If an illustrious career (that has included spearheading Gucci and creating an exceedingly covetable eponymous brand) proves anything, it is that Tom Ford has the Midas Touch. Simply put, the recent recipient of the prestigious CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award is the ultimate guru in any and everything luxury. While most admire Mr. Ford’s impeccable tailoring, overtly exhibitionist advertising, and general use of the human form to create a living, breathing luxury object, for me it’s all about scent. Private Blend in-particular consisently manages to exceed expectations.
Costa Azzurra, the latest edition to the Neroli Portofino family, evokes the spirit of the sun-baked Mediterranean woodlands, where pines and oaks mingle with wild-growing herbs near the sea. The collection as a whole explores the alluring vibe of the region (think crystal clear waters, whitewashed villas and sun-kissed skin). Costa Azzurra boasts a myriad of complex notes, each chosen to complement the next. A hint of fucus, paired with the sandy, salt-baked driftwood and warm agarwood accord make way for glints of freshness, carried by hints of cardamom, celery, and ambrette seed. A unique blend of juniper berry, myrtle, armoise, basil and French lavender fused with Italian lemon and yellow mandarin pair to create an earthy freshness, which is reiterated by woody notes including cypress, oak and cedar. In-time, base notes including ambery citrus, smoky olibanum, and vetiver oil pair with vanilla to effuse a full-bodied, woody-yet-fresh scent. Point being, if Aristotle Onassis was alive today I’d guarantee Costa Azzurra (in all it’s sky-blue packaged glory) would be stocked aboard the Christina O.
– Tom Ford’s Costa Azzurra is the ultimate luxury fragrance for summer. For more information and to shop Private Blend, click here. Photographs by Alexander Atkins, taken at the Wynn, Las Vegas.
