La Dolce Vita, scents inspired by Milan Fashion Week

By Adriana Ermter

Do you live in your heels even while running errands? Is your familial greeting a kiss on both cheeks? Does your closet overflow with black lace and leopard print? If you answered yes to all or any of these questions, then we suggest you book a one-way ticket to one of the style capitals of the world—stat! Or, if you’re like us, you could get your fix reviewing the latest goings-on at the current Milan Fashion Week, all the while spritzing the following three perfumes. That would be a most bellissima way to step out in Italian style even if you’re not enroute via Alitalia. Here’s to celebrating la dolce vita.

FENDI L’AQUAROSSA
The Vibe: Vivacious and intoxicating
The Notes: Juicy bergamot, tangerine and plum intertwine with exotic lantana, rose, orange blossom and magnolia flowers—all against a sensual backdrop of red cedar, musk and patchouli.
The Design: In 1925, what started as Adele and Edoardo Fendi’s family-owned leather goods store, has expanded into a grand boutique complete with opulent fur-trimmed couture, Karl Lagerfeld and a pair of signature Fs. From the brand’s Roman lineage to its Baguette bag phenomenon and Milan-based runway, Fendi is, in our opinion, as much of a cultural institution as Leonardo da Vinci and his Mona Lisa.
Fendi L’Aquarossa EDP, $96 (50 ml) www.fendi.com; exclusively at The Hudson’s Bay www.thebay.com

GUCCI PREMIERE
The Vibe: Sparkling and confident
The Notes: Fresh, luminous orange blossom and citrus oils; radiant freesia, jasmine and Bulgarian rose; with sensual leather, patchouli and musk.
The Design: Steeped in 80-plus years of history, former creative head, Frida Giannini, has taken the fashion house’s iconic, heritage prints, patterns and, of course, the famous interlocking logo and cemented them into an iconic symbol of modern luxury. Because who doesn’t covet a pair of fine, leather riding boots or the New Jackie shoulder bag? After all, below the brand’s famous GGs, the label reads: Made in Italy.
Gucci Première EDT, $92 (50 ml) www.gucci.com; at Sephora www.sephora.com

PRADA CANDY FLORALE
The Vibe: Wondrous and sensual
The Notes: Combined with the brand’s fantastical, imaginary flower are delectable limoncello sorbet, pretty peony, powdery benzoin and musk, and sticky-sweet caramel and honey.
The Design: One could argue that pop culture movies, TV and books such as From Prada to Nada, Sex and The City and The Devil Wears Prada, turned the label into a household name, but we disagree. Rooted in Italian soil for more than 90 years and with her grandfather’s founding shop—the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II near the Duomo in Milan (doors still open)—we suspect Miuccia Prada, her talent, and her enviable heritage have everything to do with it.
Prada, Candy Florale EDT, $85 (50 ml) www.prada.com; at The Hudsons Bay www.thebay.com