Andiamo by Princess Marcella Borghese c1970

Andiamo by Princess Marcella Borghese was launched in 1970, a time of cultural transformation and artistic exploration. The name Andiamo is Italian, meaning "Let's go" or "Come on," pronounced "ahn-dee-AH-mo". It carries a sense of movement, excitement, and invitation, evoking images of elegant jet-setters, spontaneous adventures, and a confident embrace of life's pleasures. The choice of this name reflects a spirit of independence and glamour—qualities that aligned well with both the era’s shifting societal norms and the essence of Borghese’s brand.

Princess Marcella Borghese was an Italian aristocrat with a deep appreciation for beauty, luxury, and refinement. A member of one of Italy’s most historic noble families, she became a leading figure in the world of cosmetics and fragrance. Collaborating with Charles Revson of Revlon in the 1950s, she launched the Borghese beauty brand, bringing a distinctly European sophistication to American consumers. Her products, including perfumes, skincare, and cosmetics, embodied a blend of classical elegance and modern innovation, drawing inspiration from Italian art, nature, and the glamorous lifestyle of Rome’s elite.

The choice of Andiamo as the perfume’s name was a bold and evocative statement. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, women were embracing greater freedom, confidence, and individuality. The feminist movement was gaining momentum, and women were redefining their roles in society—entering the workforce in greater numbers, traveling independently, and expressing themselves through fashion and fragrance. Andiamo captured this spirit of movement and empowerment, suggesting an invitation to adventure, romance, and self-discovery. It reflected a woman who was both sophisticated and dynamic, unafraid to take the lead in her own life.

The year 1970 marked the transition from the psychedelic 1960s to the liberated, free-spirited 1970s. This was a time of bold self-expression, experimental fashion, and a growing emphasis on individuality. The late 1960s had seen the dominance of mod styles, space-age influences, and vibrant, eye-catching colors. As the 1970s began, fashion softened yet became more sensual, with flowing maxi dresses, ethnic prints, and a mix of bohemian and sophisticated styles. Designers such as Halston, Yves Saint Laurent, and Ossie Clark defined the era’s fashion, emphasizing fluidity, movement, and effortless glamour. The jet-set lifestyle, with its luxurious escapism and European elegance, was highly aspirational.

In perfumery, the late 1960s had been marked by fresh, aldehydic florals and powdery chypres, but by 1970, fragrances were beginning to embrace earthier, more sensual notes. Women were drawn to scents that felt more natural, mysterious, and complex, reflecting the era’s love for exotic influences, global travel, and organic elements. The rise of woody, green, and oriental fragrances reflected this shift, as perfumes became richer and more layered, designed to linger on the skin and create an air of effortless sophistication.

A woman in 1970 would have viewed Andiamo as a modern and aspirational fragrance, one that embodied a worldly confidence and sensuality. The name alone would have resonated with the independent spirit of the time, suggesting movement, spontaneity, and a touch of European glamour. Women were traveling more, embracing self-discovery, and seeking out fragrances that aligned with their evolving identities. Unlike the delicate florals of past decades, Andiamo presented a bold, yet elegant alternative—a scent for a woman who was going places, both literally and figuratively.

As a woody green floral oriental, Andiamo blended refreshing modern florals with a deeper, sensual base. The smooth, sparkling citrus notes at the top reflected energy and movement, like the first exhilarating moments of an adventure. The wild roses and verdant ferns in the heart added a sense of untamed beauty, reminiscent of nature’s lush landscapes and the era’s fascination with organic elegance. Finally, the woodsy amber, musk, and oriental warmth in the base grounded the fragrance, adding depth, sensuality, and lasting power—perfect for a woman who wanted to leave an impression.

While Andiamo aligned with the growing trend of green and woody florals, it distinguished itself with its balance of freshness and warmth. Many fragrances of the late 1960s and early 1970s either leaned heavily into crisp green chypres (such as Estée Lauder’s Aliage, 1972) or embraced intensely musky-oriental notes (such as Yves Saint Laurent’s Rive Gauche, 1971). Andiamo stood at a beautiful intersection, offering a modern floral with both brightness and depth, making it suitable for the contemporary woman who desired something refined yet adventurous.

