The celebrations for Acqua di Parma‘s centenary (which you can read all about in the current edition of The Scented Letter, by the way) continue apace with the unveiling of a new addition to the much-loved Nobile range.
Kickstarted by Francis Kurkdjian and Françoise Caron‘s Iris Nobile in 2004, the collection puts individual blooms in the spotlight – and the latest flower to be its focus is the opulent, elegant peony: said to be a ‘flower of the gods and protagonist of ancient myths, its name originates from Paion, the physician of Olympus who cured Zeus with the root of this flower.’
We can’t vouch for that, but Acqua di Parma Peonia Nobile is wonderfully spirit-lifting, opening with a burst of raspberry and a twist of black pepper, before the heart unfolds: petal after peony petal, sharing space in the bottle with Turkish rose, the freshness of freesia, and sun-baked geranium. It lasts beautifully on the skin, too, thanks to woody accents of patchouli and musk, in the dry-down.
We honestly thank our lucky stars on many a day for the amazing sights and smells we encounter in the line of duty, but we’d also add that Acqua di Parma‘s Peonia Nobile launch was one of the prettiest we’ve ever seen, peonies unfurling all around a stunning room overlooking The Mall, filling the air with the powdery scent. Thought you’d enjoy some of our pictures, below…
It’s also put a new destination on our bucket list: northern Lazio, in central Italy, where the slopes are apparently carpeted with peonies in spring. Home to Europe’s largest collection, there are said to be 600 varieties – with over 200,000 flowers blooming simultaneously.
Peonia Nobile is exclusive to John Lewis till Monday 1st August, then nationwide – and wonderful news: it can also be lusciously layered on the body via a matching Body Cream, a glamorous addition to any nightstand and rich in fragrant and plant oils and butters. (And the perfect way to further prolong the life of the fragrance itself by creating a ‘base’ for it to cling to.)
Our kind of flower power.
Acua di Parma Peonia Nobile from £76 for 50ml eau de parfum
Acqua di Parma Peonia Nobile Body Cream £52 for 15og
Buy them at John Lewis (and nationwide from 1st August)
Peonies with the best possible view of London, Big Ben in the distance!
Surrounded by petals, a floral that’s fresh and opulent, all in one
Aptly sitting amongst a bunch of beautiful peonies
