Roos and Roos Sympathy for the Sun Review (Fabrice Pellegrin) + Exile on Scent Street Draw

 

Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun review

Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun, photo by Nicoleta 

Roos & Roos is a French niche perfumery brand founded in 2014 by Chantal Roos, a legendary figure in the world of perfumery, and her daughter Alexandra Roos, a talented musician and composer. Chantal brought her fantastic insights from decades working in the fragrance industry, where she was an integral part of the creation of iconic scents for renowned brands like YSL, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Issey Miyake. Alexandra, with her artistic background in music and songwriting, brings a unique lyrical sensibility to the brand, where each fragrance is composed like a symphony of notes, weaving together harmonies and rhythms that evoke emotions and tell stories.

 Chantal Roos and Alexandra Roos of Roos & Roos

Chantal Roos and Alexandra Roos of Roos & Roos, image via the official Roos & Roos website

Roos & Roos is a testament to the beautiful union between fragrance and storytelling and stands out for its commitment to craftsmanship and the fine art of perfume making. Each scent from their portfolio is carefully crafted in France, blending the rich traditions of high perfumery with an artful, contemporary twist – for a portfolio that is sophisticated and unique.

Fabrice Pellegrin perfumer

Fabrice Pellegrin, image via the brand

Launched 10 years ago, Sympathy for the Sun was created by Fabrice Pellegrin, also responsible for many of my summer favorites, such as Blackberry & Bay from Jo Malone (one of the best takes on a whimsical forest fruit genre), Occitane L’Arlesienne (cute, French, chic) Maison Matine Hasard Bazar (a modern rose-patch airy combo), Oriflame Midsommar Woman (long-time-love) and Parfums de Marly Safanad (one of the best offerings from Parfums de Marly, in my opinion).

The Rolling Stones dans in Villa Nellcôte

The Rolling Stones dans in Villa Nellcôte, fairuse image

 “Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name

But what’s puzzlin’ you is the nature of my game”  – Sympathy for the Devil, The Rolling Stones

The inspiration behind Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun was the cult band The Rolling Stones and their legendary stay in the South of France in 1971. For a little bit of trivia – in that year, the Rolling Stones relocated to the South of France, seeking refuge from the exorbitant income tax rates that were in effect in the UK at that time. Keith Richards rented the opulent Villa Nellcôte in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a stunning Belle Époque mansion surrounded by jungle-like gardens that provided both beauty and (much-needed) privacy. The band used this location to record their iconic double album “Exile on Main St.,” utilizing a mobile recording studio set up in the villa’s damp and old basement. The period spent at Villa Nellcôte was marked by a mixture of creative fervor and chaotic debauchery with Keith Richards and his partner, freshly out of rehab, maintaining a steady supply of heroin through connections with the Corsican mafia. This setup led to a constant flow of very colorful characters, including musicians, drug dealers, and celebrities like John Lennon, who reportedly partied at the villa​. Despite the hedonistic lifestyle, the band managed to create one of their most revered works, the raw and authentic sound being, no doubt, influenced by the mood and spirit of the place. The villa itself had a dark history, having been previously occupied by Nazis during World War II, its intricate and bleak past adding new layers of intrigue to the Stone’s stay.

Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun by Fabrice Pellegrin

Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun, mood photo via the brand

 Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun manages to encapsulate the duality of Villefranche-sur-Mer’s beauty and the wild, raw energy inspired by its famous guests. Imagine a bright early morning at Villa Nellcôte, where the air is filled with the crisp, invigorating scent of citrus. This bright, hesperidic bouquet is lifted in the air and the first impression is reminiscent of the fresh laundry – white cotton dresses and fringed shawls – hung out to dry under the impossibly blue midsummer sky. As you wander through the villa’s gardens, the fragrance of jasmine petals and peonies envelops you, mingling with the warmth of tanned skin. This delicate sensuality adds a layer of softness and romance before things get a little bit naughty…

Sympathy for the Sun Roos & Roos

Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun, image via the brand

Passing through the doors, through the wood-paneled corridors, descending the stairs to the villa’s basement, a contrast begins to cast its long shadows, with the scent of oakmoss and woods adding depth and a touch of raw, earthy, and untamed je-ne-sais-quoi. Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun captures the sheer essence of sun-drenched days, with a retro, powdery twist. It beautifully blends the serene and the wild, the refined and the raw – a story of sparkling sun and fresh air, delicate blossoms and salty sun-bitten skin, grounded by the deep, complex allure of woods and moss.

Notes:  Citruses, Bergamot, Jasmine, Peony, Woods, Oakmoss

Nicoleta Tomsa, Senior Editor

Disclosure: A bottle of Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun was kindly offered by the brand, opinions are my own.

