Fragrance house

Acqua di Biella

Acqua di Biella traces its origins to Luigi Cantono, who began producing cologne in Biella in 1871 after studying chemistry and Eau de Cologne production in Germany. In 1878, Reale Manifattura Luigi Cantono received the Savoy coat of arms and recognition as an official supplier to the Savoy royal household. The brand evolved within the Cantono family: Paola Corradi Cervi introduced more French-influenced fragrances and refreshed its image in 1965, while Consuelo Cantono expanded the line in 1980 using formulas from the old Reale Manifattura recipe book. Its historical identity is tied to Biella and Piedmont, with fragrances inspired by family memories and the Biellese territory. In 1996, fourth-generation member Chiara Cantono returned to the family business after working in architecture, product planning, and communication, with the aim of revitalizing Acqua di Biella through a new fragrance line. Acqua di Biella No. 1 is the brand’s defining historical fragrance, originating as Cantono’s 1871 cologne and identified with the brand’s origin story. A later Le vie della Lana concept connected its fragrance identity with Biella’s historic wool and textile culture through older Acqua di Biella recipes.