Portrait of a Lady. Exposed

The genius of its creator, Dominique Ropion, is captured in every drop of this one-of- a-kind perfume. A longtime collaborator of Frédéric Malle, the Master Perfumer has crafted many of the brand’s iconic scents over the past three decades. Known as “the master of flowers,” Ropion’s relentless quest for perfection guides his natural intuition. Combining the soul of an artist with the precision of a scientist, he is an alchemist who finds harmony in excess. With its grand, oversized rose at the center, Portrait of a Lady is a marvel of balance—a true miracle.


It’s not just a perfume, it’s an icon.
Recognized as one of the greatest triumphs in artistic perfumery, this bold alternative to mass-market fragrances emerged in the early 2000s, with Frédéric Malle leading the way. Created with total creative liberty—free from trends or price constraints—Portrait of a Lady, like all of the Maison’s fragrances, is a rare anomaly in today’s perfume industry. The exception that proves the rule.

In a world where perfume is often about image, Portrait of a Lady has stood apart from the beginning through the sheer power of its scent. A signature that is instantly recognizable, with exceptional longevity. No ads, no celebrity ambassadors—just the pure strength of a fragrance that transcends cultures, eras, genders, and styles. A cult classic, it has won numerous awards worldwide and is cherished by icons like Madonna, Catherine Deneuve, David Beckham, and Val Garland.