Rose 31

Rose 31 is Le Labo's masterclass in subverting expectations—a rose held down by cumin's sweaty, almost feral intensity and cedar's pencil-shaving dryness. From the first spray, this is rose reimagined as something far removed from the Valentine's bouquet: the olibanum lends a smoky, resinous cathedral quality whilst that notorious cumin creates an effect that's simultaneously skin-like and confrontational. The rose itself, caught between these polarities, emerges bruised and beautiful, its petals dusted with spices and woodsmoke rather than dew.

What makes this fragrance compelling is the tension it maintains throughout its wear. The guaiac wood adds a medicinal, slightly tarry quality that merges seamlessly with leather undertones—not the clean suede often found in modern perfumery, but something more lived-in and ambiguous. Vetiver and cedar form the structural backbone, creating an austere woodiness that prevents the composition from becoming too plush or sweet. The oud and amber appear as textural elements rather than spotlight players, adding depth without dominating.