Acqua di Parma

The company's original fragrance, Colonia, was created in 1916 in a small perfume factory in the center of Parma's historic old town, after which the company is named.

At the time, most commercial perfumes featured heavier and more intense compositions. In contrast, the lighter and fresher fragrance from Parma gained widespread popularity across Europe.

In the 1930s the increasing popularity of the cologne led to an increase in production and the development of its distribution. The thirties and fifties are described as a 'golden age' for Acqua di Parma Colonia, which became very successful among members of high society, with celebrity clientele.

Over the years, the brand expanded its product range, introducing a home collection that includes bathrobes and towels, and leather goods.

In 1993 the brand was revived by entrepreneurs Luca di Montezemolo (former chairman of Ferrari), Diego Della Valle (President and CEO of Tod's, (a shoeware and leather company)) and Paolo Borgomanero (a minority shareholder of lingerie retailer La Perla).

In 1998 Acqua di Parma opened its first boutique on Milan's Via del Gesù (in the Quadrilatero della moda district), followed by Paris's Rue des Francs Bourgeois in Le Marais in 2012, Rome's Piazza di Spagna in 2014, and Miami's Brickell City Centre in 2017.

The company was acquired by multi-national LVMH in 2001, and is now headquartered in Milan.

In May 2008 the company entered the luxury spa market with the Blu Mediterraneo Spa in Porto Cervo (Sardinia). In 2013 the company opened its second spa at the Gritti Palace in Venice.

Colonias:

Colonia (1916)

Colonia Assoluta (2003)

Colonia Intensa (2007)