Thorns Become Roses by Nishane: Exploring the Transformative Power of Love
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
Nishane has unveiled Thorns Become Roses, the latest addition to its Rumi Collection, during an exclusive event held on June 3, in Milan. The new creation explores the transformative power of love through a contemporary interpretation of the rose.
Images by Darius Damulis
The Rumi Collection holds a special place within the Nishane universe. During the presentation, founders Mert Güzel and Murat Katran described it as being "at the very core of the Nishane story." The new fragrance takes its name from one of Jalal ad-Din Rumi's most celebrated reflections: "With love, thorns become roses." Inspired by these words, Thorns Become Roses joins the collection's existing creations, Hundred Silent Ways and Fan Your Flames, both rooted in the teachings and poetry of the 13th-century mystic. As someone who has followed the house for years, I was particularly excited about this addition, especially considering that Hundred Silent Ways remains one of my all-time favorite fragrances.
Created by perfumer Julien Rasquinet of CPL Aromas, Thorns Become Roses is not a conventional rose fragrance. While the flower remains at its heart, the composition approaches it from a darker, more intriguing perspective, balancing delicacy with intensity.
For those who typically shy away from rose perfumes, Thorns Become Roses may come as a surprise. Rather than presenting the flower in a romantic or overtly feminine manner, Rasquinet surrounds it with contrasts that create both tension and depth. The opening feels sharp and textured, with saffron playing a particularly important role. Its leathery, slightly metallic facets cast shadows over the fruity brightness, creating an immediate sense of intrigue.
As the fragrance settles on skin, its character gradually shifts. The initial sharpness softens, revealing a richer and more velvety interpretation of Turkish rose. The floral heart becomes smoother and sweeter, evoking the sensation of touching rose petals rather than smelling a freshly cut bloom. Violet leaf and mimosa add further nuance, while the woody base provides structure and warmth without overpowering the composition.
What makes Thorns Become Roses particularly compelling is its sense of evolution. The fragrance moves between light and shadow throughout its wear, continuously revealing new facets rather than remaining fixed in a single mood. It feels modern and dynamic, avoiding many of the familiar clichés associated with rose perfumes.
Presented as an extrait de parfum with a remarkable 35% fragrance concentration, Thorns Become Roses reflects Nishane's ongoing pursuit of richness and longevity.
With Thorns Become Roses, Nishane delivers a rose fragrance that feels both contemporary and emotionally expressive. It is a scent that embraces duality, demonstrating how strength and softness can coexist within the same composition—much like the thorn and the rose itself.
Available now for pre-orders ahead of its official launch on July 1.