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.

Founded by Alexander the Great, Egypt’s port city of Alexandria is perhaps most known today for its historic lighthouse – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. But it’s the city’s incense rituals that inspire Xerjoff’s new and exclusive eau de parfum, celebrating the anniversary of its Alexandria II scent and a must for any fine fragrance collector. Opening with notes of apple, lavender and rosewood, it has an Arabian heart of cedar wood and lily of the valley and a base of warm amber, sandalwood and rare Laotian oud. Smoky, rich and mysterious – housed in a gilded flacon – it’s as timeless as the famous city itself.

Truefitt & Hill’s connection to British monarchy is innate. Co-founded by William Francis Truefitt – hairdresser to the Royal Court – in 1805, this revered barbershop is the oldest in the world, and has served all male members of the British Royal Family since George III. Continuing this heritage, its new Highgrove Splash scent (coming soon) is made in collaboration with Highgrove Gardens. Inspired by the grounds of King Charles III, the fragrance conveys delicate top notes of cypress and lemon with woody cedar at its heart. The watercolour artwork that covers it? It’s painted by The King himself.

Sweet and fresh with a hint of spice, neroli is an essential oil extracted from the blossom of the bitter orange tree. It’s one of the most widely used ingredients in perfumery – and has been a favourite since the 17th century. Exclusive to Harrods, Montale’s Holy Neroli eau de parfum blends amber, vanilla and musk for a velvety scent that evokes bright warm days and the rising sun – a perfect fragrance for summertime.

Picture the rush of diving into a clear, blue ocean – and you’ve got Maison Margiela’s Sailing Day. Part of the conceptual Replica Collection, inspired by reliving memories through scent, this eau de toilette is like sea spray in a bottle. Fresh and invigorating, its unique aquatic accord is down to red seaweed, ambergris and coriander, reminiscent of taking the plunge after a day on the water.

Research has shown that scent can significantly affect one’s mood, capable of boosting happiness and reducing stress. Inspired by Japanese temples and shrines, Aēsop focuses on the latter with its calming Hwyl eau de parfum. Dark, earthy notes of cypress, frankincense and vetiver are chosen to transport the wearer to a peaceful Hinoki forest – a moment of zen amid busy days.

Do you know your DeMille from your De Niro? This one’s for you. Exclusive to Harrods, Doré by Loewe is named in homage to Madrid’s modernist Doré cinema, used to conserve the film heritage of Spain. Part of the brand’s Un Paseo por Madrid collection, it’s a characterful blend of rose, amber and patchouli – bottling the essence of the Spanish capital’s vibrant culture.

The Japanese Kōdō, or incense ceremony, is one of the nation’s geido – a treasured art of refinement. Nodding to this ancient ritual, Floraïku’s Sand and Skin eau de parfum gift set calls to mind days spent lounging on a sandy beach. Madagascan vanilla combines with essence of benzoin and ylang-ylang for an addictive scent likened to feeling the warmth of the sun on skin. A thoughtful token for lovers of travel.

Are we biased? Perhaps. Made in collaboration with Harrods, Initio Parfums Privés’ bestselling Oud for Greatness is made more special still in this exceptional new edition. Here, oud is enhanced with lavender orpur and bergamot, a combination that works to boost your confidence and positive energy in line with our mantra: Anything is Possible. Look out for the signature Harrods green on that ornate flacon.

For Maison Crivelli, great fragrance lies in the unexpected. Case in point: the new Iris Malikhân eau de parfum is inspired by discovering floral fields on the edge of a desert. Verdant and powdery, it contrasts notes of iris with vanilla and leather, conjuring a scent the brand describes as ‘intoxicating’ – and we agree.