From an award-winning Italian soap company Nesti Dante, the latest luxurious collection is perfume. Inspired by the essence of life - nature and family, editor Trudi Brewer talks with the founder Carolina Nesti on her latest enterprise.
The new Nesti Danti fragrance collection Essence de Parfum, $95.
A family affair, Carolina Nesti with her mother Laura, and their favourite Nesti Dante Essence de Parfums.
“Essence de Parfum by Neste Danti is an ode to the joy of life, and to the beauty of nature.”
What inspired you to make Nesti Dante fragrance?
My mother, Laura Nesti, who always made her own exclusive fragrance. When she wears it people always say "What a beautiful fragrance, what's the brand?" So I decided to share it with others and we have been truly amazed by its success.
Did you have the ingredients in mind or were the soaps and your history the inspiration?
The story of Nesti Dante since it’s beginning in 1947 is one of perfumes, essences, and fragrance. We have selected the best raw materials and precious oils to create five surprising blends that bring back wonderful memories for anyone who wears them, from fruit and flowers to seasons and time spent with family.
Did you have a muse when you created these fragrances, if so who is the Nesti Dante woman?
Essence de Parfum by Nesti Dante is an ode to the joy of life and to the beauty of nature. My grandmother was a poetic woman, who always had a deep love for the garden, the flowers, fruits and plants she grew. She always gave me the first flower from her garden, this simple gesture that came from the heart helped inspire the range of perfumes.
How do they differ from other scents on the market?
The quality of the raw materials with respect to Mother Nature. The slow maceration of flowers allows a perfect infusion of the fragrance, which is strong without being overwhelming. Also, the unique combination of ingredients such as amber, red poppy sea salt, and peony. All these elements make for exciting and exceptional fragrances.
My favourite from the range is the popular summery scent, Nesti Dante N°5 Limonum Zagara, $95. A blend of crisp lemon with the scent of sweet honey-like orange blossom, it’s the ideal fragrance heading into summer.
What's your favourite from the new collection?
I love them all. However, I am particularly fond of N°1 Fico della Signoria. At my grandmother Dante's country house there is an enormous fig tree, which was the inspiration behind this fragrance. I can still remember the aroma from that tree and one sunny, sunset evening collecting ripe figs with my children. This fragrance and N°5 Limonum Zagara is unisex, so anyone can wear it.
Which one is the top seller so far?
Selling these fragrances around the world in 70 different countries, we notice different trends. In summer N°7 Aqua Dea Marine and N°5 Limonum Zagara are top sellers. In colder states the N°9 De Ambra Papaver and N°1 Fico della Signoria are popular. While N°3 Regina di Peonie is proving to sell well all year round, regardless of the climate.
Over the years of working with different scents, what continues to surprise you?
The fascinating beauty and variety that nature continually offers us, an entire lifetime would not be enough to appreciate it.
How does fragrance play a role in the life of busy women today?
Wearing fragrance is a moment of dedication to yourself. If you smell good, you will feel good, and the people around you will benefit from that positive energy.
What's your best fragrance tip?
Don't hesitate to wear scent wherever and whenever you like. With Nesti Dante Essence de Parfums don't rub the fragrance into the skin, spray it on and let it settle. Finally, for it to stay at it's best, always store this fragrance in the box, out of the light and away from heat.