Roja Dove is a British perfumer whose fragrances are sold at department stores worldwide and distributed in Australia through Agence de Parfum.
Born and raised in Sussex, Roja began his career in perfumery in 1981 when he joined the French perfume house Guerlain, and in 2011, he set up Roja Parfums.
Speaking via video to media and influencers at the launch of Apex, his latest juice, Roja said his love for fragrance began when he was a small child.
“When I was a tiny boy, I fell in love with perfume,” he said.
“It was all to do with my mother coming to give me a kiss good night. It was the first time I ever made a connection between a moment in time, a person and a smell. I believe very, very strongly that it was that moment that formed me to walk down the path that has led me here today.”
Roja said it was the unfortunate passing of his mother that inspired him to found Roja Parfums.
“When my mum died in 2009, a friend of mine gave me a metaphoric slap on the face, and as a result of that I decided I wanted to create a legacy for the family name. In 2011, Roja Parfum was born. I absolutely cannot begin to imagine what we have done in just 11 years. We are now selling in 60 countries around the world and over 400 stores. I really pinch myself when I think about it.”
Roja said Apex was inspired by “primal instincts”.
“I have always said that we must not forget that we are animals. We’ve been using scent for millions of years to catch food, escape danger, and to find a mate – it is these primal instincts that inspired me to create Apex.”
Celebrating the natural wonders of the world and all who roam it, Apex is fresh, fruity chypré accord with spiritual and sensual undertones.
Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Mandarin, Orange
Heart Notes: Jasmin de Grasse, Cistus, Pineapple
Base Notes: Galbanum, Elemi, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Rum, Tobacco, Cypress Wood, Fir Balsam, Juniper Berry, Casmir Wood, Sandalwood, Benzoin, Amber, Frankincense, Labdanum, Leather, Ambergris, Musk
Images from the launch event, hosted by PR company Élysée Collective and held at QT Sydney in The George Room, below. Images by Studio La Tessa.
