Acqua di Portofino, The Art of Restraint

We embarked on a complete brand transformation with Acqua di Portofino, distilling the effortless character of this legendary Italian destination into a world of scent, image and tactile sophistication. Rooted in clarity, restraint and a distinctly contemporary point of view, the new expression captures Portofino’s quiet confidence without falling into nostalgia.

SmithBrandDesign.com - logo black

Drawing from the purity and contrasts of the Ligurian coast, we created a precise visual language where colour meets emptiness, tactile richness meets stark geometry, and distinctive cues cut through today’s visual noise. Heritage is present, but deliberately stripped back, giving the brand a sharper and more relevant identity.

Unexpected olfactory compositions are expressed through stark glass bottles, measured sans-serif typography, Japanese paper and a distinctive monogram. A custom brand mark subtly recalls the heyday of Italian bath resorts, while documentary-style photography and sharp-lined communication extend the identity across packaging, campaign, digital and retail.

The resulting expression creates a confident and cohesive narrative, positioning Acqua di Portofino as a contemporary Italian fragrance brand. Free from excess, nostalgia and visual noise, it embraces a more considered idea of luxury — where restraint becomes the defining expression.

See our digital platform design acquadiportofino.com

Brand Strategy, Portfolio Strategy, Design Strategy, Communication Strategy, Copywriting, Naming & Storytelling, Logotype Design, Visual Identity, Packaging Design, Digital Design, Web Design, Photography & Image Creation, Exhibition Design, Advertising.

SmithBrandDesign.com - logo black
Minimalist executive business card mockup on cotton paper featuring bold black typography.
Abisso and Oltre fragrance bottles in dark teal glass standing alongside embossed white outer packaging.
Hand drafting custom typography on grid paper surrounded by precision drafting tools and calipers.
Technical vector construction grid outlining the geometric proportions of the Acqua di Portofino monogram mark.
Macro closeup of paper grain texture and embossed monogram detailing on rigid secondary box packaging.
Custom printed corrugated e-commerce shipping cartons with black branding for Acqua di Portofino.
Macro detail of tactile embossed circular monogram and custom typography on textured paper stock.
Off-white cotton crewneck sweatshirt printed with black Acqua di Portofino Made in Italy logo text.
acqua di portofino canvas tote bag identity
Deep cobalt blue rectangular glass perfume bottle with silver cap and architectural shadow casting.
Desktop monitor showing the minimal online storefront layout and hero imagery for Acqua di Portofino.
Hands holding an iPad displaying the luxury e-commerce online store layout for Acqua di Portofino.
Hand holding an iPhone displaying the responsive mobile e-commerce layout for Acqua di Portofino.
Five colorful glass perfume bottles lined up showing custom caps and engraved metal monograms.
Framed advertising poster leaning against a wall showing an emerald perfume bottle and light refractions.
Person holding a large quad-folded campaign poster featuring emerald green fragrance bottle photography.
Hardcover brand publication catalog resting on a modern black leather and tubular chrome arm chair.
Open printed brand publication spread resting on a cinder block featuring luxury perfume photography.
Green glass fragrance bottle shot against vibrant prism light refractions for Italian Riviera perfume house.
Stack of printed promotional postcards featuring campaign imagery on basil leaves and black sand.
Metal A-frame pavement sign on a stone walkway displaying Acqua di Portofino campaign visuals.
Large digital screen inside an event space displaying Acqua di Portofino campaign photography.
Wildposting campaign poster on a textured concrete wall featuring a dark perfume bottle on black sand.
Pedestrian walking past repeating transit advertising posters displaying dark Acqua di Portofino campaign visuals.
Macro detail of a distressed black ink stamp featuring the circular Acqua di Portofino monogram icon on textured white paper stock.
Dark glass Acqua di Portofino Abisso Eau de Parfum bottle with silver cap resting among dried red rose petals and botanical textures under dramatic spotlighting.
Acqua di Portofino Oltre Eau de Parfum glass bottle submerged in glowing green backlit liquid with air bubbles and light refractions.

Thinking Ahead.

Fredrik is always thinking one step ahead. Before I’ve even finished a request, he’ll often have a sketch ready that captures the direction perfectly. It’s this intuitive way of working, combined with our shared creative vision, that makes our collaboration so valuable.

Adolfo Varini, CEO

SmithBrandDesign.com - logo black

More of our work

Scroll to Top