IN WHAT SHOULD COME as a surprise to absolutely no one, the Italian Alps are breathtaking this time of year. As I soak in the magnificent kaleidoscope of colors (and mind you, the foliage hasn’t even hit its peak yet), I’m in awe of the fact that this very landscape was once barren, nothing but cold, jagged rock. Bled dry by the needs of a country engaged in a massive world war, the area’s natural resources had been whittled down to practically nothing, a far cry from the picturesque landscape I’m currently surveying.
Today, I’m standing in a vast nature preserve called Oasi Zegna, named after the man who restored the area to its wild and wonderful roots when he planted nearly 500,000 trees within the region’s one hundred square kilometers in the 1930s. That man, Ermenegildo Zegna, was born and raised in the nearby town of Trivero, where he founded his namesake textiles and, eventually, menswear brand. The reforestation effort says a lot about Zegna the man and his connection to the land of his birth.
He did it knowing he’d never live to see the project reach its full potential. Instead, I’m the one who gets to take it all in. With this story, this setting, as a backdrop, Zegna the brand has released its first foray into fragrance in nearly 20 years, a six-scent collection called Memorie—that’s ‘memory,’ in Italian.
Created with global beauty partnerships agency Give Back Beauty and perfumers Dominique Ropion, Fabrice Pellegrin, and Quentin Bisch, the collection offers a range of scent profiles and accords, some common and accessible, others daring and esoteric. You’ll be intrigued by this singular blend of Turkish rose, old, and an inkwell accord. Autumn vibes from start to finish.
Sweet vanilla develops into warm suede and sandalwood. Light and fresh, but with some depth, this is one you’ll wear 24/7. It’s like bringing the outside in.
Earthy hints of carrot seed and patchouli are cut with spicy pink pepper. The brightest of the bunch, this fougere sparkles with notes of pine, lavender, and vetiver. It has “date night” written all over it: Woodsy and sweet, with a little hint of smoke.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
