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,