Thorn of a Rose.

Thorn of a Rose arrived in 2024 as the newest entry in Anna Sui’s Wild Wonder Collection, a line built around playful, colour‑rich fantasies. Jérôme Epinette was tasked with turning the paradox of a rose’s soft petals and its sharp thorns into scent. The brief called for a citrus‑spiced opening that would clash with a lush damask rose heart, then settle into a smoky, patchouli‑laden dry‑down, echoing the brand’s love of romance edged with attitude.

Pink pepper and bright citrus give the first spray an electric snap, a modern twist on classic rose‑centric formulas. The heart leans on damask rose and violet, delivering a floral richness that feels both nostalgic and fresh. By anchoring the base with frankincense and patchouli, Epinette injects a smoky, woody chypre backbone that prolongs the rose’s sweetness, turning a fleeting bouquet into a lingering, almost tactile memory.

The opening erupts with a citrus zing that tingles the nose, instantly brightened by pink pepper’s peppery sparkle, an attention‑grabbing spark that fades after about ten minutes. As the zest recedes, the heart blooms: damask rose unfurls with violet, creating a soft, powdery cloud that feels like stepping into a garden at dusk. Around the half‑hour mark, the base asserts itself; incense smolders, while patchouli adds earthy depth, giving the composition a smoky, woody finish that clings to skin for the full six‑to‑eight hour wear, softening into a warm, amber‑tinged veil by the next day.

Since its 2024 debut, Thorn of a Rose has been spotted on style‑savvy Instagram feeds, praised for marrying a cheeky pepper‑citrus spark with classic rose romance. It’s become a go‑to for evenings where a subtle yet confident statement is desired, positioning the Wild Wonder line as the brand’s edgiest floral offering to date.