An old friend of mine once told me that I smelled like a “grandmother.” When she said it, I looked at her funny–I didn’t really know what to think. I immediately began to think about my grandmother and how amazing she always smelled, I smiled and thanked her. That beautiful scent she was smelling was the Brigitte scent by Tocca.
Inspired by the playful and sensual beauty of French film siren Brigitte Bardot, Tocca’s Brigitte fragrance evokes the intoxicating scent of a stroll through the spice markets of Provence. Under the blue skies of the Cote d’Azur, rich notes of saffron, ginger and papaya mingle with the delicate perfume of Moroccan rose wafting from petal-filled baskets. Sultry and soft sandalwood and musk linger in the air. This TOCCA scent will be as iconic as the film siren herself.
The origins of TOCCAare as untraditional and whimsical as its clothing. In the winter of 1994, a group of friends and acquaintances gathered to celebrate the New Year in St. Lucia. Among them were Edoardo Mantelli, TOCCA’s Creative Director and TOCCA’s first designer, Marianne Oudejan. The two recognized a similar aesthetic and vision for beautiful yet affordable clothes with designer details. Within a few months, TOCCA’s third partner and President, Gordon Finkelstein, had joined the company after a fortuitous meeting of minds. The friends launched TOCCA from a small 400 square foot office in the garment district.
TOCCA’s early collection, from candy-colored terry cloth tube dresses to sari-inspired embroidered mini dresses, were an immediate hit for their unique styling, unexpected details and surprisingly affordable pricing. TOCCA was worn by the tastemakers of the day – from Christy Turlington and Helena Christensen to Samantha Kluge, Tatiana Von Furstenberg and Zoe Cassavetes.
Named for the Italian word for “touch” after its intricate embroideries and luxurious fabrics, TOCCA combines the best of the romantic and exotic. It is unabashedly feminine, in a sophisticated European interpretation.
The collection evokes the European traveler on holiday, a sensibility that logically led to the launch of TOCCA Beauty in 1997 with three unique and unusual products: a solid perfume, a dry oil skin smoother and a laundry delicate for fine washables in “Touch”, a gardenia-based fragrance. These beautiful and portable items were intended for the European traveler on holiday. Emblematic of the free-spirited culture of the company, these products were unconventional categories with which to launch a beauty line. Yet they were an immediate success with the press as well as with retailers.
With its distinctive and sophisticated fragrances, TOCCA Beauty quickly developed a cult following. TOCCA Beauty can now be found in an extensive family of aromatic candles, luxurious bath and body products and fine fabric washes and eau de parfum.
Pay homage to your grandmother, try the Brigette perfume from Tocca.
Smile,
Ashley
