bvgari

Bulgari's Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc: Synonymous with Opulence

Though the uninitiated may be confused by the arrangement of letters spelling out BVLGARI above many a posh storefront around the globe, devotees know that Bulgari is one of the world's oldest luxury goods providers. The secret is out at Luxist, too: Bulgari's Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc has earned a Luxist Awards Readers' Choice nomination for best fragrance.

When founder Sotirios Voulgaris packed up his jewelry shop in his hometown of Kalarites, Greece in the late 19^th Century, he probably had no idea that his name would be synonymous with opulence for generations to come. After opening his first Bulgari store on Rome's Via dei Condotti in 1905 (the "BVLGARI" spelling is a tribute to this Roman heritage), the boutique became a favorite of elites passing through the area.

After heroics in World War II-Sotirios' son Constantino sheltered three Jewish women from the holocaust-Bulgari's business picked up during peacetime. The 1970s saw expansion to New York, Paris and Geneva, to name a few. In addition to selling handbags, watches and other accessories, Bulgari soon gained a strong reputation for its fragrances.

One of the company's most popular fragrances is the Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc, also known simply as white tea. Launched in 2003, it contains hints of amber, pepper, and of course, white tea. In addition to the cologne (1.33 oz: $60), white tea is available in body lotion (6.7 oz: $49) and shampoo and shower gel (6.7 oz: $41) form. All are available in Bulgari boutiques around the world and from retailers including Sephora.

Vote for the fragrance that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

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