With Purple Melancholia
When it comes to what clothing to wear with Purple Melancholia, I am talking about summer clothes. For most, it will be a casual laid back style.
A t-shirt and jeans will work, as will beachwear, or go more formal by wearing a summer suit.
When To Wear Purple Melancholia
Purple Melancholia is a fragrance you can definitely wear on a summer holiday. I can see anyone being the best smelling guy on the beach, wearing it around a Mediterranean town or in a city on a hot summer’s day.
It works best during the daytime, but in summer I think that this can work on an evening too.
Who Is Purple Melancholia For?
Valentino Born In Roma Purple Melancholia is quite a versatile style of scent, and so this is suitable for a wide range of ages.
It suits a youthful guy as well as someone who is older which appreciates a sweet scent. Anything from 16 – 50 and beyond will enjoy wearing Born In Roma Purple Melancholia.
Is Purple Melancholia Worth It?
Valentino Born In Roma Purple Melancholia is definitely worth having in your fragrance wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for one scent for summer or adding to your collection, it’s a worthwhile addition.
Where To Buy Purple Melancholia
Valentino Born In Roma Purple Melancholia comes in at £95 for a 100ml bottle. You can grab a bottle at Valentino online here, and at the usual fragrance shops which stock Valentino.
Fragrance Details
Longevity – Valentino Born In Roma Purple Melancholia is an eau de toilette and lasts 8 – 9 hours on the skin.
Projection – The projection is pretty good, and those around can smell it without it being over bearing.
Best season to wear – Summer
Scent type – Sweet, Creamy, Warm-Spicy
Age Recommendation – 18+
Best Worn – Daytime, Casual, Smart Casual
Top Notes – Cardamom
Heart Notes: Lavandin
Base Notes: Coconut Accord
Verdict
Overall I really like Valentino Born In Roma Purple Melancholia, and it’s definitely going to be a fragrance which I’ll be wearing this summer, and many more years into the future.
If you’re looking for a sweet summer fragrance, this has to be considered.
As always you can find more of my fragrance reviews here, if you’re looking for a new scent to add to your collection, or just want to smell different.
About Michael
Michael Adams is the founder and editor of Michael 84, blogger from Newcastle, UK. Sharing men's fashion tips, style advice and lifestyle information for all guys.
