Ungaro Perfume & Cologne

Emanuel Ungaro was born in Aix-en-Provence, France, in 1933. His Italian father, a tailor, fled to France to escape a political uprising in Italy, and gave his son a sewing machine, beginning his journey into the world of fashion.

Ungaro moved to Paris at age 22, and within a few years, was working as a designer at the House of Cristobal Balenciaga. He would also later work for Courrges. In 1965, Ungaro opened his own company with the assistance of Elena Bruna Fassio and Sonja Knapp. In 1973, he introduced his menswear line and showed his collection at the Battle of Versailles Fashion Show.

In 1983, Ungaro released his first fragrance, Diva. He went into business with Salvatore Ferragamo in 1996, and in 1997, the two formed a new company in partnership with Bulgari called Emanuel Ungaro Perfumes. This venture resulted in the launch of such fragrances as Fleur de Diva and Desnuda, as well as the Apparition series.

Emanuel Ungaro sold the label to Asim Abdullah when he retired in 2005. After this, several designers took the helm, with the last one reportedly quitting in 2007 due to a dispute with actress Lindsay Lohan. The company earned nearly $200 million in sales in 2009, but its changes in leadership continued. Giles Deacon was named director in 2010.

Emanuel Ungaro continues to offer a base of fragrances for both men and women, and with its latest creation debuting to the public in 2014.