The Scent of Gucci

I get a chance to drink something a little stronger in the form of French Champagne later that evening when I find myself at a swanky soiree held in honor of Gucci Flora Garden. The concept is unveiled to us inside yet one more sweeping historic monument, the Palazzo Capponi, in a ballroom that's decorated by towering screens filled with floral illustrations and dramatic, pastel-tinted light installations. There, myself and other journalists who have traveled from all corners of the world are introduced to Flora Garden, which is actually a collection of five distinct fragrances: Gorgeous Gardenia, Glamorous Magnolia, Gracious Tuberose, Generous Violet and Glorious Mandarin. Gucci designer Frida Giannini, who looks effortlessly chic in basic black and a sleek ponytail, introduces both the Flora-inspired concept itself — each of these blooms can be found in the prints themselves — and supermodel and star of the new ad campaign, Abbey Lee Kershaw, a lanky platinum blonde resplendent in an ethereal canary-colored gown and flower-studded capelet. Equally thrilling: Just for the occasion, Giannini has created five gorgeous couture gowns, each reflective of one of the fragrances and on display within tantalizingly close proximity. I wonder, would anyone notice if I simply snatched one and walked out the door? Maybe it's time to put down the bubbly.