Written by Peter Brooker in Brands on the 5th December 2017

We’ve been immersed in Italian luxury here at MenswearStyle HQ of late, thanks largely to Trussardi who forwarded on samples of their latest Riflesso fragrance for our consideration. Ambrosial wafts of woody and oriental notes have given our senses some brevity from the lassitude of the common office aromas. Before we hit upon the history of Trussardi and what gives Riflesso its character, check out the competition we're currently running where you can win £150nworth of stellar grooming products from the Trussardi Riflesso collection, including a Riflesso EDT 100ml bottle.

Trussardi Group was founded in Bergamo by Dante Trussardi in 1911, starting out as a factory that produced and distributed luxury gloves. Today the house has more than just glove-shaped arrows in its quiver. If you imagine the Trussardi House, less of a house and more of a stately home or villa overlooking Lake Garda; there is a wing dedicated to fashion, a floor dedicated to food and a concierge to facilitate the delivery of art to the home. You can wear Trussardi, eat Trussardi, drive Trussardi and more felicitously, smell Trussardi. The brand reflects a complete lifestyle representing Italian excellence of the past, present and future.

The company released its first perfume in 1980, named 'Trussardi', followed in 1983 by 'Trussardi Uomo' for men. Riflesso is their latest addition to the portfolio. An exploration of uncharted territory. The fragrance represents a path for discovering the contemporary world through the heritage of the brand. With its woody and oriental notes of Bergamot, Pink Grapefruit and Green Apple, Trussardi Riflesso tells the story of a man looking to break free from the menace of societal cogs. The campaign video cleverly juxtaposes a working man immersed in the anodyne world of cyber-connectivity with the freedom of simple values, riding, driving, sunsets. It reminded me of a saying, and you'll forgive me for being a trite 80's-pastiche by quoting Ferris Beuller; 'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it'.

Life is not a competition, but an expression of self-confidence, which is shown through notes of Geranium, Violet Leaves and Lavender, before making a nod to tradition with olfactive hints of Italian Leather, Vetiver and Tonka Bean. The fragrance was designed for a man at the height of his aspirations, combining his professional and private life with aspects of modernity. Something we can all relate to. The Bottle is designed by Carlo Colombo and effuses a strong, masculine element, represented by the ribbed surface of the glass which was inspired by the radiator grill of a car. A keen eye will notice the bottle's machismo is further accentuated by the cap, reminiscent of a steering wheel. The result is an iconic bottle with a vintage yet modern feel: a bottle that stimulates a visual memory, and speeds towards new classicism. Trussardi Riflesso is now available for purchase at House of Fraser.

Looking over Lake Garda and first founded in Bergamo by Dante Trussardi in 1911 we Introduce the Trussardi Riflesso Collection.