From the vast mountains of Mecca, the Wardh Taifi flourishes year after year, its rich aroma taking over the city’s terrains. For some, its powdery notes tell a tale of romance. For others, notes of spice make the electric pink bloom one of the most coveted in the olfactory world. But what is the story behind the Taif rose?
A sub-cultivar of Damask rose, or rosa damscena tringtipetala, Taif roses grow in the hills that surround the city of Taif, located in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The 30-petal blooms thrive at an altitude of 1,700 meters, and are picked exclusively in the early morning to maintain the purity of their fragrance. The oil-rich blooms have become coveted for their unique fragrance, with 10,000 - 15,000 flower heads required to produce a single vial of oil. Along with local beauty houses, the Taif rose has become a coveted ingredient for international brands as well, with several iconic names — from Dior and Bvlgari to Jo Malone releasing concoctions that celebrate the Saudi bloom. If you've been wishing to add a flowery twist to your summer fragrance set, these Taif scents deserve a spot on your must-haves list.
One of Bvlgari's latest drops, Le Gemme Sahare celebrates the resilience of the iconic flower, which grows against all odds in harsh climates. Blending the Taif rose's delicate beauty with intense strength, the fragrance also features notes of lemon and bergamot for freshness, making it the perfect summer staple.
Owned by Dhanyal and Shabnam, the Taif Rose fragrance from The Notes of Oud bottles the magic of the Saudi flower in all its purity. Available in both, oil and spray format, the perfume opens with notes of fresh citrus and dew-kissed rose petals, leading to a Taif rose heart and elements of jasmine and white musk. Expect to be transported to the mountain tops of Taif at first spritz.
Inspired by the Arabic tales of 1001 Nights, Armani's rose perfume was designed specially for the Middle East, and brings together Damascus rose, patchouli, vanilla and Arabian woods. The heady concoction is presented in a sculptural black and gold bottle that's worth being displayed.
Launched a decade ago, Carolina Herrera's Oud Couture serves as a love story to the Arab world, but with a NYC twist. Damask rose and Taif rose, saffron (another iconic Arab fragrance) and benzoin come together to tell a story from Herrera's life, when her mother gifted her a vial of oud from Jeddah. Hints of clove add a hint of spice to create the dreamiest of scents.
Dior's latest offering brings together two very special elements from the life of Christian Dior: the rose, a favourite flower, and the lucky star the designer once found in Paris and thought of as a symbol to the beginning of a flourishing career. Created by Francis Kurkdjian, the scent blends Sichuan pepper, pear and lemon with Damask and Centifolia rose, along with honey and musk for sweetness.
Damask rose, sweet almonds and suede leather invite you into a mysterious journey through the Middle East. Part of the exclusive Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Collection, Velvet Tender Oud was created by perfumer Jacques Cavallier and was made for romantic evening outings.
Among the newest Taif rose fragrances on the block, Jo Malone's stunning scent sings with floral notes. Here, fresh Saudi blooms collide with rich coffee accents to create a warm and romantic blend. Wear it as is to celebrate the flower, or layer with other fragrances to discover new characteristics of the Taif rose.
Radiant and airy, Leau À La Rose paints a picture of the “caress of rose petals gathered at daybreak”. Featuring notes of Damask rose, musk, peony and lychee, Maison Francis Kurkdjian's floral number takes several olfactory twists and turns to keep surprising its wearer.
The Taif rose serves as the hero of Lancôme's Rose From the Dark, accentuated by the scents of amber and white musk. In perfumer Dominique Ropion's words, the fragrance journeys along the entire rose family:"the rich Damascena, the exclusive Lancôme and the precious Taïf" to reveal a scent like no other.
Paying homage to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Roja Taif Aoud gives the signature flower a refreshing update by adding in aldehydes, bergamot, and juicy cassis. For a hint of intensity, frankincense and oud bakhoors add warmth to the mix.
British fragrance house Thameen's Noorolain Taif takes inspiration from the 60 carat pink diamond Noorolain tiara. Keeping its pink palette in mind, the fragrance relies heavily on the vibrant Taif rose to bring it to life, supported by notes of orange, coriander and pink pepper, as well as jasmin absolute, Haitian vetiver, cashmere wood and musk.
