The Brief: A Whiff of Salty Petals

Maison Crivelli is a house that thrives on contrast, turning familiar notes into unexpected experiences. With Rose Saltifolia, Thibaud Crivelli offers a rose that is not a lush garden bloom but rather something windswept and bracing. Inspired by the scent of wild roses on a sea-sprayed shore, Rose Saltifolia aims to capture the duality of delicate petals and mineral freshness. This is not a dewy, jammy rose but a scent where florals and maritime elements intertwine, evoking a walk along the coast where roses bloom against a backdrop of wind, salt, and seaweed.

Maison Crivelli’s ethos revolves around sensory surprises, challenging the way we perceive classic notes by placing them in unexpected settings. Here, the central idea is to experience rose in a way that feels raw, fresh, and alive rather than overtly romantic or traditional.

The Artist: The Perfumer Behind the Scent

Natalie Feisthauer is the perfumer behind Rose Saltifolia. A veteran in the industry with a refined, avant-garde approach, Feisthauer is known for her ability to craft scents that balance structure and sensuality. Her portfolio includes work for Etat Libre d’Orange, MDCI Parfums, and countless niche brands that push creative boundaries.

In Rose Saltifolia, she defies the expectation of a classic rose soliflore by giving it an almost weightless, airy quality, interlaced with a briny, ozonic freshness. This is a rose scent for those who prefer a modern, unisex interpretation rather than something overtly feminine or powdery.

The Scent: Windswept Roses on a Salty Breeze

Opening:

The first spritz is a burst of marine freshness, like a gust of coastal wind laced with hints of crushed citrus. There’s an immediate airy quality, reminiscent of sun-bleached driftwood and fine, salty mist. The salt accord is present but subtle, more of a natural mineral breeze than a full-on aquatic splash.

Heart:

As the initial freshness settles, the rose emerges delicate but never overly sweet. This is a crisp, almost green rose, closer to a wild beach rose than a cultivated garden bloom. There’s a clarity to it, like petals kissed by dew, slightly waxy but not powdery. Hints of aromatic herbs and fresh greenery add dimension, grounding the floral notes without overshadowing them.

Drydown:

A sheer, woody base gives Rose Saltifolia a skin-like, musky drydown. The saltiness lingers, but it’s softened by a subtle, clean, white musk. There’s also an underlying mineral facet, giving it a slightly earthy, windswept effect, like sand drying on sun-warmed skin.

Performance & Wearability

• Longevity: Moderate (5–7 hours)

• Projection: Airy but present, more of a personal scent bubble rather than a room-filling fragrance.

• Season: Spring and summer, especially suited for breezy, coastal weather.

• Versatility: Unisex and highly wearable. Works well for daytime, casual outings, or even minimalist evening wear for those who prefer understated scents.

Unlike heavier, jammy roses, Rose Saltifolia is refreshing, making it ideal for those who want a rose fragrance without excessive sweetness or opulence. It’s also an excellent choice for someone who enjoys aquatic or mineral notes but wants something floral and nuanced.

Rose Saltifolia is a fascinating study in contrasts: a floral that feels windswept rather than lush, a marine scent that is delicate rather than bold. It’s not your typical rose, nor is it an aggressively salty scent. Instead, it strikes a perfect balance, evoking nature in an organic, effortless way.

For lovers of classic roses, this might be too sheer and modern, but for those seeking an airy, contemporary floral with a fresh twist, Rose Saltifolia is a beautifully unique choice. If you’ve ever wanted to bottle the experience of walking along a rugged coastline where wild roses bloom, this scent is as close as it gets.

Score: 8.5/10

A refined, fresh take on rose that is effortlessly elegant and easy to wear.