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Brace yourself: It’s that time of year when everyone you’ve ever met has somehow simultaneously managed to transport to Italy for vacation. If your passport is missing a limoncello sip on the Amalfi Coast this summer, these luxurious scents—and storied description of the decadent notes that go into them—may help squash the envy.
What Is an “Italian Summer Scent?”
While there may not be a singular definition of a perfect “Italian summer vacation scent,” InterParfums VP of Product Development, Walter Johnsen says that, to him, it’s about finding a fragrance that “plays into the energetic and easy vibe” of the season.
“Choose an uplifting, fresh, light and airy fragrance with fruity or light floral undertones to enhance your summer adventures. Whether you are poolside in Portofino, hiking in Cogne, touring Tuscan wineries, sightseeing in Rome, driving the Amalfi coast, enjoying lunch in Marina di Ragusa, or dancing under the stars, the right scent can make each moment unforgettable.”
Besides being able to articulate the magic of summer in the country, Johnsen says Italy has deeply inspired his fragrance creations. “Notes like Capri lemons, Tuscan grapes, Calabrian bergamot, Puglia clementines, Campania figs, Amarena cherries, the Mediterranean Sea, and Italian desserts such as gelato, tiramisu, and Aperol Spritz evoke this connection.”
“My travels in Italy have led to creations like Ferragamo’s Signorina Libera ($122) with Italian iris flower and Calabrian bergamot, and Ferragamo Signorina Unica ($122), blending a sun-soaked Italian Riviera accord with tiramisu cream. Ferragamo Red Leather ($106) captures the energy of an Italian summer with luxurious Florentine leather in an airy expression. The upcoming GUESS Amore Collection includes body mists named after iconic Italian cities—Venice, Portofino, Rome and Capri—each featuring ingredients from these locations. GUESS Bella Vita ($72) combines Amarena cherries, Calabrian bergamot, and a refreshing sea accord. In the Donna Karan Cashmere Collection, we used Capri neroli in Cashmere and Neroli ($150) and Campania figs in Cashmere and Fig ($150).”
In the end, wherever you go (or don’t go), Johnsen says to remember one thing: “Like music, which can tell the story of our life, the right fragrance can become a memorable part of your summer adventures, capturing the music and the scent of the experience forever.”
Italian Summer Scents
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