Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne 100ml is the original 1916 Italian cologne — the fragrance that defined modern Italian chic and gave the house its name. A unisex citrus-aromatic composition built on radiant lemon, Calabrian bergamot and sweet orange, with an aromatic heart of lavender, rose and rosemary, and warm woody underpinnings of vetiver, sandalwood and patchouli. The Art Deco glass bottle and signature yellow box have remained almost unchanged for over a century.
Fragrance notes
- Top: Lemon, Sweet Orange, Calabrian Bergamot
- Heart: Lavender, Rose, Verbena, Rosemary
- Base: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli
Olfactory family: Citrus Aromatic | Launched: 1916
The story behind Colonia
Created in 1916 in a small laboratory in Parma's historic centre, Colonia was conceived as a lighter, fresher alternative to the heavy Germanic colognes that dominated European perfumery at the time. By the 1930s and 1950s it had become a symbol of Italian style, worn by Cary Grant, David Niven, Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn. The house joined the LVMH group in 2001 and remains entirely Italian-made.
Who is this fragrance for?
Colonia is genuinely unisex — equally at home on men and women who prefer understated, polished freshness over loud modern compositions. It's a year-round wear that comes alive in spring and summer, ideal for daytime, office, and warm-weather travel. If you appreciate Eau Sauvage, 4711, or other classical citrus-aromatic colognes, Colonia is the Italian benchmark.
Specifications
- Size: 100ml
- Concentration: Eau de Cologne
- Gender: Unisex
- Brand: Acqua di Parma
- Made in: Italy
Frequently asked questions
How long does Colonia last on the skin?
Colonia is an Eau de Cologne — a deliberately light concentration. Expect strong opening for 1–2 hours and a soft skin-scent presence for 3–5 hours total. Reapplication during the day is part of the traditional Eau de Cologne ritual.
Is Acqua di Parma Colonia for men or women?
Although marketed historically to gentlemen, Colonia is now positioned as unisex and worn equally by men and women. Its citrus-floral-aromatic structure sits comfortably across the gender spectrum.
What's the difference between Colonia and Colonia C.L.U.B.?
Colonia is the original 1916 citrus-aromatic. Colonia C.L.U.B. is a 2022 reinterpretation built around shiso, rosemary, pink and black pepper over cedarwood and musk — fresher, more aromatic-woody, and aimed at a younger audience.
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