The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Aurum belongs to the Santa Maria Maggiore collection, a group of fragrances named for one of Rome's four Papal Basilicas. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore houses the relic of the Holy Cradle and is known for its golden mosaics depicting the journey of the Magi, the mystery of the Nativity rendered in gold leaf and stone. Incense and myrrh became the structural heart of the composition. The scent translates the atmosphere of that sacred space into something wearable: warm, resinous, and richly layered. The interplay between smoke and resin creates a fragrance that feels both timeless and immediate, drawing the depth of ancient ritual into a modern context.
Incense and myrrh together form a composition of considerable weight. When two materials carry this much presence, they need room to breathe, to reveal themselves fully without competition. No bright citrus to open. No flashy floral heart. Just smoke, resin, warmth, and time. The result is a fragrance that reads as ancient without smelling dated, because the execution belongs to a modern Roman perfumer who brings precision and intention to the work.
The evolution
The opening arrives with incense smoke that curls upward before settling into something deeper. Myrrh begins to deepen and sweeten as the fragrance develops. The amber accord builds in the background, adding a resinous warmth that makes the whole composition feel skin-close rather than theatrical. By the heart phase, the two materials have become intertwined, smoke warming against resin, each amplifying the other. The drydown is where myrrh takes over, a faintly sweet, almost balsamic warmth that stays close to the skin long after the smoke has softened into memory.
Cultural impact
Incense and myrrh have anchored sacred perfumery for millennia, from ancient Egyptian temple rituals to Roman Catholic ceremonies. Essenzialmente Laura's Santa Maria Maggiore collection channels this heritage, named for the Papal Basilica in Rome celebrated for its golden mosaics depicting the Nativity and the Magi. Incense and myrrh are the primary named materials in Aurum, positioned as the core of the fragrance rather than supporting notes. The composition occupies a distinctive space in contemporary perfumery, where dual-resin formulations without floral or citrus elements remain uncommon.
