A Symphony of Light: Acqua di Parma’s Festive Collaboration with India Mahdavi and Salviati

Courtesy of Aqua di Parma. All rights reserved.

This holiday season, the world of luxury is design is graced with a luminous collaboration that transcends the ordinary. Acqua di Parma, the epitome of Italian elegance and artisanal excellence, unveils its Holiday Collection – a celebration of light, color, and craftsmanship. Imagined by the visionary architect and designer India Mahdavi, this collection is not just a series of products but a polysensorial journey that embodies the joie de vivre of Italian culture.

At the heart of this collection lies a partnership with Salviati, the historic Murano glassblowing furnace founded in 1859. Together, they have crafted a series of limited and numbered editions that marry Mahdavi’s playful aesthetic with the time-honored tradition of Murano glassmaking. The result is a collection that is both a feast for the senses and a testament to the beauty of artisanal collaboration.

The Magic of Collaboration

India Mahdavi describes the collection as “the result of the encounter of my imagination with the know-how of the talented masters at the Salviati Furnace”. She continues, “When the might of the hand magnifies the might of the mind, the magic is revealed. This whole collection, from the packaging to the limited-edition bottles, is an ode to the beauty of the making, to the perfection/imperfection of the hand, which invited the customer to experience a polysensorial journey”.

Mahdavi’s words encapsulate the essence of the collaboration – a fusion of creative vision and masterful execution that elevates each piece into a work of art. The collection invites us to explore the tactile and visual delights of handcrafted objects, each bearing the unique marks of its creation.

Limited and Numbered Editions: Murano Glass masterpieces

Central to the collection are the limited and numbered edition Murano glass bottles, inspired by Acqua di Parma’s iconic Art Deco designs. These 180 ml fragrance bottles are not mere containers but exquisite artifacts that enhance the olfactory experience.

Crafted using traditional techniques honed over more than a century, the bottles feature five colorways and three patterns, each reflecting the Venetian Murano tradition. Colored glass details are meticulously incorporated, embodying the fluidity of “liquid light” that is characterized of Murano glass. Subtle variations in each piece ensure that no two bottles are exactly alike, making every one a one-of-a-kind treasure.

In addition to the fragrance bottles, the collection includes individually numbered Murano glass vases. The creation of these vases is a delicate dance of skill and precision. Through the art of glass fusing m vibrant colors are shaped and embellished by master glassblowers, transforming molten glass into sculpted works of art. Both the bottles and vases bear India Mahdavi’s signature and Acqua di Parma’s logo, and each comes with a certificate of authenticity from Salviati.

Completing the collection is a set of three Murano glass baubles, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any festive décor. These ornaments are more than decorative items; they are symbols of a rich cultural heritage and a celebration of artisanal mastery.

A Palette of Solar Hues and Symbolism

Color plays a pivotal role in this collaboration, which each hue thoughtfully selected to reflect both the brand’s identity and the spirit of the season. The colors chosen include:

Amber and Yellow: These solar hues not only represent Acqua di Parma’s signature aesthetic but also capture the vibrant essence of Italy’s sun. they symbolize the “frutti d’oro” – lemons and oranges – that are carefully selected and handpicked before being distilled into the brand’s fragrances.

Green: Representing the aromatic notes found in the collection, reminiscent of natural herbes like rosemary and bergamot. It evokes the freshness of the Mediterranean landscape.

Parme (Lilac): A nod to both the brand’s name and the French color “parme”. Mahdavi reimagines this shades by infusing it with watercolor-like elements and “Acqua”, drawing inspiration from Acqua di Parma itself.

These colors are not just visually appealing but also imbued with meaning, enhancing the sensory experience of the collection.

Design Elements: From Murano to the World

The design cues of the Murano masterpieces extend beyond the glass items themselves. Gold foil patterns, inspired by the intricate details of the Murano Pieces, embellish the complete holiday collection, including curated gifts sets. The packaging is as much a part of the experience as the products within, reflecting the collection’s theme of light and color.

Seasonal exclusives features vibrant gold stripes, tartan, and sprinkled patterns that add a festive flair to the offerings. The Bosco, Panettone, and Caminetto candles and diffusers are particularly noteworthy:

Bosco: Inspired by the crisp forest air and the enchanting scent of fir trees. It brings the essence of a winter woodland into the home.

Caminetto: Evokes the warmth of a roaring fire, blending warm incense with enveloping touches of amber. It’s a scent that wraps you in comfort.

Panettone: Captures the iconic scent of the traditional Milanese festive desert, beloved worldwide. It’s a delightful gourmand fragrance that adds sweetness to the season.

The Advent Calendar: A Daily Discovery

A coveted holiday bestseller, the Maison’s annual Advent Calendar arrives in a handcrafted box shimmering with gold-sprinkled patterns. It offers an exciting daily discovery of Acqua di Parma’s magic throughout the holiday season. Each drawer reveal a surprise – from miniature fragrances to luxurious bath and body products – allowing aficionados to indulge in a daily moment of delight.

Embracing the Arte di Vivre

This collaboration is a harmonious blend of India Mahdavi’s distinctive design language and Acqua di Parma’s dedication to Italian craftsmanship, known as “Arte di Vivere” or the art of living. The collection embodies a philosophy that celebrates beauty in everyday life, attention to detail, and the joy found in simple pleasures.

Mahdavi’s penchant for color and form brings a fresh perspective to the brand’s heritage, creating that are both contemporary and timeless. The involvement of Salviati adds another layer of authenticity and tradition, connecting the collection to the rich history of Murano glassmaking.

An Invitation to wonder and Joy

The Venetian Holiday Collection is more than a selection of luxury items; it’s an invitation to embrace the festivities with a sense of wonder and joy. Each piece tells a story of collaboration, craftsmanship, and creativity. Whether it’s the unique fragrance housed in a hand-blown glass bottle, the warm glow of a scented candle, or the anticipation of opening a new surprise from the Avant Calendar, the collection invites you to engage all your sense.

In a world where mass production often overshadows individuality, Acqua di Parma’s Holiday Collection stands as a testament to the value of artisanal excellence and thoughtful design. It’s a celebration of tradition old and new, bringing together the talents of India Mahdavi and the master glassblowers of Salviati to create something truly special.

As you explore the collection, allow yourself to be transported on a polysensorial journey – a rhapsody of light and color that captures the very essence of the festive season. It’s an experience that resonates with the heart of Italian culture, reminding us that luxury is not just about possession but about moments, emotions, and the stories we share.

This holiday season, let Aqua di Parma and India Mahdavi inspire you to embrace the joie de vivre, filling tour celebrations with beauty, warmth, and a touch of magic.