Fragrance house

Acqua di Stresa

Acqua di Stresa was created in 2002 by Giovanni Castelli and Andrea Patrucco, who came from fashion backgrounds; Castelli later moved into perfumery, while Patrucco works in communications. Their collaboration grew from a shared attachment to Lake Maggiore and its natural heritage. The brand’s identity draws on Stresa’s gardens and flowers, Lake Maggiore’s scenery, and the area’s Belle Époque cultural associations. Its first fragrances took inspiration from the lake’s flora, while later creations developed the concept in a more contemporary direction. Ownership has remained associated with the founders: Castelli and Patrucco are identified as co-owners, while a 2014 account records Castelli as the owner. Lotus is identified as Acqua di Stresa’s best-selling fragrance and is also used for the brand’s amenities line.