Roos and Roos Sympathy for the Sun review

Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun, courtesy of the brand

Thanks to the generosity of  Roos & Roos we have a 100ml bottle of Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun for one registered reader in the EU, US, or UK. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Nicoleta’s review and where you live. Draw closes 8/17/2024 but the winner will not receive their perfume until September 2024.

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26 comments

  • SonneSweet says:

    Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun intrigues me with its blend of citrus and floral notes, capturing the essence of a sunlit day at the historic Villa Nellcôte. The juxtaposition of bright, fresh elements with deeper, earthy undertones promises a fragrance that embodies both elegance and raw, unrefined energy. The story behind its creation, inspired by The Rolling Stones’ legendary stay, adds a fascinating layer of narrative that enhances its appeal.

    EU

  • David Furman says:

    I love the song “sympathy for the devil”. They always play it when showing Vietnam battle clips and it goes with the theme definitely. This composition seems bright and streamline. Not in a bad way but some fragrances are meant to be linear and they wear great and have great longevity. I hope this one has strength that lasts all day and reminds you of its presence the entire time. From Jacksonville, NC.

  • Salem says:

    It’s quite intriguing that such a seemingly “innocent” perfume is inspired from one of the most iconic Rolling Stones songs.
    The bright, hesperidic opening which then progresses towards a clean laundry feel, softened by flower petals and then made unique by a mix of woods, oakmoss and earthiness. Nicoleta describing the fragrance as having a “retro twist, refined and raw, serene and wild” seems to perfectly match the reference to one of the most representative rock bands.
    Cheers from the EUz

  • Ramses Perez says:

    The citruses with the powdery touches sounds very enticing to me. You add the florals of jasmine and peonies and get a beautiful fragrance suited for hot summer days. Love the minimalist bottle design of the fragrances as well, simple and modest. Roos & Roos is a house I keep seeing here and there so I’m glad they’re having the moment in the sun. Cheers from USA.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun captures the sheer essence of sun-drenched days, with a retro, powdery twist. Perfect for summer days! I am from EU

  • Jeremi says:

    This fragrance seems to capture the essence of a warmth and a sunlit day, which is quite intriguing. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • phuongmtran says:

    Big Rolling Stones fan here, so it was fun to see how they inspired Sympathy for the Sun. I love the citrusy floral notes are grounded by woods and moss. Sounds delightful! I am in the USA.

  • Teresa C says:

    Interesting history that I didn’t know about the Rolling Stones, and a great description of a perfect summer floral! I’d love to try the retro summer sun vibe! I live in the US.

  • MoSho says:

    Ah, the stories that villa could tell .
    It was a very interesting (and not known to me) background story (about the Stones and their shennanigans in France, biensûr), that Nicoleta masterfully used to introduce us to Sympathy for the sun – that seems to be a duet of contrasts. I’ve always wondered what a scent named like this could smell, it’s fascinating for me to know what drives creative people to make art.
    Thanks for the review – a delight, and the draw, from EU.

  • melipone says:

    I find Roos & Roos is a very interesting house, my favorite so far is Mentha Religiosa but I haven’t tried Sympathy for the Sun. Being a jasmine and oakmoss lover, I have high expectations… 😉
    Greetings from Germany!

  • ts1881 says:

    After reading Nicoleta’s review, I’m captivated by the vibrant and uplifting notes of Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun.
    The blend of citrus and floral elements sounds like the perfect scent to brighten any day.
    I would love to experience this fragrance and make it a part of my collection.
    Thank you for the opportunity!

    EU
    The Netherlands

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun manages to encapsulate the duality of Villefranche-sur-Mer’s beauty and the wild, raw energy inspired by its famous guests. Imagine a bright early morning at Villa Nellcôte, where the air is filled with the crisp, invigorating scent of citrus. This bright, hesperidic bouquet is lifted in the air and the first impression is reminiscent of the fresh laundry – white cotton dresses and fringed shawls – hung out to dry under the impossibly blue midsummer sky. As you wander through the villa’s gardens, the fragrance of jasmine petals and peonies envelops you, mingling with the warmth of tanned skin. This delicate sensuality adds a layer of softness and romance before things get a little bit naughty… Passing through the doors, through the wood-paneled corridors, descending the stairs to the villa’s basement, a contrast begins to cast its long shadows, with the scent of oakmoss and woods adding depth and a touch of raw, earthy, and untamed je-ne-sais-quoi. Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun captures the sheer essence of sun-drenched days, with a retro, powdery twist. It beautifully blends the serene and the wild, the refined and the raw – a story of sparkling sun and fresh air, delicate blossoms and salty sun-bitten skin, grounded by the deep, complex allure of woods and moss.

