From Lake Como, With Love
I’m so excited to finally share the story behind our new Como fragrance. Creating this scent was more than just a way to celebrate 25 years since my sister and I started Alora—it was a chance to capture the unforgettable beauty of the place that inspired it all. Lake Como has always held a special place in my heart, and this fragrance is a timeless tribute to that beginning.

If you’ve been to Lake Como, you’ve seen that beauty. From the majestic Alps above to the serene expanse of the lake—with grand villas, manicured gardens, and charming villages layered in between—it all feels like a quiet nod to centuries of aristocratic grace and noble elegance. It’s a place that has captivated hearts for generations—mine included.


From Cypress to Sandalwood: The Notes of Como
Inspired by the natural beauty and layered history of the shoreline, I wanted Como to have that same richness—each note unfolding like a different element of the landscape. Here’s how it all comes together to create a scent that’s rich, elegant, and beautifully complex—just like the place that inspired it.
Crisp, Vibrant Top Notes
Including cypress in Como was a must for me. First, how could I not pay tribute to those iconic cypress trees lining the shores of Lake Como? They’re so striking and such a signature part of the Mediterranean landscape. And second, I’ve always loved fresh, woody fragrances—they bring a natural sophistication to a fragrance, which made total sense for Como.


Adding juniper brought in even more of that fresh woodiness, but also added a little warmth—juniper has this subtle, almost balsamic tone that I love. And to round out all that earthy freshness, I added Italian bergamot, which is my favorite citrus note. It’s more complex than your average citrus—zesty and effervescent like lemon, but with a little spice and a soft floral finish. It’s unique, it’s elegant, and it was the perfect final touch for the top notes—the ones you notice first, often considered the “first impression” of a fragrance.

Warm, Floral Middle Notes
One of my favorite memories from living in Lake Como with my sister was our morning run past Villa Magnolia. Just down the street, we’d get hit with the most incredible wave of climbing roses along their gate—they were so fragrant and beautiful, you couldn’t miss it.

The middle notes of Como include rose, along with jasmine and lavender—three aromatic florals that thrive in the lush gardens surrounding the lake’s villas. Together, these notes add softness and depth, serving as a bridge between the fresh, fleeting top notes and the rich, long-lasting base notes.
To add more complexity—and another nod to Lake Como’s quiet sophistication—I included coriander and nutmeg. The coriander brings a fresh, slightly peppery lift, while the nutmeg adds subtle spice and a warm, woody layer.

Rich, Woody Base Notes
The base of a fragrance is what lingers the longest, and for Como, I wanted that lasting impression to feel rich, warm, and quietly elegant. The combination of musk, amber, patchouli, and sandalwood gives the scent its depth and staying power—reflecting the architectural details I remember so vividly from my time in Lake Como: the weathered statues, ornate garden gates, and the quiet grandeur of the villas themselves.



Sandalwood offers that soft, creamy warmth I’m always drawn to, while amber adds a gentle sweetness. Patchouli gives it an earthy richness that grounds the fragrance and musk ties things all together, adding depth and warmth that lingers beautifully.
These are definitely my favorite notes in fragrance—sophisticated without being overwhelming, and captivating in a calm, understated way. It’s the kind of scent that stays with you, like the many memories of my time living in such an unforgettable and inspiring place.
More Than Just a Fragrance
Creating Como has been such a meaningful way to mark this milestone. Rooted in memory and inspired by a place that means so much to me, it’s a fragrance designed to be lived with—just like everything we’ve created at Alora over the past 25 years. From the beginning, our goal has been to bring beauty and intention into everyday life. Como feels like a return to those roots—and a celebration of how far we’ve come.

This scent captures so much of what I love about both Lake Como and Alora. It’s elegant, layered, and full of meaning, and I’m so happy to finally share it with you. I hope it brings a little bit of that Lake Como splendor into your home, too.

Thank you so much for being part of the Alora story—whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just discovered us recently, I’m so grateful you’re here. And as always, I’d love to hear from you—whether it’s your favorite Alora fragrance, how you discovered us, or if you’ve been to Lake Como yourself. I’d truly love to know!
Grazie Mille,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the inspiration behind this new fragrance. I have enjoyed Alora fragrances for many years and always get compliments whether the scent is from my powder room or living room. I now enjoy the beautiful soaps too. Look forward to trying this one!
Therese, what a lovely introduction to “Como!” The photos and the history that inspired the creation of this magnificent scent intrigued me. (As a loyal Alora devotee for nearly 25 years, I have tried and loved all of the Alora fragrances; however, my favorite has been “Bimbi” with its pure and elevated spa-like allure.
I never thought I’d say it; but “Bimbi” has a competitor! “Como” has found its way into my heart, my home, and my office. It has unique notes that are sophisticated, timeless, elegant, and unforgettable. I was captivated right away by its complexity. While it is subtle, it is full of personality. I placed my first “Como” in the study and I found myself returning intentionally again and again in an effort to articulate what had captivated my senses so dramatically. Como is well suited for any living space. It is complex in terms of the pairing of the wonderful ingredients-all my favorites by the way. What a gift you have created and at such a perfect time in Alora’s long and treasured journey. Thank you for taking the time to create such a magical scent which now holds a treasured place in our household and offices.
Here’s to many more years of these elegant and precious scents that defy duplication and imitation. They are pure and beautiful and elevate life in the most wonderful way.
Gratefully,
Beverly
Thank you for creating this amazing fragrance! The sample you included has me literally craving more. I don’t think I have ever quite experienced the unfolding of all the notes of a fragrance in quite that way before. There was some mystery as well as delight at every turn. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos and descriptions of that very special place…Como has truly captured all you had on your heart.
This new fragrance sounds like a perfect addition to the Alora line. These ingredients are all things that I look for in personal fragrances. I can’t wait to try Lake Como!
Sadly, I haven’t had the pleasure to visit Italy, but your photos are so lovely! You have always done everything with such class and I am sure that this new fragrance will be a “hit”.
Reading this piece felt like I was on an Italian vacation…I could smell the Cypress trees…the bergamot…all the scents and essences you described so beautifully that you have incorporated into your new scent Como. I am beyond excited for this fragrance release! I have been a fan of years for many years (your cousin Cinda Jensen gifted me my first Alora diffuser when I retired from Target in 2007 and my home has been filled with your lovely scents ever since)! Thank you for your continued dedication to creating such beautiful products!
My best,
Robbin
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