Poppy Riot by Room 1015 – Rebellion in Red

With Room 1015, I’ve learned there’s a certain reliability. Almost every time I’ve worn one of their fragrances, I was instantly hooked – and my internal wish list kept growing. Cherry Punk (whether EdP or Extrait), Wavechild, Love-O-Matic, Electric Leather – I’d happily own them all. And yet, somehow, there’s still no Room 1015 bottle in my collection. That clearly needs to change. Urgently.

Now the label strikes again with its latest release: Poppy Riot. Even the name hits with impact. Bold, self-assured, slightly rebellious. And as if that weren’t enough, the Eau de Parfum features poppy – a note I’ve always loved, visually and culinarily alike. A promising start, to say the least.

Poppy Power

Before we turn our attention to the fragrance composition, it is worth taking a brief look at the poppy itself. Botanically, it belongs to the Papaver genus within the poppy family(Papaveraceae). The opium poppy(Papaver somniferum) is particularly well-known, but there are also numerous ornamental species such as the bright red poppy(Papaver rhoeas), which bathes entire fields in a sea of red color in early summer. Poppies are characterized by their delicate, almost paper-thin petals and the distinctive, spherical ovary from which the typical poppy capsule later develops.

Olfactorily, poppies are exciting because, unlike rose or jasmine, for example, they do not have a distinct scent of their own. At best, the seeds exude subtle, nutty, doughy nuances, while the flowers themselves are rather delicate, greenish and slightly dusty. In perfumery, the scent of poppy is therefore usually an interpretation, an accord of powdery, milky, sometimes almond-like or slightly spicy facets that are intended to be reminiscent of poppy, but do not carry its natural aroma.

Poppy Riot – the fragrance of a new generation

Poppy Riot sees itself as the fragrance of a new generation – for all those who push boundaries, question conventions and live their own style with confidence. Inspired by youth cultures, from punk to grunge to hip-hop, it embodies creative awakening and permanent reinvention. Founder Michael Partouche describes it as uncompromising and iconic. Not so much a perfume as a statement – louder, freer, more individual.

Top notes: bitter orange, plum, mandarin
Heart notes: poppy, saffron, milk, davana
Base notes: tobacco, woods, tonka bean, musk

Testing Poppy Riot by Room 1015

As if the color of the eau de parfum wasn’t statement enough, Poppy Riot also convinces olfactorily across the board. Powerful, liqueur-like fruity nuances reminiscent of fine spirits, pickled fruits and honey-sweet, golden shimmering tobacco emerge from the very first moment. Saffron contributes a spicy, slightly metallic depth, while milky facets provide a transparent creaminess. I also notice the poppy seeds: nutty and dark, with the familiar notes of fresh poppy seed cookies. Vanilla-like coumarin accents of tonka bean and silky-soft woods gently underline the composition and bring it to a calm, warm and elegant close.

I had suspected it and now I have confirmation: Another Room 1015 creation is going straight onto my must-have list. A creamy, milky, fruity-spicy fragrance with clear boozy vibes, which is blessed with a medium to strong presence and excellent longevity. Certainly not a quiet office creation, but – in moderate doses – perfectly suitable for the office and everyday wear. However, Poppy Riot really comes into its own in the evening and in the cooler months of the year. A self-confident unisex fragrance for all those who love Room 1015 and boozy, fruity and spicy compositions. A clear test recommendation!