
Born in Roma Purple Melancholia: Valentino launches a JPG Le Beau Le Parfum with lavender (testers confirm 70% similarity) In early 2026, Valentino releases Born in Roma Uomo Purple Melancholia limited edition. Marketing promises "darker reflective mood memories Roman palace night" purple introspective melancholia. Composition of four notes: cardamom / coconut, lavender / amberwood. Concentration Eau de Toilette only — surprising for a premium limited edition positioning. Performance 3.43/5 longevity, 2.30/4 sillage, fair-to-average. But testers are unanimous: "smells 70% Le Beau Le Parfum 30% Born Roma Intense", "like Le Beau without musty note", "resembles 90% JPG Le Beau Le Parfum". Valentino launches a JPG clone of coconut-lavender-amber renamed Purple Melancholia probably selling for €80-100 when Le Beau Le Parfum at €60-70 does the same thing better. Problem.