Filippo Sorcinelli Rosa Nigra Extrait de Parfum is a rose niche perfume from the house\u2019s UNUM line that is not a rose perfume at all. All the materials that compose this complex fragrance evoke a rose that in reality is not present in its wood, balsam and floral dense scent pyramid. The Sorcinelli house describes this as an olfactory paraphrase of the Assumption: linking the Queen of Flowers to the Virgin Mary, who rises to heaven “in body and soul” – her sacred presence known for eternity despite leaving no trace of her existence. The aura of transfiguration is cleverly included in this deceptive scent\u2019s opening as a very prominent juicy red rose dominates. This rose appears clean, perfect and seemingly devoid of thorns, before the initial fresh and green scent becomes something seedier. Replete with scriptural imagery, a soiled hair note reminiscent of the costus flower emerges like a biblical temptress from within the perfume. There is also something more exotic lurking in the heart: the rose becomes more fruity and indolic as the scent settles on the skin. The spiced, fleshy scent of pollen and ripe peach add a carnal sweetness. As the scent develops on the skin, dryer, deeper, more wood-infused balsams reveal their seductive side. The base unfolds almost as a powdery plushness, inviting the nose to linger on a comforting bed of amber, musk, cashmere woods and vanilla. <\/p>\n
Filippo Sorcinelli Rosa Nigra Extrait de Parfum, the black rose, is not a dark rose because it is sombre. It is dark because under its flawless surface lurks a depth of contents. Sap, syrup, juices – maybe even something poisonous. Rosa Nigra is a rose scent souped up on nefarious nectar, the kind of rose Snow White\u2019s wicked stepmother would have chosen if she went down the poison flower route in order to do away with her stepdaughter and once again become the fairest of them all. Perhaps Rosa Nigra signifies the dual role women play in cultural depictions throughout history: virgin mother and evil stepmother; saint and sinner; object of desire and harbinger of destruction. Filippo Sorcinelli Rosa Nigra Extrait de Parfum is like a ripe fruit dangling from the tree. Pluck it and it may be the most divine floral you\u2019ve ever smelt, or it may well be your glorious downfall.<\/p>\n
Filippo Sorcinelli Rosa Nigra Extrait de Parfum is an exciting floral scent in Sorcinelli\u2019s mysterious world of perfumes which features ancient gothic gloom united with cutting edge modernity in one darkly immersive aesthetic. Not only is Sorcinelli one of the world\u2019s most revered niche perfumers, he is also a classically trained organist and famous for his \u2018LAVS\u2019 bespoke tailoring atelier which makes the intricate, elaborately designed robes for the Vatican. His wide ranging artistic talents and classical Italian reference points are reflected in his avant-garde bottle designs and the ritualistic and liturgical themes which infuse many of his works.<\/p>\n
Top notes: mugwort, anise
\nHeart notes: peach, sandalwood, freesia
\nBase notes: musks, cashmere wood, amber, vanilla<\/p>\n