Many of history’s great names have fallen for the spell of southern Italy. “Sicily,” wrote American novelist Truman Capote, “is more beautiful than any woman.” Inspired by the region’s sun-drenched citrus fields, Acqua Di Parma’s latest fragrance Blu Mediterraneo Mandarino di Sicilia bottles that essence via Sicilian mandarins – harvested before they’re ripe to capture their unique olfactory character. Alongside vivid notes of bergamot, lemon and blood orange with a clean and musky cedarwood base, they ring as bright and intense as an Italian summer in a bottle that captures the vibrant waters of the Mediterranean.

Amouage is based in Oman on the Arabian Sea – historically a trading centre for world-renowned incense and myrrh. It’s no surprise, then, that the brand favours both. Jubilation XXV was created for ‘the enigmatic man’, designed to imbue its wearer with an air of sophisticated mystery. Expect top notes of orange and frankincense underpinned by woody aromas of cedar, moss and oud.

Made in homage to Brunello Cucinelli’s homeplace – a 12th-century Umbrian village called Solomeo – Pour Homme Eau de Parfum will transport you to the region’s picturesque hamlets and green, rolling hills. Top notes of Madagascan black pepper and Nigerian ginger, middle notes of cypress and spicy juniper, and base notes of clary sage and clearwood make for a scent that’s delightfully fresh and earthy.

Known as ‘black gold’ in the Middle East, oud is one of the oldest and rarest scents in the world, famous for its distinctively rich and woody aroma. Exclusive to Harrods, Initio Parfums Privés’ bestselling Oud for Greatness Eau de Parfum is infused with thrilling notes of fresh lavender and spicy nutmeg, complemented by earthy patchouli and musk.

Few eras match Louis XV’s Versailles for grandeur. Inspired by Bourbon vanilla – a descendent of the vanilla introduced in France during the king’s reign – Parfums de Marly’s Althaïr Eau de Parfum is warm and fresh, balanced with heady spices for a scent that’s closer to a glass of scotch after a long, hard day. Slow, seductive and irresistibly decadent.

A reinvention of the original Encre Indigo, Lalique’s Eau de Parfum is a radical blend of energising bergamot, pink pepper extract and juniper berry oil, supported by a heart of warming Madagascan vetiver. As expected from this master glassmaker, it comes in a stunning bottle crafted in Alsace, France’s premier region for the craft.

Is it possible to bottle life’s happiness? Acqua Di Parma comes close. Inspired by the vibrant moments that matter, this exclusive Colonia C.L.U.B. scent opens with sparkling bergamot and lemon, and closes with a comforting base of cedarwood and musk. Designed to evoke blissful moments with a circle of friends.

Byredo’s exclusive De Los Santos scent is made in tribute to Día de los Muertos and All Saints’ Day – time-honoured traditions of coming together for transcendent rituals and ceremonies. A cloud of musk is infused with sage, amber and earthy cistus, creating a scent reminiscent of church incense.

With a name meaning ‘sun of fire’, TOM FORD’s latest fragrance is inspired by the bronze rays of a fiery sunset. Warm and summery, it’s infused with an intoxicating blend of tuberose accord, ambers and sandalwood, making it the perfect scent when on holiday – or to make you feel like you’re having one.

According to Guerlain, if Cruel Gardénia were a poem, it would be The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire. Likened to a narcotic, its sweet gardenia accord is infused with heady ylang ylang and enveloping musks, creating a scent that is seductive and darkly opulent. Ideal for romantic evenings and nights on the town.