A video introducing Valentina, the new scent from Valentino, opened with the solemn strains of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air on the G String.” But soon, the classic melody morphed into an up-tempo version of same. Without saying a single word, the video clearly demonstrated that there’s a modern Valentino woman and she has a new fragrance to love.
Valentina, the stunning, new fragrance created by Master Perfumers Olivier Cresp and Alberto Morillas of Firmenich (with Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, the current Creative Directors of Maison Valentino) , also silently but effectively reinforces vision of the modern Valentino woman. The feminine scent has more than a passing nod to all that Valentino embodies (couture, lace, bows, ribbons, elegance and Italian beauty) but with modern notes — a restyled and updated version. The fragrance will definitely be the must-have accessory of those who love Valentino, and for those who just love beautiful things.
For Valentina, the perfumers envisioned a young and somewhat rebellious woman who appreciate couture and fine design. She also wears Valentino. They took the essence of an iconic floriental scent and added unique notes that make fresh and free spirited. For example, the heart around which all the other notes wrap, draws upon lovely, Italian-centric notes of Amalfi orange blossom and tuberose plus just a hint of strawberry. The top notes also are a nod to Italy with lemony, Calabrian bergamot — but then, a surprising addition. There is also a first-ever-used-in-fragrance note: Alba white truffle. You might not immediately recognize the white truffle scent when you initially smell the fragrance, but your senses will tell you it’s there. When the scent is broken down into it’s parts, it’s easy to see how the white truffle changes the scent adds a subtle but primal jab at the florals. This takes the fragrance from what would be a more ladylike, fresh floral to something rounder — almost animalistic . One also senses the spicy fragrance of narcissus. But the scent softens up again with a sensual drydown of sexy but soft amber and cedar wood notes, Smelled alone, they reminded me of a rich cream soda, but combined with all the other notes, they add the necessary sensuality to what is already a multi-faceted fragrance experience.
One of the things that makes Valentino couture so special, is the attention to detail. When it comes to this new fragrance, it is obvious that nothing was spared to make it “couture” worthy. The feminine bottle will wow collectors, and anyone who loves beautiful things. The round, clear, crystal bottle is a nod to the curves of Valentino Couture, and the three metal flowers in nude, white and ivory, a direct reference to Valentino’s couture flowers in the colors featured in the most recent collections. The lovely bottle is topped with an unusual spray diffuser: a shiny silver ring engraved with “Valentino” front and back, and a black pearl topped and another slim circle of silver. There is no additional cap to mar the beauty of this presentation. The outer carton is pristine white matte cardboard decorated with the same three Valentino Couture flowers in relief on the front, a blush nude inner lining completes the tranquil feeling.
Valentino’s goal is just to make women feel beautiful. While his clothing is super feminine with lots of ribbons, ruffles and couture fabric roses, the modern Valentino woman is elegant and sophisticated, but also unconventional and a bit naturally rebellious. Who better to portray her, and “La Dolce Vita” vision of the fragrance, than the beautiful but somewhat “rocker chick” model, Freja Beha. Below is the charming video trailer for Valentina, shot by DavidSims and the TV film directed by Johan Renck through the dark and secret streets of Rome. In the story, it’s the evening of Valentina’s 20th birthday party and lots of fancy preparations have been made. In a “Roman Holiday” plot, Valentina (Freja) slips away to party the night away in the streets of Rome, her way.
Discover Valentina: http://parfums.valentino.com PRICE: $80 (1.7 oz); $108 (2.7 oz)
WHERE TO BUY: Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Saks, Nordstrom, Valentino boutiques
ANCILLARIES: Velvet Shower Gel ($42), Body Oil ($45), Satin Body Milk ($48) *there is also a roller ball as part of a gift with purchase, exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue
