Victor Wong – about future plans and snow leopards
Victor Wong answers questions the same way he creates a new fragrance: first a pause, then a smile, ...
In 1871, in the heart of Italy's Piedmont region, enterprising Luigi Cantono founded a small manufactory that was destined to become one of Italy's oldest perfume houses. The city of Biella, already renowned for its textile traditions and production of luxurious wool fabrics, became the cradle for Acqua di Biella. Just a year later, the first fragrance of the same name saw the light, and unprecedented novelties appeared on the shelves of the family shop: rose lip balms, shiny soap, aromatic candles. This boldness and innovation became the brand's hallmark from the very first days.
The quality and elegance of the products did not go unnoticed at the royal court. Already in 1878, Acqua di Biella had the honor of becoming an official supplier, receiving a royal grant. This success was only the beginning of a triumphant march through international exhibitions. Gold medal in Melbourne (1880), gold medal in Milan (1881), honorable diploma in Biella (1882), and another gold medal at the Turin exhibition in 1884 — these awards not only adorned the labels but confirmed the highest status of Italian perfumery in the world.
Throughout the entire 20th century, the house did not stop developing. From 1900 to 1965, laboratories were constantly modernized, attracting the best equipment and talented "noses." But true revival awaited the brand in 1980, when the management decided to bring back to life the legendary fragrances of the past. This delicate task was undertaken by Consuelo Cantono, a descendant of the founder, who carefully recreated the compositions according to old recipes, adapting them for the modern connoisseur.
A new era began in 1996 when the reins were taken over by Chiara Cantono, representing the fourth generation of the family. Her bold decision to move the historic manufactory from provincial Biella to dynamic Milan became a turning point. This allowed Acqua di Biella to make a statement on the global stage of high perfumery, while preserving the soul and artisanal traditions.
The philosophy of Acqua di Biella is unique and deeply rooted in its origin. Born in a region famous for its cashmere and wool, the brand draws elegant parallels between the worlds of fragrances and fabrics. Each bottle is not just a perfume; it is a tactile experience, an embodiment of luxury and comfort. Fragrances are often associated with the softness of mohair, the warmth of cashmere, or the structure of twill, creating multifaceted sensory images.
This approach attracted outstanding perfumers to collaborate. One of the key creators for the house was Maurizio Cerizza, whose talent and subtle understanding of materials helped create some of the brand's most recognizable compositions. His works perfectly convey the concept of "fragrance as a second skin" — cozy, individual, infinitely high-quality.
The Acqua di Biella collection is a gallery of aromatic masterpieces, where each bottle tells its own story. Particularly loved by connoisseurs are compositions whose names refer to the world of textiles, emphasizing the house's signature style. The incredibly popular Kid Mohair envelops with the softness of iris and violet, reminiscent of young mohair's tenderness. And Cashmere Twill — this is the embodiment of refined luxury, where velvety shades of sandalwood and musk lay on the skin like expensive cashmere.
But the brand is not limited only to textile metaphors. Its perfumery palette is diverse: from the fresh and spicy Bursch to the mysterious and resinous Preja Buja. The flagship Acqua di Biella No. 1, often considered the signature scent, pays homage to the origins with the classical elegance of citrus and aristocratic flowers. Such fragrances as Janca, Ca'Luna, and Baraja complement the portfolio, offering a journey from mountain peaks to moonlight.
Today, under the leadership of Chiara Cantono, the house successfully balances respect for history with current trends. Remaining true to family values and artisanal methods, Acqua di Biella continues to create perfumery for sophisticated connoisseurs, for whom authenticity, quality of raw materials, and depth of history are important. This is not mass-market; it is a chamber, niche perfumery with an Italian character — passionate, refined, and infinitely charismatic.
Choosing an Acqua di Biella fragrance means acquiring not just perfume, but a piece of Italian heritage, dressed in exquisite form. It is a choice for those who appreciate quiet luxury, history told through scents, and unmatched quality, tested by time.
| Number of fragrances | 8 |
| Collections (0) | |
| Segment | Premium perfumery |
| Founded | 1871 |
| Official website | http://www.acquadibiella.it/index.html |
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