Acqua di Parma has introduced Crystal Incense, a new fragrance that joins their Signatures of the Sun collection. It epitomises “the ethereal play of light and shadows, the iridescent glow of olibanum crystals in the desert sun, and the profound depths of incense warmth.”
Founded in 1916, Acqua di Parma is an Italian lifestyle and fashion brand, renowned for its fragrances, candles and fragrance diffusers, body collection (bath and body products, hair care, and hand care), Barbieri (Italian shaving products, skincare, shampoo and beard accessories) and gifting items. Headquartered in Milan, Acqua di Parma is owned by LVMH. Guilio Bergamaschi is the brand’s CEO.
Inspiration
“Crystal Incense draws its inspiration from the natural prisms of olibanum crystals that scatter sunlight in a myriad of colours across the desert, setting a scene of pure, iridescent light. A fragrance of harmonious duality, it celebrates both the crystalline brightness and the enigmatic darkness of incense. Incense, also known as ‘olibanum’, is an aromatic resin obtained from the bark of Boswellia trees. When the bark is incised, it exudes a thick liquid resin. This resin, upon exposure to air, crystallizes to form the precious olibanum crystals.”
Tasting Notes
Crystal Incense is a woody spicy fragrance.
Top notes: Grapefruit oil, Pepper black Madagascar oil and ginger oil, “embracing you in spicy embrace.”
Heart Notes: Cardamom oil and olibanum CO2 “come together with the rich essence of cedarwood of Atlas oil, in a symphony of earthy, woody nuances.”
Base Notes: Patchouli, benzoin Siam, and musk “linger on the skin, leaving a sensual, long-lasting impression.”
Composition
“At the heart of the composition is olibanum, also known as Frankincense, an aromatic resin from the Boswellia trees’ bark. When the bark is carved, the resin crystallizes upon contact with air, forming the precious olibanum crystals. Extracted using the green and clean supercritical CO2 method, it results in potent, complex fragrance extracts that preserve the ingredient’s essence in its purest form and closest to its natural scent. The fragrance captures this rich and vivid Ambery olfactive profile that is also steeped in history and rooted in the ancient practice of perfumery — a craft that began with burning incense to connect with the divine.”
“Alongside olibanum, Crystal Incense features the spicy character of Ginger oil from West Africa, obtained by steam distillation, and the woody depth of Patchouli, extracted by steam distillation followed by molecular distillation from Indonesia — a process that preserves the leaf’s natural fragrance, is solvent-free, and energy-efficient.”
Fragrance Bottle and Packaging
Crystal Incense is available in a 100 ml and 180 ml bottle.
“The interplay of light and shadows continues with the fragrance bottle and packaging that features a motif designed by Ellen Huynh in collaboration with the renowned design college Central Saint Martins. Huynh, a multifaceted creative with a background in Graphics and Communications Design, was selected by Acqua di Parma from a group of Central Saint Martins graduates for her ability to blend fashion, music, culture, and art. A striking print of golden swirls in motion reminiscent of light reflecting and refracting, much like sunlight through crystals, contrasts against the iconic black packaging of the Signatures of the Sun collection. The transparency and opacity of chiaroscuro pay tribute to Italian Futurism, embodying the dynamic spirit of contemporary life and its art culture.”
Our Thoughts
Acqua di Parma is a not resting on its laurels, something they can easily do given their range of existing products. Last month they introduced the Colonia Il Profumo, a “modern and intensified interpretation” of the iconic Colonia, the brand’s first fragrance from 1916.
As demographics change, tastes evolve, and brands face a global and diverse customer base in an ultra-competitive landscape, they must consistently introduce new products. Acqua di Parma’s new Crystal Incense will appeal to existing global customers of the brand and bring in new ones. I look forward to experiencing the Crystal Incense soon.
Additional Details
Name: Crystal Incense
Description: Eau De Parfum Natural Spray
Sizes: 100 ml and 180 ml.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
Acqua di Parma is available at The Dubai Mall and The Dubai Hills Mall.
