Acqua di Parma has mastered the art of gift giving with a special, Italian prowess. Hailing from Parma in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, the luxury lifestyle company has a philosophy of refined beauty, sophistication and elegant charm. It all began in 1916, when the baron Carlo Magnani created his own perfume, Colonia, which captured the discreet charm of Italian culture and style in a single, enigmatic fragrance. Over a century later, Acqua di Parma has evolved to encompass a broad range of lifestyle products that embody the essence of a vibrant, modern cosmopolitan lifestyle. With all its products being sustainably produced in Italy, each Acqua di Parma gift is infused with Parma’s unique cultural heritage, so a scent of the Italian “arte di vivere” can travel with you wherever you are in the world.

To celebrate the holiday season, Acqua di Parma has built on its tradition of finding inspiration through collaboration, joining forces with the vibrant design universe of Parisian designer India Mahdavi. The Holiday Collection is a curated selection of exclusive candles, diffusers and bespoke fragrances focused on three signature scents. Bosco is a seasonal scent inspired by crisp fir trees and frosted pine needles, invigorated by undertones of eucalyptus and contrasting notes of warm cloves. The wafting fragrance of Caminetto conjures the blaze of a roaring fire which comes alive with notes of woody citrus, pepper and musky, cashmere wood. The delicious scent of Panettone is just as it sounds; evoking the flavourful Milanese dessert imbued with hints of vanilla cinnamon and citrus.

The distinct humour and elegance of India Mahdavi intersects with the traditional beauty of Italian craftsmanship to deliver a holiday collection resulting in festive wonder. Vibrant patterns of tartan motifs and sprinkles of gold adorn the glassware of the candles and diffusers, giving the effect of the warmth of festive cosiness.

Based in Paris, Mahdavi is an architect and designer who is known for her unique international projects that transcend the fields of scenography and interior design. Much like the luxury Italian lifestyle brand, her work encompasses the artistry of cosmopolitanism and modern worldliness, making her a more than relevant collaborator for the Acqua di Parma holiday collection.

‘The challenge, and what we passionately embrace, is to keep the creative spark alive – what I like to call the “alchemy” of perfumery,’ says Valentina Colombo, CMO at Acqua di Parma. ‘It’s not just about chemistry but about creating something magical that resonates with the emotions and values of our clients. India Mahdavi’s work brings that alchemy to life, translating the essence of our arte di vivere into something tangible and beautiful for the holiday season.’

The festive celebration doesn’t stop at glorious scents and elaborate design. The gift sets from the maison’s fragrance range are beautifully enclosed in boxes embellished with golden foils and seasonal patterns, neatly tied with silky ribbon. Acqua di Parma is an expert in the craft of gift wrapping and each product in the Holiday Collection can be packaged and decorated to make a spectacular present to place under the Christmas tree, bury in a festive stocking or post to a loved one.

The scent of a fragrance can transport you to a different place, a different time and to the depths of your most cherished memories. The Acqua di Parma Holiday Collection is a precious memory waiting to be made, stored like a wish in a bottle. Each gift set has a unique story to tell, a powerful and memorable offering to spoil a loved one with this festive season.

From £39; acquadiparma.com; harrods.com; selfridges.com