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A Sultry Addition In Our Favorite Jasmine Collection
Photo: Tiffany Johnson / So MoTiFFated. A reimagined visual of DBIR Purple with the iconic Rockstud bottle in its new nocturnal plum hue.
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Move over, Ivory and Coral, there is a new “it girl” in town and she’s colored purple! This new hottie is joining the Valentino family and she happily traded the Roman sun for the mysterious allure of the evening.
If you’re a new reader to So MoTiFFated, know that this digital editorial has spent countless hours diving deep into Donna and her extensions. Whether going for a Rendez-Vous or analyzing the original Donna Born in Roma against its Bath & Body Works dupe, Pink Obsessed, you’ll get the MoTiFFation you need to move forward with your beauty confidence!
Recently transitioning to operating this site full-time to fully utilize my Digital Marketing MBA, I often refer to something I learned as a child: timing is everything. With Valentino’s latest drop, Born in Roma Purple Melancholia, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. It arrived as the ultimate post-Valentine’s treat, the kind of sugar that last much longer than a box of chocolates.
WHO IS YOUR PURPLE?
Inspired by the introspective mood of a night spent in a Roman palazzo, Purple Melancholia is a departure from the sparkling florals known in this collection. It’s a different vibe in the same transparent, flashy bottle we love, the iconic Rockstud glass. This time, the house is keeping their couture touch: a black leather label that wraps the pyramidal glass. Its contrast against the deep plum colored liquid as its aesthetic promises a darker, more sophisticated olfactory experience.
While the word Melancholia traditionally leans into the weight of depression, Valentino performs a brilliant brand pivot here by reclaiming the term for the modern, introspective woman. In the context of their 'Who is your purple?' campaign, this isn't about sadness — it’s about the power of the pause. It’s a shift from the heavy to the heavenly, where purple represents a fancy, nocturnal confidence that belongs to those who aren't afraid of the dark. This campaign highlights the person who brings light to your life. My 'purple' is the hottie in the black lace who knows that even in the quietest, most melancholic moments, she still reigns supreme. Keep scrolling to see the hottie in the black: it may or may not absolutely be me! fragrance notes
As soon as I got back from out of town, I zoomed to my local Sephora to give DBIR Purple a sniff to provide you the full So MoTiFFated breakdown! Prior to this scent being released, and reviewing its notes, they told a story that had me anticipating its goodness like an ice-filled glass of grape Kool-Aid on the rocks.
Verdict: The reality of the scent did hit like a cold glass of Kool-Aid on a summer’s day! Its fragrance notes are refreshingly bold, a welcomed shift from the Donna Born in Roma norm. 
Photo: Tiffany Johnson / So MoTiFFated
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Needing to stretch my legs from my three-hour road trip, I figured reviewing this highly anticipated scent at Sephora was the best way to get circulation flowing through my body. I was glad to be greeted with smiles by my favorite staff members. I make it a point to treat people with respect and always enjoy speaking to them while I work to create my analysis. While my work is solo, the grace of the retail workers makes it possible for me to continue creating content as an entrepreneur. The staff member mentioned that several people came in to test the product, but no sales had been made.
I stopped by on February 24. The first day that it was available in-store as it was exclusively sold on the Sephora app on February 23. Given that it was its first day in store, I was shocked that more people hadn't made the purchase. Valentino Beauty pushed this release heavily on social media, even including the aforementioned partnership with Sephora. Based on the foot traffic that sampled the scent, the jury was still out on whether it was favored. That divisive split made me even more excited to smell it to form my own opinion. At first, I did not know if I liked it because it's deep. True to its marketing, it definitely is an evening scent that meets the mysterious allure of the night. It is possible that it was a shock to me because I do not recall having worn a plum perfume. Now, the actual fruit I absolutely love. It's flavorful and carries an aroma that is bright and light. The top note of plum accord in this fragrance holds a divergence that is purposely dark. DBIR Purple Melancholia is one that will make you stand out in any room, particularly on a first date. Adding to your style outside of fragrance will be how you polish the overall look. An elegant black lace dress paired with sparkly silver stilettos will surely add to your glow. Cute hair options are a no brainer as a slicked-back bun with dangling earrings would set it off. Now, if you are a short hair natural like me, then work with what you have! I cut my hair down to an inch last May and actively review hair products that stimulate growth like Pattern Beauty’s Hair Serum and Cécred’s Edge Drops. Choosing a tight coil hairstyle, like the one below that I wore to MJ The Musical, will give you the So MoTiFFated sparkle! Hair products that get my finger coils defined are Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel and The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam. Coils and lace are best joined with a classy stud pearl earring. 
