The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Roulette Rosa arrived in 2025, composed by Lorenzo Berti for Balaclava Perfumes. Its unisex composition places bright fruit and floral color against warmth: raspberry, lychee, and pink pepper make the first move, while pink peony, cherry, and blackcurrant shape the heart. The name suggests a romantic gamble, but the scent itself plays its hand with confidence. As the bright fruit gives way to a composed base of Ambroxan, Bourbon Vanilla, and Sandalwood, Roulette Rosa becomes part of Balaclava's early chapter, joining Lorenzo Berti's work with a mood that is vivid, polished, and quietly assured.
What makes Roulette Rosa interesting is the friction between candy-like fruit and a composed, grown-up base. Lychee and raspberry bring a plush tropical brightness, while pink pepper stops the sweetness from becoming syrupy. Pink peony, cherry, and blackcurrant continue the pink-fruited theme with more floral weight and depth. Then Ambroxan, Bourbon Vanilla, and Sandalwood change the pace. They make the composition warmer and creamier, pulling it away from simple fresh-fruit territory. The result is a fragrance that can flirt, but doesn't scatter every card across the table.
The evolution
The opening lands first with raspberry and lychee, making the air vivid and juicy, while pink pepper adds a tiny flare that keeps the sweetness from becoming overly cute. That brightness quickly gives way to a floral heart: pink peony brings a clean, silky lift, cherry adds a darker fruit edge, and blackcurrant lends a tart, rounded depth. As the composition settles, the softer notes take control. Bourbon Vanilla turns the fruitiness creamy, Sandalwood smooths it with a woody calm, and Ambroxan leaves a subtle musky skin effect in the background. The surprising part is how composed the drydown becomes. Instead of disappearing into simple vanilla sweetness, it leaves a warm, blended finish in which the fruits become softer accents beneath creamy sweetness, smooth wood, and gentle musk. The balance shifts gradually, carrying the bright opening into a calmer, more enveloping trail.
Cultural impact
Roulette Rosa makes sweetness feel considered rather than overstated. Its bright fruit, floral center, and restrained gourmand base create a fragrance that balances vividness with composure. Raspberry and lychee supply the initial brightness, pink peony adds silky texture, and cherry and blackcurrant bring depth before Bourbon Vanilla, Sandalwood, and Ambroxan soften the composition. The result is a nuanced take on sweet fragrance, inviting attention without relying on volume alone.
The House
Balaclava PerfumesThe Creator
Lorenzo BertiLorenzo’s signature technique blends a clear, linear top note with a slowly unfolding heart that reveals hidden facets after the first spray. He often starts with citrus or green herbs to create an immediate spark, then introduces a heart of aromatic herbs, florals, or spices…
