Acqua di Parma Celebrates 110 Years With Colonia Il Profumo Millesimato Limited Edition
- laurie2769
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
This year, Acqua di Parma marks 110 years since the creation of Colonia, the fragrance that defined its identity and introduced a distinct Italian approach to perfumery. Founded in Parma in 1916 by Baron Carlo Magnani, the Maison emerged in contrast to the heavy French perfumes of the time. Colonia was conceived as a personal expression of Italian elegance—light, luminous, and restrained. Parma’s long tradition of culture, craftsmanship, and perfumery, shaped in part by Maria Luigia of Habsburg, provided the foundation for this vision.
Colonia as a Cultural Icon
Over the decades, Colonia remained central to the Maison. The Art Deco bottle introduced in the 1930s, with its black Bakelite cap, became a lasting design signature. In the 1950s, the fragrance became associated with Italian cinema and tailoring, worn discreetly on linen pocket squares. In the 1990s, Acqua di Parma was revived by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Diego Della Valle, and Paolo Borgomanero, reinforcing sprezzatura, an effortless approach to elegance. The Maison joined the LVMH Group in 2001, expanding globally while preserving its identity.
Colonia Il Profumo Millesimato
To mark the anniversary, Acqua di Parma introduces Colonia Il Profumo Millesimato, a limited edition created by perfumer Alexis Dadier. The fragrance is built around the 2024 harvest of Ylang-Ylang from Nosy Be, Madagascar, distilled over 24 hours and carefully fractionated. Italian bergamot, blood orange, petitgrain, and grapefruit open the composition, while rosemary, orange leaves absolute, patchouli, and vetiver provide structure. The Ylang-Ylang enhances depth and radiance, offering a new perspective on Colonia Il Profumo while remaining faithful to its original character.
Design and the Art of Living
The fragrance is presented in a glass bottle with embossed architectural details and a back label highlighting its craftsmanship and composition. It is housed in Acqua di Parma’s yellow hatbox, marked with a golden medal commemorating the 110th anniversary and the 2024 harvest. Alongside the fragrance, the Maison introduces new Art of Living objects designed to elevate daily rituals, including Via Con Me Scent to Go, candle accessories, modular candle holders, and the Sotto Sopra Candle Set.
Availability
Colonia Il Profumo Millesimato is now available at the Acqua di Parma boutique in Brickell City Centre, online at Bloomingdales.com, and on Acquadiparma.com.