The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
The Lesedi La Rona I arrived in 2020, a fragrance built around the legendary 302.37-carat rough diamond that inspired its creation. Its name translates simply to 'light' in Setswana, and the scent captures the diamond's multifaceted brilliance through carefully layered notes. Perfumer Julie Pluchet crafted this fragrance around orris root, establishing a cool, powdery iris heart that serves as the composition's anchor. Textured florals of rose and jasmine wrap around this iris core, adding warmth and dimension without ever competing for attention. The base grounds the entire structure with warm woods, leather, and soft musk, creating a sophisticated drydown that lingers elegantly.
The orris root takes center stage here, delivering the cool, powdery iris that gives this fragrance its distinctive character. The textured florals of rose and jasmine wrap around the iris, creating warmth and depth without ever overwhelming the composition. In the base, warm woods combine with leather and soft musk, producing a sophisticated foundation that supports the heart notes beautifully. The result is a refined yet approachable scent that reveals its nuances gradually, rewarding the wearer with layered complexity that unfolds over hours of wear.
The evolution
The opening arrives bright and sparkling, with pink pepper and citrus notes of bergamot, mandarin, and grapefruit creating an effervescent burst that captures attention immediately. Soon after, the orris root takes its place, bringing the cool, powdery iris character that defines the fragrance's heart and gives it structure. The rose and jasmine emerge in turn, adding warmth and texture to the composition without displacing the iris from its central position. The drydown reveals the fragrance's true character: warm and intimate, with leather and woods blending together and softened by vanilla and tonka, creating a subtle sensuality that feels personal and refined. This is where the fragrance establishes its presence, lingering close to the skin with an understated elegance that leaves a lasting impression on those in proximity.
Cultural impact
Graff, the British luxury jewelry house, has built its reputation on exceptional diamonds and fine craftsmanship. The Lesedi La Rona collection takes its name from the 302.37-carat rough diamond discovered in Botswana in 2015, a significant find that drew attention from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The name itself, meaning 'light' in Setswana, reflects the diamond's remarkable clarity and brilliance.
The House
GraffGraff entered the fragrance world in 2020 with the Lesedi La Rona collection, named for the 302.37-carat rough diamond the house acquired in 2017. The collection consists of six scents that translate the emotional resonance of rare gemstones into olfactory form. Working with fragrance creator Walter Johnsen, the house applied its jewelry-making philosophy of sourcing only the finest materials to perfumery. Each fragrance pairs precious ingredients sourced globally, creating scents that reflect Graff's broader commitment to exceptional natural materials. The collection includes variations designated I through VIII, with releases spanning 2020 to 2023. Graff perfume offerings remain tightly curated, mirroring the house approach to gemstones where quality and rarity take precedence over volume.
The Creator
Julie PluchetThe hallmark of Pluchet's work is balance achieved through contrast. She reaches for classical architecture in her compositions, then introduces a contemporary tension that keeps the fragrance feeling alive.
