How many things on Earth have survived for 400 years? With rapid modernity, truly, only a few. An off-the-grid landmark in Florence, Italy, Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, is part of that little list.
Santa Maria Novella in Singapore. (Photo from: colonyclothing.net)
“Everything is manufactured in the company,” Gianluca Foa, Santa Maria Novella’s Pharmacy Director told us during an interview. “Even the ingredients and plants are cultivated in our garden.”
Flocks of people have come and gone, with products in hand, at the Sala Vendita (salesroom).
This hands-on approach has proven to be effective in ensuring the quality of the products whose efficacy has gained a cult-like following. The Rose Water, one of their first offerings, remains a favourite among many, shared Eugenio Alphandery, CEO of Santa Maria Novella. The same can be said of their perfumes. They were the first in the market to contain alcohol — an innovation made by Dominican friars, who noticed oil-based perfumes would smell rancid after some time.
Even though many formulas and products have remained the same, much has also changed for the brand that has always seen innovation at its forefront. Eugenio said that while their products continue to be handmade, they have created new products to cater to the customers of today. For instance, the Idralia Cream, a vitamin E-rich moisturiser that not only hydrates but also protects the skin — somewhat an antidote for today's polluted air. They have also modernised their warehouses to allow them to be on time with shipments.
But at Santa Maria Novella’s core is sustainability — not only of their legacy and credibility as a purveyor of botanical products for the body and home but also of the planet. Eugenio shared that the company has avoided using plastics and have instead turned to aluminium and glass when it comes to their packaging.
“We are always watching the present but also the future,” he added. For a brand to stand for 400 years, we know it’s true.
In Singapore, visit the store-in-store Santa Maria Novella at Colony Clothing, 83 Clemenceau Avenue #01-37 UE Square.
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