Costume National
🔹 Costume National – The Art of Italian Minimalism in Perfumery
Costume National, founded in 1986 in Milan by Ennio Capasa, began as a fashion house renowned for its edgy minimalism, architectural tailoring, and sleek silhouettes. The brand carved out a unique identity in the luxury world—standing at the intersection of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese-inspired modernism. This distinctive aesthetic would later translate seamlessly into its line of fragrances, which were introduced in 2002, and have since become celebrated for their bold simplicity, avant-garde construction, and olfactory purity.
Much like its fashion roots, Costume National’s perfumes are not concerned with trends or mass appeal. Instead, they capture a refined rebellion, combining clean structure with warm sensuality, delivering scents that feel both intimate and enigmatic.
🔹 A Distinctive Olfactory Signature
The defining trait of Costume National fragrances is their dark, smoky warmth blended with minimalist structure. Whether woody, amber, or floral, each creation is composed with precision and restraint, ensuring a clear, memorable identity that speaks of style without excess.
Some of the core themes that run through the collection include:
Amber and incense: Dry, warm, and sensual.
Sandalwood and patchouli: Smooth, earthy, grounding.
Musk and spices: Adding complexity without clutter.
Minimal florals: Used as accents, never overdone.
Each scent wears like a tailored garment—subtle yet powerful, understated yet full of character.
🔹 Costume National Homme – Refined and Charismatic
Launched in 2009, Costume National Homme is a woody-spicy fragrance that perfectly embodies the brand’s masculine DNA.
Top Notes: Bergamot, cardamom, grapefruit.
Heart Notes: Cloves, cinnamon, thyme.
Base Notes: Sandalwood, patchouli, labdanum.
It opens with citrus and spice, quickly revealing a dry, resinous heart that feels both contemporary and timeless. The sandalwood base gives it a sensual yet disciplined warmth, ideal for those who prefer understated confidence over brash intensity.
🔹 Costume National Scent – The Feminine Signature
Launched in 2002, Scent is a floral-amber fragrance that became a modern classic. Minimal yet deeply sensual, it’s often described as a "skin scent" with a hypnotic pull.
Top Notes: Hibiscus, jasmine tea.
Heart Notes: Amber, woods.
Base Notes: Musk, sandalwood.
The hibiscus note is distinctive, offering a tart, fresh character that flows into a creamy amber-musky base. It’s a nude fragrance—delicate, addictive, and intimately wearable, especially for those who prefer non-conformist femininity.
🔹 Scent Intense – Dark, Addictive, Iconic
Scent Intense, launched in 2002 alongside the original Scent, is arguably the house’s most recognizable and bestselling fragrance. It takes the DNA of the original and amplifies it with more intensity, depth, and smoky allure.
Top Notes: Hibiscus, jasmine, tea.
Heart Notes: Amber, woods.
Base Notes: Leather, musk, patchouli.
The smoky, leathery edge of Scent Intense makes it unisex, bold, and unforgettable. It’s warm without sweetness, sensual without being loud, and beloved by fans of niche perfumery for its unique character.
🔹 Other Notable Releases
Soul: A luminous amber scent with pink pepper, oud, and benzoin. Warm, mysterious, and resinous.
Secret Woods: Earthy and grounded, with cedarwood, vetiver, and incense.
I: A fragrance focused on intimacy and musk, offering a delicate, clean skin scent.
Each fragrance in the Costume National portfolio carries a modernist soul, balancing warmth and clarity, boldness and minimalism.
🔹 Design and Presentation
Just as with its fashion, Costume National's perfume bottles are sleek, angular, and modern. The iconic curved silhouette, often in monochromatic or deep hues, reflects the minimalist yet sensual ethos of the brand. No ornate flourishes—just elegant geometry and confident restraint.
The black bottle of Scent Intense, for instance, is as recognizable as the scent itself—mysterious, minimal, and chic.
🔹 Who Wears Costume National?
These fragrances are designed for:
Lovers of modern niche perfumery who appreciate depth without excess.
Men and women seeking a scent that blends sensuality with style.
Individuals who enjoy amber, musk, leather, incense, and dry florals.
Those drawn to avant-garde, intellectual, and non-mainstream expressions.
Costume National perfumes don’t try to please everyone—they’re for the discerning, style-conscious, and emotionally confident.
🔹 When and How to Wear
Season: Best in autumn and winter, though lighter offerings work in spring.
Occasion: Perfect for evening events, gallery openings, creative spaces, and moments when you want to be remembered.
Longevity: Strong, especially Scent Intense and Homme—lasting up to 10+ hours.
Sillage: Moderate to strong, creating an elegant trail without overwhelming.
These scents perform like invisible garments—a kind of olfactory fashion that becomes part of your personal identity.
In conclusion, Costume National is a fragrance house that proves less is more. With its roots in avant-garde Italian fashion and a heart in niche perfumery, it offers refined, architectural fragrances that speak to those who value sophistication, mystery, and modern sensuality. Every scent feels tailored, intentional, and artistic—making Costume National a favorite for those who wear fragrance not to impress, but to express.
