Patrick Süskind wrote in his acclaimed novel entitled Perfume: “For people could close their eyes to greatness, to horrors, to beauty, and their ears to melodies or deceiving words. But they couldn’t escape scent.” It cannot be denied: the charm of perfume and its evocative power are second to none. It is said that nothing can stimulate the memory like a smell, which can call to mind the most distant feelings and memories.
However, if the origins of perfume are lost in the mists of time, mixing essences and create fragrances is a real art and Florence, during the Renaissance, was the cradle of that noble profession. It is known that it was the great Catherine De’ Medici that introduced the use of perfumes to the French court. When she married Henry II of France, she brought her trusted perfumer Renato Bianco with her (in French Rene Le Florentin).
An illustrious tradition that continues and renews itself today in the city overlooking the Arno River, in small temples dedicated to beauty, precious businesses known and respected worldwide.
Here you can find all sorts of essences: fragrances, cosmetics for the body, potpourri and home fragrances. Exotic spices and exquisite floral bouquets make up fragrances for men and women, precious personalised perfumes. “Noses” of international renown prepare their creations in these ateliers, continuing an Italian art that requires great sensitivity and skill, as well as a pinch of secrecy.