The aromatic odyssey of ROJA Parfums

Other children spent their pocket money on sweets. Roja Dove saved his for perfume. The boy who secretly helped himself to his mother’s bottles became one of Britain’s best-known perfumers: almost twenty years at Guerlain, his own perfumery at Harrods and finally his own house, ROJA Parfums.

A boy and his mother’s bottles

His passion began in his mother’s bedroom. Young Roja would sneak in to her perfume collection to smell, try and compare. By his own account he found his first signature scent at 14 or 15: “Eau de Balenciaga Pour Homme”.

Almost twenty years at Guerlain

Instead of finishing university, Roja Dove joined Guerlain in 1981, starting in the training and public relations department. He became the house’s Global Ambassador, the first person outside the founding family in that role. In the industry he earned the nickname “Professeur de Parfum”.

From a charity bottle to the Haute Parfumerie

After Guerlain he set up on his own. In 2002 he donated a bespoke fragrance in a Baccarat bottle to a charity auction for the Terrence Higgins Trust. This idea grew into his bespoke service for a small, select clientele.

In 2004 he opened the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie on the sixth floor of Harrods. The concept: no complete collections, only the very best fragrances from different houses, chosen by him personally.

2011: ROJA Parfums

In 2011 Roja Dove launched his own brand in Mayfair, London. By his own account he financed the first batch with his savings, and it sold out within a few weeks. Today the house also appears internationally as ROJA London.

His answer to a market full of mass fragrances where more money went into advertising than into the juice: high-quality raw materials, high concentrations and scents that tell stories. He draws inspiration from art, travel, places, cultures and sometimes from a single word.

ROJA fragrances you should know

• Amber Aoud: warm amber meets oud.
• Enigma Aoud: the oud version of the classic Enigma.
• Diaghilev: a tribute to the founder of the Ballets Russes, more below.
• Elysium Pour Homme: fresh, citrusy and one of the best-known ROJA scents.
• Elixir Pour Femme: a fragrance from the Pour Femme line.
• Isola Blu: the opening act of the Mediterranean Isola series.
• Lost in Paris: a gourmand for Parisian nights. It is one of the seven scents in our gourmand guide for autumn and winter.

For the 2023 Christmas season, ROJA relaunched its Essence de Parfum line in new bottles: each scent got its own colour, with matching crystals on the caps. ROJA did not change the juice itself. The line includes Enigma, Elixir, 51 and Elysium.

How to wear ROJA

ROJA fragrances are powerful and long-lasting. Start with one or two sprays and add more if needed. You will find more tips in our 10 tips on how to apply perfume.

Frequently asked questions about ROJA Parfums

Who is Roja Dove?

Roja Dove is a British perfumer. He worked for Guerlain for almost twenty years, opened the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie at Harrods in 2004 and founded his own house, ROJA Parfums, in 2011.

When was ROJA Parfums founded?

The ROJA Parfums brand was launched in 2011.

Can I try ROJA fragrances first?

Yes. Every fragrance order comes with a sample of the fragrance you ordered, and you can add up to four further free samples in the order note in your cart. You can also discover the collection in person at our boutique in Bregenz.

Good to know: every fragrance comes with a sample of the fragrance you ordered, and you can choose up to four further free samples via the order note in your cart. Shipping is free from € 200, you have a 14-day right of return, and every order earns you stars in the 4D Insider Club. Questions? Write to service@4doutfitters.com or visit us at Kornmarktstraße 7 in Bregenz.

Your 4D OUTFITTERS team, Bregenz