The Story
Why it exists.
‘We Met in Roma’ was conceived as a love note to a sun‑drenched Roman morning, the moment two strangers cross paths among potted orange trees and blooming roses. Jean Claude Delville translated that instant into scent, using the brand’s signature Grasse rose alongside native citrus blossoms. The house, born in Melbourne and refined in Florence, wanted a fragrance that felt both a personal encounter and a postcard from Italy, launching it in 2022 as part of its Love Note trio.
If this were a song
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La Vie En Rose
Édith Piaf
The Beginning
‘We Met in Roma’ was conceived as a love note to a sun‑drenched Roman morning, the moment two strangers cross paths among potted orange trees and blooming roses. Jean Claude Delville translated that instant into scent, using the brand’s signature Grasse rose alongside native citrus blossoms. The house, born in Melbourne and refined in Florence, wanted a fragrance that felt both a personal encounter and a postcard from Italy, launching it in 2022 as part of its Love Note trio.
The composition balances bright citrus with a warm, herbaceous marigold, creating a contrast that mirrors the sudden spark of a new connection. Jasmine sambac and neroli add a luminous, airy quality, while the heart’s rose, geranium and narcissus provide depth and romance. Sandalwood bridges the floral heart to the resinous base, where frankincense offers a subtle smokiness and orris root delivers a powdery, violet‑tinged finish that lingers like a memory of the encounter.
The Evolution
The opening erupts with jasmine sambac, neroli and orange blossom, the pot marigold absolute adding a sun‑kissed, slightly herbaceous edge that feels like stepping into a Roman courtyard at dawn. Within minutes the heart unfurls: geranium, Grasse rose and narcissus weave a lush bouquet, softened by creamy sandalwood that tempers the brightness and adds a gentle woody warmth. As the day progresses, the base emerges; frankincense drifts in with a subtle resinous haze, while orris root settles as a soft, powdery violet whisper. The drydown lingers for about four to six hours, leaving an elegant, understated trail that fades gracefully, echoing the lingering afterglow of a sunrise stroll through blooming gardens.
Cultural Impact
We Met in Roma captures the timeless romance of Italy's capital, echoing the city's centuries‑old tradition of fragrant gardens and bustling piazzas. The blend of jasmine sambac, neroli, and orange blossom mirrors the floral markets of Campo de' Fiori, while the subtle hint of pot marigold absolute nods to the vibrant festivals that color Roman streets each spring. By weaving these notes together, the fragrance evokes a shared cultural memory of leisurely evenings spent sipping espresso under lantern light, reinforcing a collective appreciation for Italy's sensual heritage and its influence on contemporary perfumery worldwide.
The House
Australia
Lazarus Douvos is a niche fragrance and hair‑care house founded by the Australian stylist of Greek heritage who began his career on the ballet stage. After moving from dance to salon work, he launched a line that pairs fine perfume with scented hair products. The brand offers a small catalogue of narrative‑driven scents such as Rose 1845 (2020) and a 2022 trio that reference Rome, St. Tropez and Paris. Production takes place in ateliers in Florence and New York, while the brand maintains a boutique presence online and in select specialty retailers.
If this were a song
Community picks
A breezy, sun‑lit acoustic piece that feels like strolling through a Roman garden at sunrise, with gentle strings and soft mandolin echoing the floral brightness.
La Vie En Rose
Édith Piaf
