There's something quite special about a designer fragrance. It's more than just a glass bottle on your dresser—it's an opportunity to experience opulence every time you spray your signature scent. Even if you don't have a closet full of designer clothing, you can get just as much decadence from a luxury fragrance. Just as we're transitioning from the light, sweet scents of summer to the warm, spicy aromas of autumn, Bottega Veneta has introduced its first fragrance collection with Matthieu Blazy as the creative director.
As you can imagine, Who What Wear editors fall head over heels for just about anything from Bottega Veneta, and this launch is no exception. Inspired by the city of Venice, where the brand originated, and by Intrecciato, the brand's signature leather weaving technique, the collection's five scents are all deeply rooted in Italian heritage. Below, we delve into the fragrance notes, architectural design, and creative direction.
Since Blazy stepped into the role of creative director, he has emphasized the importance of touch at Bottega Veneta. This commitment shines through in the brand's use of tactile materials in its designs and in the exquisite craftsmanship that defines the its unique savoir-faire. Every fragrance in this collection unfolds beautifully upon contact, revealing nuanced notes as you greet someone with a hug or step into a crowded room. The fragrances truly speak for you, telling their own intimate stories before you even have the chance to say, "Thanks, it's from Bottega Veneta!"
Reflecting this ethos, the bottle designs are a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and tactile delight. These are more than just vessels for perfume—they embody the rich heritage of the Veneto region and the House’s artisanal legacy, with each bottle becoming a work of art in its own right. The translucent glass bottle beautifully captures the fluid, undulant essence of the Venetian Lagoon, while nodding to the supple leather shapes that first defined Bottega Veneta's look. Its form ripples like water, offering a smooth, sensual experience that emphasizes touch as much as scent.
Through innovative, bespoke manufacturing, the design imitates the look of mouth-blown glass—it even features air bubbles unique to each bottle. This design pays homage to the tradition of glassblowing on the Venetian island of Murano, which Blazy recently highlighted in Bottega's F/W 24 show. No bottle is the same, but they all look especially chic on top of your vanity or dresser. The bottle sits beautifully on a base of green Verde Saint Denis marble, the same marble used in Blazy’s store designs.
Blazy used Venice's history as a hub of cross-cultural trade to create a blend of 100% natural ingredients sourced from various countries and continents. Think of a scent that makes you feel adventurous and well-traveled. One spritz of Colpo di Sole feels like a one-way trip to the Mediterranean with warm and tranquil notes of French angelica oil and sensual Moroccan orange blossom absolute. For something fresh and elegant, Come with Me is a delectable mix of French orris butter and Italian bergamot. Evoke the feeling of a serene coastal getaway with Acqua Sale, a fragrance that combines Spanish woody labdanum absolute with Macedonian juniper oil to capture the warmth of the sun and the essence of saltwater on your skin. In an unexpected yet perfect concoction of exotic spices, Déjà Minuit couples geranium from Madagascar with spicy cardamom from Guatemala. Finally, marrying Brazilian pink pepper and Somalian myrrh, Alchemie is glamour personified.
In a fun nod to the marble walls, flooring, and facades of Venetian architecture, the sculptural wooden caps on the bottles honor the foundations of Venetian palazzos. Each cap features a unique color or shade to match its fragrance, drawing inspiration from modern Venetian design. The engraved metallic ring around the cap adds a sleek touch, too. Thoughtfully designed as an elevated object for everyday use, the bottle is refillable and made with 0% plastic, prioritizing sustainability in every detail. This blend of elegance and eco-consciousness makes these fragrances standout additions to any collection.
