ROJA DOVE
Roja Dove, born Roger Bird on September 25, 1956, in Sussex, South East England, is a highly respected British perfumer known for his luxurious and exclusive fragrances. His fascination with scents began at a young age when he was captivated by his mother's perfume as she kissed him goodnight. As a teenager, he spent his money on small bottles of perfume, amazed by their powerful impact.
Despite his growing interest in fragrances, Dove initially pursued a degree in medicine at the University of Cambridge. However, a visit to the Guerlain Boutique in Paris on his 21st birthday changed the course of his life. Inspired by the world of perfume, he started working at Joshua Taylor's, a Cambridge department store, before eventually dropping out of university to join the iconic French perfume house Guerlain.
In 1981, Dove joined Guerlain's Training and Public Relations Department, where he gained professional expertise in the industry. During his nearly 20-year tenure, he became the first non-Guerlain family member and the first non-French "nose" to create fragrances for the brand. to be appointed as Global Ambassador dubbed the "Professeur de Parfum." His time at Guerlain shaped his unique approach to perfume creation and laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
After leaving Guerlain, Dove established RDPR Limited, his own public relations firm based in Brighton. In 2004, he opened the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie on the sixth floor of Harrods in London. The luxurious boutique, designed as an exotic boudoir, featured an array of rare and exclusive fragrances from renowned brands.
In response to customers' requests for his own creations, Dove founded Roja Parfums in 2011. He initially launched a trilogy of fragrances representing the three primary female fragrance families: Oriental, Chypre, and Floral. These scents, Enslaved, Unspoken, and Scandal, showcased Dove's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to using only the finest ingredients.
As Roja Parfums gained recognition, its offerings expanded to include candles and various collaborations with other luxury brands. Dove's fragrances are now sold in prestigious department stores worldwide and are worn by some of the most discerning individuals.
Beyond his work as a perfumer, Dove is a respected author and public speaker. He has written two books, "The Essence of Perfume" and "Roja Dove's Fragrance Guide," sharing his extensive knowledge of the fragrance world. Dove has also delivered lectures and participated in charity events at institutions such as The Barbican, The Science Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Roja Dove's unique approach to perfume creation, his inspirations, and the story behind his brand has made him an icon in the fragrance industry. With a dedication to his craft and a passion for perfume, Roja Dove continues to create some of the most exquisite and luxurious scents available today.
