Launched in 2006 to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1966 flood of the Arno, which devastated Florence, it is dedicated to the ‘Mud Angels’ – those volunteers from around the world who came to Florence to clean up the city and rescue damaged works of art from flooded rooms.

Angels of Florence opens with a gentle note of bright bergamot, leading to a bouquet of fresh florals that weave and swirl around each other. I smell jasmine first, but then lilac comes forward, only to fade into a gardenia, ylang-ylang and orange blossom combo. But it’s a note of rose that stands really stands out for me. The floral notes are light and ethereal, punctuated with geranium and violet leaves that give it green inflections. They add dimension before it gets fruity from notes of peach, prune and melon, warmed by cinnamon. Vanilla at the base sweetens the fruits and adds a lush creaminess, while sandalwood, white musk, and ambergris ground the flowers and fruits and hold them tight to the skin.

Angels of Florence is a fairly linear fragrance; by that, I mean it’s uncomplicated. It has depth and progression but is a simple, tender beauty that I feel is especially suitable for spring – no matter where you are.

Notes: jasmine, lilac, rose, gardenia, ylang-ylang, geranium, orange blossom, bergamot, peach, prune, melon, violet leaves, cinnamon rind, vanilla, sandalwood, white musk, and ambergris.