‘Inspired by Tom Ford’s private rose garden, Rose Prick is a wild bouquet of beautiful breeds of Rose. Rose De Mai, Turkish and Bulgarian. Sharp and pristine, the piercing prickles of the stems hook onto each other, bonding their blooms in pink perfection. A rose by any other name, wouldn’t be Tom Ford.’The latest from Tom Ford’s Private Blend fragrance line has just launched, and I’ve been trying it out today –

With a name like ‘Rose Prick’ I imagine people are going to fall into one of two camps – those that just think it’s funny – and hardly surprising following the likes of Fucking Fabulous and Lost Cherry, these tongue-in-cheek names are pretty much expected now. Or those that find it distasteful, over the top, pretentious and attention grabbing. Either way, Rose Prick definitely grabbed my attention.

From personal experience I find Tom Ford’s fragrances quite polarising, I either absolutely love them, or really quite dislike them. Where will Rose Prick sit though? The notes let us know there are a multitude of Roses in this scent, as well as Pepper, Patchouli, and Tonka. ‘On paper’ it sounds right up my street, but let’s see..

So Rose Prick is actually a very nice rose scent indeed. It’s not too girly or powdery, though I would say it’s still definitely a feminine scent, but more grown up and seductive. The fragrance opens with a hint of spice – though no where near as spicy as I was expecting considering the top notes, and the heart is full on Turkish Delight, which is one of my favourite treats from my childhood. There’s also hints of a true-to-life fresh rose bouquet in there which is lovely. The dry down is definitely more unisex than the opening, and I was surprised to find the Patchouli rather pleasant mixed with more of the spices I felt were not so noticeable the top. I would say compared to some of the other Private Blends, this is easier to wear day to day, but I also felt it didn’t last as long as some of the others.Overall this is an beautiful scent, but is it worth the hefty price point? – Rose Prick EDP is £218 for 50ml, which is A LOT. So if you think this sounds like your kind of fragrance, I’d definitely advise trying before you buy.

• Top notes: Sichuan pepper, turmeric
• Heart notes: May rose, Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose
• Base notes: Patchouli, tonka bean

Tom Ford Rose Prick is £218 for 50ml, and available now at Selfridges.

Fragrance Niche Perfume Review Tom Ford