Drop Everything—Fendi Is Launching Fragrance, and I'm Already Obsessed
The first designer bag I ever bought was a Fendi embossed wallet on a chain. It was a $300 score from The RealReal I had been tracking for months, and sure, it showed some preloved character (some slight leather creases and hardware dings), but it was all mine. I still have it to this day, and every time I spot it hanging in my closet, I'm reminded of that sentimental unboxing years ago.
Fendi is well-known for eliciting a special sense of nostalgia (hello, '90s Baguette), so it only makes sense the brand would quite literally bottle that feeling with a delightful perfume—well, seven to be exact. Today, Fendi announced a brand-new collection of fragrances, each inspired by olfactory memories from leading figures of the brand.
These elixirs offer an intimate glimpse into the Maison to make you feel like part of the family. For example, Anna Fendi (one of the legendary Fendi sisters who created the brand) has a sweet, floral scent to evoke the memory of a mother's kiss. In contrast, Silvia Venturini Fendi (Anna's daughter who designed the iconic Baguette bag) landed on fresh, comforting notes reminiscent of the Fendi family farm nestled in the Roman countryside. According to a press release from the brand, the refillable bottles themselves pay homage to Roman architecture, with arched, elegant details and a sculptural design.
The full collection formally launches on June 20, but we couldn't wait to dive into the Fendi scent journey. Learn more about the fragrances below, so you know exactly which one (or few!) to snag during the official drop.
Meet the Fendi Fragrance Collection
Prima Terra
Inspiration: Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear
Fragrance notes: Tangerine, rosemary, oak moss
With Prima Terra, Jones tells the story of his childhood in Southern and Eastern Africa: "My desire was to bring together all the scents that made up this chapter of my life: my youth in Africa," he says in a press release.
Perché No
Inspiration: Silvia Venturini Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear
Fragrance notes: Pink pepper, sandalwood
"Perché no" translates to "Why not?" a phrase that perfectly captures the essence of this blend: simple yet rife with possibilities. Silvia compares the fragrance to "a white sheet drying in the sun" at I Casali del Pino, the Fendi family house in the Roman countryside. It's fresh and comforting with a hint of warmth.
Siempre Mio
Inspiration: Delfina Delettrez Fendi, Artistic Director of Jewellery
Fragrance notes: Calabrian bergamot, cedarwood, orange blossom,
Sempre Mio tells the story of Delfina's childhood in Morocco's Ourika Valley, a place she feels she most belongs. "I wanted to talk about who I am and where I come from. Sempre Mio is an intimate journey," she says in the release. It's fitting, then, that the phrase translates to "always mine."
Ciao Amore
Inspiration: Leonetta Luciano Fendi
Fragrance notes: Fig, orange blossom, tonka bean
"'Ciao Amore' is how I greet my friends and the people I feel close to, to feel even closer," Leonetta says of her warm, solar scent. It's meant to conjure the memories of summer break. For Leonetta, this means vacationing in Ponza, an island between Rome and Naples.
Dolce Bacio
Inspiration: Anna Fendi
Fragrance notes: Apricot, patchouli, Damascene rose
Dolce Bacio represents a garden: Sweet and floral, of course, with some subtle woody and earthy notes. It evokes a mother's kiss, according to the brand, one that lingers on the cheek like a smear of lipstick.
Casa Grande
Inspiration: Adele Casagrande Fendi
Fragrance notes: Somali myrrh, amber, cherry, vanilla, tonka bean
Adele is the matriarch of the brand, opening a fur and leather goods workshop in 1925 that would later become the maison it is today. The fragrance (a take on Adele's maiden name, Casagrande) represents her life's work and success. It's meant to transport the wearer into that leather goods shop way back when, with notes reminiscent of the creamy, soft material.
La Baguette
Inspiration: Tazio and Dardo Vascellari Delettrez Fendi
Fragrance notes: Iris, Madagascar vanilla, leather
"I was pregnant when I designed the Baguette bag," shares Silvia. "It's a timeless piece that will always be associated with the idea of a new generation." It only makes sense that the fragrance inspired by her grandchildren—six-year-old twins Tazio and Dardo—would pay homage to this iconic piece. On a more literal note, the sunny, soft fragrance also evokes the twins' favorite snack: a slice of bread with butter and sugar.
Jamie Schneider is Who What Wear’s senior beauty editor based in New York City. She has a penchant for trend forecasting, covering everything from innovative skincare launches to celebrity profiles, and her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Coveteur, and more. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English before moving to NYC, and she's been there ever since. When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty finds, Jamie loves exploring vintage boutiques, reading mystery books (bonus points for an unexpected twist), and she’s always down for a park picnic in Brooklyn.
-
My Boss Gets Nonstop Compliments From This Fragrance Combo, so I Took It for a Test Drive
I can't believe I didn't wear it sooner.
By Jamie Schneider
-
"You Smell So Good" Is My Favorite Compliment—16 On-Sale Scents I'm Stocking Up On
Byredo! Diptyque! Tom Ford!
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I've Never Received More "You Smell Amazing" Compliments Than When I Started Wearing This New Perfume
The hottest new accessory.
By Grace Lindsay
-
Victoria Beckham's Vanilla Perfume Is the Ultimate Date-Night Scent (She Shares It With David)
"A vanilla with a difference."
By Jamie Schneider
-
This French Perfume Makes Me Smell Like a Delicate Water Nymph (and It's Only $65)
I'll be wearing it until further notice.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
If Sticky, Sweet Scents Aren't Your Thing, Try These 16 Unique Fall Fragrances
Cozy and unique.
By Maya Thomas
-
From Fendi to Celine, We're Wearing These 7 Fashion-House Fragrances on Repeat
Guaranteed to earn you compliments.
By Eleanor Vousden
-
Okay, Fine—I've Totally Been Gatekeeping These Niche, Automatically Cool Fragrances
They're almost too good to be true.
By Maya Thomas