PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Think of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella and immediately its renowned fragrances come to mind. Not least one of its earliest creations from 1381, the Acqua Di Rose distilled rose water, which is still available today. Indeed, a feat that speaks volumes about the niche beauty brand’s ability to transcend time. And because Santa Maria Novella just introduced its first eau de parfum collection in 802 years, it’s the perfect time for a quick refresher on this legendary brand.
01 - Founded in 1221 by Dominican friars in Florence, Santa Maria Novella is likely the oldest apothecary in the world. Deeply intertwined in history, the storied Italian brand even once made treatments for plague sufferers during the Black Death. Today, monks and artisans continue to craft its botanically inspired beauty products that span fragrance, skincare, body and hair, and home categories.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
02 - There are more than 130 offerings to choose from. Each item comes in its signature old-school packaging that contributes to the brand’s eternal charm. Prices range from SGD29 for a bar of milk soap to SGD420 for a 100 ml eau de parfum. Not sure where to start? Consider its bestselling Pot Pourri Bag (SGD49), eau de cologne Discovery Kit (SGD40) and scented terracotta Melograno (SGD114).
03 - This brings us to its latest addition, the I Giardini Medicei collection of four citrus-inspired EDPs. This includes the maison’s very first eau de parfum L’Iris, which launched last year. An homage to the floral emblem of Florence where the brand was born, the dazzling blend is infused with precious iris butter. This is extracted from the flower’s rhizomes, a process which requires six years of maturation.
04 - Like L’Iris, the range’s three other new scents similarly take inspiration from the citrus fruit family, as well as the unique flower and plant varieties found in the heritage Medici Gardens. Firstly, look forward to Bizzarria’s unique cocktail of bitter orange, etrog, and lemon.
05 - Retailing at SGD282 for 50 ml and SGD420 for 100 ml, the I Giardini Medicei eau de parfum collection is now available at Santa Maria Novella’s counters. Find them at Isetan Scotts and Takashimaya Department Store, as well as at Escentials Tangs and online.
