Heritage
A house, in its own words
CoSTUME NATIONAL began as a fashion label in Milan in 1986, founded by designer Ennio Capasa and his brother Carlo Capasa, who serves as CEO. The house quickly earned a reputation for sleek, rock‑inspired tailoring that blended minimalist silhouettes with an edgy, street‑wise attitude. After fifteen years of shaping wardrobes, the brand extended its aesthetic to fragrance in 2001, establishing CoSTUME NATIONAL Scents as an olfactory arm of the label. The debut fragrance, simply titled Scent, arrived in 2002 and introduced a crisp, aromatic profile that mirrored the collection’s clean lines. In 2006 the house released a limited‑edition version of Scent Intense, adding depth with amber and woody accords. The following years saw a steady expansion: Costume National Homme debuted in 2009, offering a fresh, aromatic masculinity; Soul arrived in 2015, presenting a richer, oriental blend; and in 2019 the brand introduced Costume National I, a unisex scent that emphasized transparent, airy notes. 2020 brought the intensified Costume National Homme Parfum, while 2022 saw the launch of Free d’Homme, a bright, citrus‑forward composition. Throughout its evolution, the fragrance line has remained anchored to the same design philosophy that guides the clothing: restraint, precision, and a subtle hint of rebellion. The brand’s continued presence in major fashion weeks and its collaborations with noted perfumers such as Alberto Morillas reinforce its position as a bridge between sartorial and sensory expression. The creative vision behind CoSTUME NATIONAL’s scents is rooted in the label’s commitment to minimalism and urban elegance. Rather than chasing trends, the house seeks to translate the structural clarity of its garments into aromatic form, treating fragrance as an extension of the wearer’s personal architecture. The brand values authenticity, opting for clear, unembellished compositions that reveal themselves over time, much like a well‑cut suit that adapts to movement. Sustainability also informs its approach; ingredient choices favor responsibly sourced raw materials, and the company works with perfumers who share a respect for ecological balance. By focusing on balance, the house aims to create scents that feel both intimate and public, suitable for the cityscape and the quiet moments beyond it. This philosophy is reflected in the way each fragrance is presented: the bottle’s stark geometry, the restrained colour palette, and the subtle branding all reinforce a narrative of quiet confidence rather than overt extravagance.