THE HANDBOOK OF GREAT ITALIAN PERFUMERY
FIFTY YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL SCENT
Marika Vecchiattini, beauty blogger and expert in fragrances tells the story of
the last fifty years of Italian scents and fragrances
in a book published by Silvana Editoriale,
created under the patronage of the Accademia del Profumo (Academy of Perfumery).
Milan, November – The history of the art of perfume-making is very closely tied to the history of Italy, and the “Italian way” of creating fragrances has really stood out and set the benchmark worldwide. Now, for the first time, a publication entirely devoted to Italian perfumery provides an overview of the history of this industry over the last 50 years, so important for Italy’s culture and economy.
The book, published by Silvana Editoriale under the patronage of the Accademia del Profumo (Academy of Perfumery) and entitled Manuale della grande profumeria italiana - Cinquant’anni di essenze straordinarie (The Handbook of Great Italian Perfumery – Fifty years of exceptional scent), provides an overview of perfumes made in Italy, reviewing all the leading brands that have made Italian scents and fragrances renowned all over the world, thanks to some wonderful scents, cutting-edge marketing and beautifully designed bottles.
Marika Vecchiattini, a blogger and expert in perfumes who has already written three books on the subject, engages readers in an intriguing story divided into three parts.
After an introductory section about the origins of modern perfumery - first established in Italy and then exported to France in the 16thcentury by Catherine de’ Medici following her marriage to the Duke of Orléans – the first part focuses on key events associated with the rise of the art of perfumery that has become one of the leading expressions of Italian design and manufacturing.
This is then followed by an anthology of 100 famous perfumes - chosen due to the importance of their distinctive traits and characteristics - accompanied by extensive descriptive charts and divided up over different decades starting from the 1970s. A review helping us trace the development of modern-day perfumery, even taking a look at the very latest trends.
A chapter is then devoted to the perfume manufacturing industry as told by some of its leading players.
The book closes with a list of the almost 7000 fragrances made in Italy over the last 50 years, indicating the manufacturer, type of perfume and production year, together with a table visually illustrating 100 fragrances divided into different types of scents.
The Manuale della grande profumeria italiana - Cinquant’anni di essenze straordinarie’s ease of reading completeness, and attention to detail, make it essential reading not just for experts in the industry, but also anybody passionate about perfumes interested in finding out more about the subject or learning about it for the first time.
“I wrote the book because I am passionate about Italian perfumes - so the author, Marika Vecchiattini, commented - and I was eager to focus on and promote a heritage of perfumery that is unique in the world, the perfect ambassador for a realm of culture focused around beauty, harmony and the joy of living”.
“Promoting the history and culture of the world of fragrances is one of the focal points of our mission. – so Ambra Martone told us, President of the Accademia del Profumo – That is why we were delighted to sponsor this publication, whose words and images tell the story of this intriguing industry and its leading figures in its own special way”.
The handbook is available online and in leading bookshops.