Founded in 1916 by the visionary Carlo Magnani, Acqua di Parma has long been synonymous with the pinnacle of luxury perfumery. With a heritage rooted in Italian elegance and artistry, the maison’s signature fragrance, Colonia, continues to be a beacon of olfactory excellence – one that has mesmerised connoisseurs for over a century. Now, with the launch of Colonia II Profumo, Acqua di Parma ushers in a bold, modern twist on its beloved classic, bridging tradition with contemporary sophistication in a way that only this iconic brand can.

The original Colonia, crafted by Magnani in the heart of Parma, was a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by dense, overpowering perfumes. Magnani’s creation – a radiant, citrus-focussed fragrance – captured the sun-drenched landscapes and lively spirit of Italy itself. With its bright notes of Sicilian lemon, sweet orange and Calabrian bergamot, complemented by an aromatic heart of rosemary and a subtle balsamic base, Colonia embodied the essence of Mediterranean life. 

Its success was not confined to Italy. In the 1940s and ’50s, Colonia captivated Hollywood’s elite, with stars like Audrey Hepburn and Ava Gardner discovering the perfume’s allure and launching the fragrance house into international fame. 

Created by Senior Perfumer Alexis Dadier, Acqua di Parma’s new fragrance, Colonia II Profumo, marks a courageous evolution of the original scent while remaining deeply rooted in its iconic DNA. ‘The challenge was to respect the original perfume, which is so deeply ingrained in the hearts of our customers, while making it relevant for a new generation,’ says Dadier. Through 119 trials, Dadier perfected a fragrance that is both a reverent nod to the past and an exciting step forward.

The composition of Colonia II Profumo enhances the brightness of the citrus notes – Italian bergamot, grapefruit, blood orange and petitgrain – thanks to advancements in distillation and the use of natural raw materials. The heart of the fragrance still resonates with floral and herbal elements like lavender, Bulgarian rose and verbena, but with a new depth, thanks to the addition of fractionated ylang-ylang. This unique ingredient imparts a floral freshness that complements the citrus top notes without overshadowing them. In a bold move, Colonia II Profumo also introduces contemporary woods to its base, lending a richer, more complex depth that extends the fragrance’s longevity and sillage. What emerges is a scent that is as familiar as it is renewed: the classic brightness of Colonia, now elevated with a more intense and nuanced profile. 

Acqua di Parma’s dedication to craftsmanship extends beyond the scent to its presentation. Colonia II Profumo is housed in an Art Deco-inspired bottle, gilded at its base with an understated black cap and a simple, hand-applied label. This sophisticated design language is not limited to the bottle alone. Acqua di Parma has further expanded the world of Colonia with a collection of exquisite lifestyle objects including the Colonia Portami trunk, crafted from leather and lined with yellow lambskin, that holds three 180ml fragrances; the Colonia Posami perfume tray made of cherry wood with yellow accents, that provides a stylish display for the fragrance collection; the Colonia Abbracciami glass candle holder; and the Colonia Custodiscimi case, for candle accessories.

Whether you are a loyal fan of the original Colonia or a newcomer to the maison, Acqua di Parma has steeped into a new era with Colonia II Profumo as it celebrates over 100 years of olfactory artistry – one that promises to innovate for another century to come. 

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