8 Reasons We Still Love This OG Summer Fragrance
There are some summer fragrances that we return to year after year, and no more so than Acqua di Parma‘s iconic line-in. With over 100 years in the fragrance industry, the brand has created some of the most recognised and celebrated scents ever, loved by both men and women.
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Founded in Italy in 1916, Acqua di Parma is the very essence of chic Italian elegance, built upon the dedication of master artisans, the finest materials, and time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. Chances are you’ll already know and love at least one of their scents, but if you’re a newbie to what we can only describe as the OG of summer fragrances, scroll on for the reasons why an Acqua di Parma bottle will forever grace our dressing tables.
1. Their fragrances feel like an Italian summer (even in winter)
If your alter ego goes by the name of Sofia or Francesco, eats slippery bowls of spaghetti vongole on a sun-drenched piazza, and loves a bitter aperitivo in hand, these fragrances are the finishing touch to an Italian fantasy.
From their iconic parfums to their home fragrance collection, these are scents that transport you to the charm of Italy, even in the depths of a British winter.
Their note combinations perfectly capture everything we adore about our favourite Italian escapes: from fresh Sicilian citrus, bergamot, and bitter lemon to sweet oranges, interwoven with moodier, richer notes of cinnamon, leather, wood, and amber.
2. The quality is second to none
When we talk about groundbreaking fragrance brands, Acqua di Parma immediately comes to mind. With over 100 years of heritage, they’ve perfected the art of creating intense summer scents that truly transport you. These aren’t just perfumes; they are escapes that linger on the skin. Their secret to such successful scents? Aside from impeccable taste, they have always used a dedicated team of master artisans, generations of inherited expertise, and a commitment to high-quality and natural ingredients.
3. The scents work for men and women
Although the brand originated in scents for men, through the decades, they have been adopted and loved by women too. We are not ones to conform to rules when it comes to fragrances, and we love Aqua di Parma based on their genuinely gorgeous fragrance combinations, which range from bright citrus to delicate rose, warm amber to spicy cinnamon. They strike the perfect balance: never too sweet, never too musky, neither overtly feminine nor masculine.. Just seriously good.
It makes us think of sun-drenched rolling Italian landscapes, wafty linen shirts and straw summer hats, and that impossible-to-beat golden hour sun.
4. The original is a true icon
Colonia was the house’s first-ever fragrance, dating back to 1916. It still feels completely relevant and modern today, and is only available in a perfume but as a whole collection, ranging from candles to bath and body. Unmistakably Italian, it blends Sicilian lemon, sweet orange, and Calabrian bergamot with lavender and rosemary, on top of a base of vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli. It makes us think of sun-drenched rolling Italian landscapes, wafty linen shirts and straw summer hats, and that impossible-to-beat golden hour sun. It’s a gentleman’s fragrance at heart, but one so good, it’s loved by all.
5. But there’s something for everyone, too
Beyond the brand’s iconic signature scents, instantly recognisable in their synonymous summery yellow, we’re equally captivated by the cool Blu Mediterraneo collection, too. The story of Acqua di Parma began in 1916, and was founded by Italian Baron Carlo Magnani in the northern Italian city of Parma – the very place that inspired the brand’s original line.
The Blu Mediterraneo collection, however, draws its inspiration directly from its namesake, capturing the essence of Italy’s most captivating coastal spots – from the sun-drenched shores of the Amalfi to the volcanic beauty of the Aeolian Islands.
6. Their home fragrance collection is unmatched
All the magic of Acqua di Parma’s fragrances but in indulgent candles and diffusers. Dreamy.
7. They create indulgent self-care moments
We love a boujee self-care moment here at The Handbook, and there are times when it only feels right to bring out the good bath stuff. Enter, Acqua di Parma and their extensive range of soaps, hand washes, cleansers, and our unexpected but now non-negotiable favourite, the fragranced deodorant stick.
While the price point is elevated, there is no denying these everyday beauty products deserve a place in our toiletry cabinet, or better still, pride of place on the side of the bath.
8. They make excellent gifts
Finally, we’re always on the hunt for new and charming gift ideas, but sometimes, a classic truly pays off. We will always return to Acqua di Parma’s refined range for those who love fragrance, those who want their house to smell like a five-star hotel or simply for those who have everything.
We’re always on the hunt for new and charming gift ideas, but sometimes it pays to go with a classic.
Bookmark our top gift ideas from the brand, from a seriously addictive car fragrance to a set of mini bottles that will help them find their perfect scent.
Shop our Acqua di Parma picks and more at JohnLewis.com
