Drôle de Rose L'Artisan Parfumeur

By the editors · 2 min readDrôle de Rose opens with a jolt of star anise that feels medicinal and slightly peppery, an unexpected greeting that immediately distinguishes this rose from sweeter interpretations. The spice doesn't linger long before giving way to a soft, powdery heart where iris and violet temper the rose into something pale and almost gray, like petals pressed in an old book. There's a dryness here that keeps sentiment at bay.

As it settles, almond and leather emerge quietly in the base, adding a faintly bitter, suede-like texture that grounds the florals without turning overtly animalic. The effect is neither romantic nor austere but something coolly intellectual, a rose seen through a lens rather than held to the nose. It suits those who prefer their florals muted and cerebral, with an edge that resists prettiness.