The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Pierre de Velay No. 25 arrived in 2019 as part of the Pierre de Velay collection. The name carries ambiguity that suits the brand. What matters is the fragrance inside the bottle, and that is unmistakably Roja Dove. The composition draws the wearer in with layered complexity, citrus and aldehydes brightening the opening before giving way to a rich floral heart. Davana threads through the middle registers, its wine-like warmth anchoring the florals that follow. A spiced base emerges gradually, grounding the scent with woods and balsams that persist long after the first spray. It's an enveloping experience that rewards attention, each wearing revealing new facets of its construction while maintaining the house's character throughout.
What makes No. 25 structurally unusual is the doubled davana, it appears in both the heart and the base, threading the composition vertically rather than letting it collapse cleanly from top to bottom. The result is a fragrance that holds its shape for hours. There's also an unusual breadth to the base: fir balsam, elemi, tolu balsam, cypriol, coffee, wine lees, and carrot seeds alongside woods and musks. The combination creates a foundation with genuine depth, a base that continues to evolve and reveal new aspects of itself as time passes.
The evolution
The opening is all citrus sparkle and aldehydic lift, bergamot, lemon, clementine, lime, grapefruit, and a dose of aldehydes that keep it bright without being harsh. The fizz carries through the early stages before the florals arrive. Davana introduces itself first with its wine-like, slightly aniseed character, followed by geranium's green crispness and magnolia's cream. Immortelle threads through the heart with its honeyed, almost curry warmth. Rose de Mai hides within the bouquet rather than announcing itself, it adds depth, not novelty. The warmth builds quietly. As the composition progresses, the spiced base begins to assert itself: cardamom, ginger, pink pepper. Cedar and sandalwood arrive with their clean, warm wood character. Fir balsam and elemi add a faint camphor lift that keeps the warmth from going flat. Then the drydown shifts register entirely. The citrus is gone.
Cultural impact
Pierre de Velay No. 25 is a fragrance that performs at an exceptional level, with notably strong sillage and longevity, while occupying a distinct space from the Roja London main line. The aldehydic citrus opening makes an immediate impression, while the warm balsamic drydown brings the composition full circle in an unexpected way. It appeals to the wearer who has done their research, knows what they want, and isn't looking for permission. The character is confident, the construction is deliberate, and the result is a scent that speaks for itself.
