In the eternal city of Rome, with its rich history and timeless romance, Benetton launched a new chapter in its fragrance story, blending Italian artistry with global inclusivity. I was quite lucky to get this exclusive, as the only media group representing the Philippines at the event. This was no ordinary perfume launch; this was Benetton’s exclusive introduction of

Golden Vanilla from the Sisterland collection

and

We Are Tribe Cool

, bringing together an eclectic group of 20 influencers from across the globe.

For many, like me, who have grown up with Benetton, the brand represents a distinct nostalgia. Filipinos, in particular, have a special connection to Benetton, since it has long been associated with bold colors, iconic fashion, and evocative fragrances. Francis Labora, Business Development Head of Scent and Beauté, the Distributor of Benetton Perfumes in the Philippines says, “Benetton as a brand is very close to the hearts of Filipinos, especially with my generation. It’s a very nostalgic brand for us.”

From clothing to perfumes, Benetton embodies a sense of connection and belonging. Now, with the fresh energy of Golden Vanilla and Tribe Cool, Benetton is reaching a new generation, blending the beloved scents of the past with the vibrancy of today.

Rome as the Perfect Backdrop

Rome became the backdrop for Benetton’s celebration of scent and style. Over several days, we embarked on an immersive exploration of Rome’s iconic sights, each location offering a window into the city’s timeless beauty. From the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon, from the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps, every spot brought together a sense of history. Even at the Piazza del Popolo where we spent an afternoon creating content, the diverse group of influencers mingled, bonded, and shared stories from their respective corners of the world despite the language barrier.

To truly savor the Italian experience, the group also traveled sidecar on Vespas, an iconic symbol of Italian culture. For me, riding a sidecar ride was a first, adding a touch of thrill as we zipped through Rome’s winding streets. Every corner revealed another gem of Roman architecture, making me think how much of the city seems too ancient yet still so captivating.

A Deep Dive into the World of Benetton Perfumes

Benetton’s new fragrances promise more than just appealing scents; they carry the brand’s message of inclusivity, empowerment, and connection. Sarai Hernandez Blanco, Communications Manager at Benetton Perfumes, shared, “United Colors of Benetton is a brand with a very strong heritage and with very strong values. It’s all about colorful optimism and diversity. And when it comes to fragrances, the motto is ‘Fragrance for all.’ No matter who you are or where you come from, we have a fragrance for you.”

The heart of this event was an in-depth exploration of the Sisterland and We Are Tribe collections, each experience as vibrant and diverse as the brand itself. In the Sisterland fragrance workshop, influencers were introduced to Golden Vanilla, a warm and inviting eau de parfum designed for the empowered woman. The star of the workshop was the Golden Sister—a charming, AI-created host who guided guests through scent selections based on personality. She brought a futuristic twist to the gathering, recommending personalized scents and engaging attendees in lively conversation. This interactive approach captured the essence of Sisterland, where empowerment and sisterhood blend seamlessly with modern technology.

Benetton’s fragrance series for men, We Are Tribe, brought a unique sensorial activity that transformed fragrance exploration into a full sensory experience. Attendees sampled elements of the fragrance through taste, sight, and touch. A zesty lemon mocktail offered a refreshing taste of the fragrance’s citrus notes, while the textured feel of lemon peel and a periscope offered tactile and visual connections to the scent’s composition. The highlight was an immersive VR experience, where participants explored the fragrance through a virtual landscape. Each element revealed Tribe Cool as more than just a scent—it was an invitation to a vibrant, connected world that transcends borders.

Savoring Italy’s Culinary Wonders

No Italian journey would be complete without indulging in the country’s world-famous cuisine. The group savored Rome’s culinary delights, from authentic pizzas with perfectly crisp crusts to mouthwatering pasta made with fresh local ingredients. At each meal, they sampled Italy’s rich food culture, where every bite offered a taste of tradition, history, and passion.

One memorable highlight was a hands-on ravioli-making session, where I myself rolled out pasta dough and filled it with classic Italian flavors. Each dish was more than just food—it was a gathering, a way to bond over shared stories, and a reflection of Benetton’s value of connection and community.

Timeless Rome Meets Modern Innovation

As the days in Rome unfolded, these words about the city’s enduring charm seemed to echo through each experience. “Roma es la ciudad del Amor,” Indeed, it is the eternal city, and at this Benetton Perfumes event, I saw how it captured the unity and friendship between community and tribe. Rome, a city with a history as rich as its vibrant present, served as the perfect setting for Benetton’s message of inclusion, diversity, and timeless style.

On one of the final evenings, the group attended the Foro Romano night show, a multimedia event that brought Rome’s ancient ruins to life with lights and music. Standing among the ruins, illuminated by an artful display of color and sound, attendees were immersed in a modern homage to Rome’s storied past. For Benetton, this juxtaposition of old and new resonated deeply, underscoring the brand’s own evolution—one that honors its heritage while looking boldly toward the future.

Souvenirs from Rome, Memories for a Lifetime

On their final day, I headed out to do some shopping during some lull in the schedule, and I came across some of Italy’s leather artisan shops. It brought to mind the bottles of Benetton’s newest scents, and how these two, which are symbolic of Italy’s attention to detail and artistry—became reminders of a city that feels like the world’s most stylish living museum.

As the journey in Rome drew to a close, it was clear that the Benetton Perfumes event had been about more than just launching new fragrances. It was a celebration of friendship, unity, and shared experience, all set against the enchanting backdrop of Rome. This was not merely a media event but a shared journey, where people from around the world came together to experience beauty in every sense—through sight, scent, taste, and touch.

Benetton’s new fragrances captured the very spirit of this journey. Golden Vanilla and Tribe Cool are expressions of connection and belonging, a reflection of Benetton’s enduring philosophy of “fragrance for all.” Rome, with its timeless allure, became the perfect setting for a message that goes beyond borders and generations, reminding everyone that beauty is found not only in the details but also in the moments we share.

As we departed from the eternal city, they left with more than memories—they carried with them the spirit of Benetton’s values, a sense of belonging, and the anticipation of what’s next. For Benetton, it’s just the beginning of a new journey in scent and style, an invitation for all to experience life as vibrantly as the brand itself.

Benetton Perfumes are available in Scent & Beauté stores nationwide or via fresh.com.ph