Roja Parfums RDHP20: The Fragrance of Two Decades of Excellence
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
To mark the 20th anniversary of Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, a new fragrance—RDHP20—has been launched, perfectly embodying the brand’s signature elegance and sophistication.
In London, on the sixth floor of Harrods, there is a place where the world’s most luxurious perfumes reside. For 20 years, it has brought extraordinary scents from exclusive brands to the most discerning fragrance lovers, with its well-curated collection. I've only visited it virtually, discovering new perfumes to try, talking with the people who work there, and purchasing fragrances you can only find there. And these little details are enough to know this is one of my perfumery dream destinations. It is Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie.
Now, in celebration of this remarkable 20-year journey, Roja Dove introduces RDHP20. Released this summer, this exclusive fragrance encapsulates everything the Roja brand represents. I wanted to write this review as soon as I got the sample, but testing this perfume has been an intriguing experience, as it seems to reveal new facets each day. Every time I thought I had cracked its code, another subtle detail would emerge.
My initial impression after the first spray was how intriguingly sour-sweet it smelled—fresh and sparkling with an aldehydic citrus opening. In some ways, it reminded me of Coca-Cola, much like Roja's Enigma Pour Homme, but this sensation fades quickly as the fragrance blossoms into its floral and fruity layers.
RDHP20 is rich in florals, and there's something unmistakably Roja about them. The floral notes are bold yet refined, with hints of geranium, rose (I suspect it’s Rose de Mai), jasmine, and violet. At times, magnolia, freesia, and creamy ylang-ylang make brief appearances, teasing the senses and playfully winking their eyes before disappearing again, leaving the main players to shine.
As the fragrance evolves, a juicy peach note emerges, and I find myself thinking, "Turandot, is that you?"—recalling one of my all-time favorite fragrances from Roja. Indeed, the combination of rose, jasmine, violet, and peach is reminiscent of Turandot, but it doesn’t linger long. The perfume continues its own path, evolving while introducing rhubarb, powdery orris, and a generous dose of woods.
The base is warm, ambery, and comforting, with sweet vanilla, benzoin, and tonka bean adding softness. Meanwhile, patchouli, labdanum, and Peru balsam weave a slow, hypnotic rhythm in the background, creating a cocoon of luxury that envelops the senses.
Overall, RDHP20 is undeniably a Roja Dove creation—timeless and elegant. It’s a fitting tribute to two decades of innovation and craftsmanship in the world of haute parfumerie.
To me, RDHP20 feels perfectly unisex—very tasteful and refined. While not an everyday scent, it's the perfect choice for special occasions when you want to exude confidence and luxury. It's quite versatile, and I could see myself wearing it all year round.
[Sample kindly gifted, opinions are my own].