    Notes: Citruses, Bergamot, Jasmine, Peony, Woods, Oakmoss. A beautiful description by Nicoleta I am really intrigued by the notes particularly Jasmine, Woods and Oakmoss. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • Amaziz89 says:

    Passing through the doors, through the wood-paneled corridors, descending the stairs to the villa’s basement, a contrast begins to cast its long shadows, with the scent of oakmoss and woods adding depth and a touch of raw, earthy, and untamed je-ne-sais-quoi. Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun captures the sheer essence of sun-drenched days, with a retro, powdery twist. It beautifully blends the serene and the wild, the refined and the raw – a story of sparkling sun and fresh air, delicate blossoms and salty sun-bitten skin, grounded by the deep, complex allure of woods and moss.

    Notes: Citruses, Bergamot, Jasmine, Peony, Woods, Oakmoss. A brilliant piece by Nicoleta I am fascinated by the combination of woods and Oakmoss as well as Jasmine and Peony. This sounds like a magical fragrance suitable for Summer. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Lina Festila says:

    What intrigued me and spark my attention in this beautiful story was the house Villa Nellcôte. Something that I would definitely like to visit just to see and imagine my self those long decadence days sprinkled in citrus and jasmine. A different kind of heaven. Lina, , EU

  • WarrenGood says:

    Roos & Roos sympathy for the sun sounds awesome.love the backstory of The Rolling Stones in France.
    I would love anything by Fabrice Pellegrin

  • Patrícia R. says:

    I love the idea of a sun drenched villa with long shadows and oakmoss and everything that belongs to holidays. I live in the EU.

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    What a beautiful scent for a beautiful place. I love learning a bit of music history and to have a fragrance tell such a story is outstanding. Thank you for the lovely bit of history and the beautiful description of this fragrance. I’d love to win! I live in Oregon.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    The Rolling Stones trivia was interesting. Fabrice is one of my favorite perfumers, I first discovered his scents through Diptyque. The essence of sun drenched days sounds perfect for me! USA.

  • Annika says:

    I had no idea Exile on Main Street was recorded at a posh villa in the South of France. Seems odd that such a gritty album was conceived in such an idyllic setting but given the history of the property perhaps not. Sympathy for the Sun seems to bask in the glory of the area with the citrus and florals and a retro powdery twist. MD, USA.

  • opalbear says:

    This sounds like a masterfully made Chypre and I sure do love those. Thank you for giving us some of the history behind Roos & Roos.
    I’m sure quite a few bands would have fared better if they had gotten out of dodge for year to just be and create! What a blessing.
    This fragrance sounds incredible! I am in California.

  • foreverscents says:

    “Exile on Main St” is one of my favorite albums of all time. I have been loosening to it since I was a kid. The album is raunchy blues rock and soul, so I was hoping Sympathy for the Sun would have a naughty side. The oak moss and woods sound like a wonderful match to the bright citrus notes.
    I live in the USA.

  • mmerline says:

    I wouldn’t have expected a fragrance referencing the Exile sessions to open with solar citrus and the clean smell of laundry, but it sounds like they contrast the earthy oakmoss and woods beautifully. And I appreciate the focus here; Sympathy for the Sun doesn’t overcomplicate things, and avoids distracting from its core theme. Perfect for hot summer days.

    I’m in the USA.

  • JulietteC says:

    Last summer, on my Bday, I visited French Riviera with my hubby & best friend + her husband. It felt like a honeymoon, and def Villefranche-sur-Mer was among my favourite places. I have seen Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Eze,

    If Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun is based on the duality of Villefranche-sur-Mer’s beauty and the wild, raw energy inspired by its famous guests, as Nicoleta says, than for sure is a perfume that I must try, because I will surely fall in love with it, as I did with Villefranche-sur-Mer.

    I live in EU and thank you for the opportunity.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I loved Nicoleta’s review of Roos & Roos Sympathy for the Sun. I learning and discovering this new brand Roos & Roos as well as more about the founders of the brand Chantal Roos and Alexandra Roos. The inspiration behind this fragrance is also quite interesting on how the Rolling Stones moved from the UK to the South of France because of the high tax rates in the UK. I would love to try this beautiful perfume. I am from the USA.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the lovely review. I really like the name and presentation of this fragrance,

    The use of citruses and white florals in the opening to create the warmth of day and woods and oakmoss to ground the scent and contrast it with night really make this a fragrance of dualities.

    Cheers from WI, USA