Photo: Tiffany Johnson / So MoTiFFated
Now that your outfit is set, let’s get back to analyzing perfume! When in Sephora, I sprayed it all over my forearm to get it accustomed with my scent chemistry. The jasmine scent is present, but doesn’t take center stage. The slight signature of the original DBIR is there, but it is not present enough for you to think you’re wearing the OG. The vanilla begins to settle in last, its sweet creaminess feels different. It being mixed with the plum makes this spinoff one-of-one.
Photo: Tiffany Johnson / So MoTiFFated
It is one that you want to wear at night, because its so rich. It’s not deep enough to be unisex, because it keeps its femininity. Your male partner will be drawn to you and will definitely leave it on the vanity for you to have it all to yourself. Edible even! Okay, girl!! This fragrance is perfect for late winter, like now and will last into spring that starts in a few weeks, March 20.
If a male in your life loves it so much that he wants a similar scent, he is in luck! Valentino’s Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia’s Eau de Toilette (EDT) is the men’s option. Its price points are the same too, although its fragrance notes are different. Those notes are Top: Fresh, Spicy Cardamom; Middle: Lavender; Base: Ambery Woods and Creamy Coconut Accord. Now, your man is going to have to review that one on his own because I’m here for female empowerment! Is IT A MOTIFFATED MUST-HAVE?
Photo: Tiffany Johnson / So MoTiFFated
Yes! I like this one a lot! I had to warm up to it and I like it better than Donna Born in Roma Rendez-Vous that was released last year. Because I don’t own plum, this one would stand apart from the rest of my growing fragrance collection. Honestly, I’m so glad this one has varying sizes unlike Rendez-Vous. If you’re wanting to smell great for less then you’ll be pleased to know that this one comes in a travel size. I’m so excited for my blog to continue to grow so that I can have brand partnerships, because buying every perfume that I review isn’t a good return on my investment. So, I don’t always.
It passed the smell test in public, too! When picking up takeout from a local dinner, I asked the cashier if she liked how it smelled. I love surveying perfumes to be able to share those accounts with you. It was a delayed aha moment as it took a minute for the beautiful scent to drift towards her nose. She liked it and said that it reminded her of her mother, in a good way. She shared the designer fragrances that her mother, who is in her thirties wore. I took that as a compliment of luxury. A waitress, mature in age, walked by and shared that she smelled it immediately as she passed me the first time. When walking by me again, she had to let me know how good it smelled! After sharing the scent name with her, as Donna Born in Roma Purple Melancholia by Valentino is a mouthful, she mentioned that she was surprised that I remembered this scent. I shared that I do this for a living with so much pride! As Editor-in-Chief of So MoTiFFated, I make it my mission to stay abreast of the latest drops. I’m doing so without the inside scoop of PR lists or an agent that can let me know ahead of time. For this article to be one of the first results that you see on Google, makes me incredibly proud of myself! It takes a tribe. This digital editorial provides high-vibrancy journalism without a paywall. As an independent publication, we thrive on reader support. Whether a one-time tip or a monthly gift, pledge your support via the pink button above. Your readership is valued! complete the purple rain look
To match the nocturnal, purple energy of this scent, I've curated three purple companions that trade the classic pinks for a more mysterious, high-shine finish, while giving subtle chic. I am a fan of purple lipstick and feel that it can be blended to still provide a classy look, having done so when I worked in government and still do it when I’m out on the town with friends! My favorites are discontinued, but I’ve listed some dope options below that can still give you lavender vibes!
The Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in Pink is the ultimate swap for a custom lavender glow. This shade is famous for reacting to your lips' pH, creating a soft, cool-toned flush that feels as luxurious as it looks.
For the ultimate sparkle, look no further than Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Oil in Miss Jellyfish. It is a sparkling icy lilac that delivers a mirror-like shine without the stickiness, packed with passionfruit oil for maximum comfort.
Finally, add some high-fashion volume with YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss in Thunder Stealer. This sheer icy lavender shimmer features a spicy ginger sensation to plump your pout, matching the Rockstud edge of the Valentino bottle.
Valentino is calling . . . will you answer? Drop a 'PURPLE' in the comments if this plum-and-vanilla vibe is your next signature scent, or tell me which Born in Roma perfume still holds your heart!
READ MORE FROM SO MOTIFFATED:LOVE THIS ARTICLE? PIN IT FOR LATER!WATCH MORE FROM SO MOTIFFATED: Tiffany Johnson is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of So MoTiFFated. With an MBA in Digital Marketing and a background in branding, she curates excellence across beauty, business, and style with the eye of an executive and the heart of a hype woman... Read Her Story!
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