The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
When Furla released Romantica in 2020, perfumer Alexander Lee had a clear mission: make fruity-floral feel earned, not defaulted. The opening cherry is blackcurrant, tart, almost sour, the kind of brightness that cuts through expectation. Coriander and davana arrive with an aromatic lift that keeps the top from settling into something predictable. This is the fragrance for someone who wants romance without the cliché.
What makes Romantica interesting is that structural tension in the top. Blackcurrant is sweet-tart by nature, so it works both directions, it gives the sweetness something to push against, which prevents the whole composition from sliding into generic territory. Peony is inherently powdery, soft, even nostalgic. On its own, it reads old-fashioned. Combined with blackcurrant's brightness and jasmine's creaminess, it becomes something contemporary instead. The result is a floral-fruity that doesn't apologize for being either.
The evolution
The opening hits bright. Blackcurrant leads, tart and almost sharp, with coriander and davana providing an herbal lift that prevents it from reading as simple candy. Within minutes the tartness softens. Jasmine emerges, followed by peony, a creamy, powdery floral heart that takes over gracefully. The drydown is where Romantica earns its name. Patchouli and sandalwood provide structure, but vanilla is the real closer, warm, slightly sweet, lingering close to the skin. Lasts 6-8 hours on most skin types, with the opening projecting for the first hour before settling into something intimate.
Cultural impact
Romantica represents Furla's entry into the accessible luxury fragrance market, launched in 2020. The fruity-floral category has seen significant growth in the past decade, and Furla positioned Romantica as an approachable Italian option in this space. The brand's heritage in leather goods and accessories informed the scent's polished, versatile character. Romantica reflects a broader trend where fashion houses extend their identity into affordable fine fragrances without compromising on quality or Italian craftsmanship.
The House
FurlaFurla is an Italian fashion house established in Bologna in 1927, originally built around artisanal leather goods manufacturing. The brand expanded into fragrance production through a partnership with Mavive, an Italian perfume company, marking its entry into the beauty sector. Furla's perfume collection spans multiple signature scents including Favolosa, Preziosa, Irresistibile, Magnifica, Autentica, Incantevole, Unica, Pura, Armoniosa, and Adorabile. The fragrance line draws visual inspiration from the arch motif, a signature architectural symbol associated with the Furla Foundation and Italian design heritage.
The Creator
Alexander LeeAlex Lee favors compositions that feel considered and evocative rather than loud. His work tends to explore the space between modern and classical, often building around nuanced contrasts that reveal themselves slowly on the skin.
