Carthusia UK Press Launch - Luxe Associates Luxe Associates

A brand which draws its history and inspiration from the tiny Italian island of Capri, we introduced Carthusia to the UK market recently at a colourful event bursting with harmonised fragrances and Italian charm

What better time of year here in the UK for a new brand to spring, than April. Springtime says new beginnings, spring showers and floral scents in the air, so taking our inspiration from that and Carthusia themselves, we chose an indoor garden and courtyard area to hold our launch event

The natural surroundings complimented the glistening bottles of the Carthusia collections, as attendees spritzed and sniffed their way around the garden. It was so easy to close your eyes and transport yourself to Capri, if only for a moment

What makes Carthusia so special is the history behind the brand. Legend recounts that in 1380 the Queen of Anjou was unexpectedly coming to Capri. In haste and preparation, the father prior of the Carthusian Monastery of St James picked a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers he could find on the island. Upon throwing away the water 3 days later, the scent caught his nose and the first perfume of Capri was born

Fast forward to 1948 and the old perfume formula is discovered. With permission from the Pope, the smallest perfume laboratory in the world is created, and they called it ‘Carthusia’. Fast forward again to present day, and Carthusia is a fully fledged brand putting into practise it’s centuries old knowledge of perfumery. All stages of its limited production (it is the smallest lab in the world after all) are carried out by hand to ensure each product is accurately crafted from the highest quality island ingredients. Each bottle is filled and wrapped by hand too

The symbol of Carthusia is an eye-catching and elaborate work created by Mario Laboccetta in 1948. To quote Carthusia themselves,

“It portrays a ‘flower siren’ that brings to mind the surreal and mythological landscapes of Capri’s heritage. She appears to be in the midst of evolution, blooming with a myriad of colourful flowers, from which Carthusia perfumes descend”

Those who attended our event would have spotted the flower siren adorning many of the fragrances and branded materials in the room, and she especially pops against the bright fuschia label of Carthusia’s latest fragrance Tuberosa, which has only recently been launched

The epitome of armchair travel, their fragrances let you transport to a different place whenever you desire, and with so much mythology and allure on such a small Italian island we have to admit we regularly reach for our Carthusia collection, especially when those UK spring showers are making an appearance