With its Italian name, elegant composition, and association with movement and sophistication, Andiamo was more than just a fragrance—it was a statement of freedom and confidence. It captured the spirit of an era in which women were embracing new possibilities, breaking barriers, and savoring the thrill of the unknown. Today, it remains a fascinating olfactory representation of a time when the world was changing, and women were ready to say, Andiamo!—Let’s go!

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Andiamo by Princess Marcella Borghese is classified as a woody green floral oriental fragrance for women. A refreshing modern floral blend of woodsy amber, with smooth, sparkling citrus, musk, lively wild roses over verdant ferns.

• Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, aldehydes, wild Alpine rose, Manila ylang ylang, Grasse jasmine, Italian neroli, Sicilian lemon, green notes
• Middle notes: fern, Provencal lavender, Russian coriander, Zanzibar clove, Ceylon cardamom, Saigon cinnamon
• Base notes: Persian galbanum, ambergris, Mysore sandalwood, Seychelles patchouli, Cyprus labdanum, Tyrolean oakmoss, Madagascan vanilla, Venezuelan tonka bean, Tonkin musk

Scent Profile:

Andiamo by Princess Marcella Borghese unfolds like a luxurious, sun-drenched journey across continents, capturing the elegance and vitality of its name—Andiamo, meaning “Let’s go!” in Italian. From the first exhilarating breath to the deep, lingering embrace of its base, each ingredient tells a story of origin, craftsmanship, and sensory richness.

As Andiamo first touches the skin, an effervescent brightness takes center stage. The Calabrian bergamot, harvested from the sun-drenched groves of Italy’s southernmost region, is luminous and refined, bursting with an elegant citrus zest that is both lively and smooth. Unlike bergamot from other regions, Calabrian bergamot possesses a softer, floral undertone, lending the fragrance an air of sophistication. The Sicilian lemon sharpens this brilliance with its bold, sun-ripened acidity, evoking the golden orchards along the Mediterranean coastline.

Aldehydes elevate the composition with a crisp, airy effervescence, giving the fragrance a sense of movement, as if a cool breeze sweeps through the composition, lifting each note effortlessly into the air. This effect is softened by the delicate floral medley that blooms alongside. The wild Alpine rose, untouched by cultivation, imparts a fresh, dewy sweetness, as though petals have been kissed by morning mist. The rare Manila ylang ylang, sourced from the lush Philippine tropics, brings a creamy, almost narcotic sensuality, its banana-like richness curling seductively around the sharper citrus notes.

From the flower fields of Grasse, the jasmine is unmistakable—honeyed, opulent, and slightly indolic, a testament to the centuries-old tradition of perfume-making in this legendary region. Italian neroli, extracted from the bitter orange blossoms of Liguria, introduces a slightly green yet luminous white floral facet, a bridge between the citrus and floral elements. Meanwhile, a whisper of green notes suggests crushed leaves and fresh-cut stems, adding an almost untamed wildness, as though standing in the heart of an emerald-green Mediterranean garden.

As the initial brightness settles, a lush, green heart emerges, brimming with the aromatic soul of nature’s deep forest and untamed fields. Fern, the embodiment of cool, earthy greenery, evokes dappled light filtering through a dense woodland canopy. This is complemented by the crisp, herbaceous purity of Provencal lavender, gathered from the rolling hills of southern France, where the sun and mineral-rich soil create a lavender of exceptional clarity and depth.

Spices weave an exotic intrigue—Russian coriander, with its citrus-tinged spice, mingles with Zanzibar clove, a warm, sweetly smoky note that conjures images of spice bazaars along the Indian Ocean trade routes. The fiery warmth of Ceylon cardamom, prized for its cool, lemony vibrancy, contrasts with the deep, red-gold intensity of Saigon cinnamon, which unfurls with a dry heat reminiscent of spice-laden wood. Together, they create an interplay of warmth and freshness, like sun-warmed earth after a passing summer storm.

As Andiamo lingers on the skin, its base reveals itself in waves of opulence. The Persian galbanum, a resin treasured since antiquity, exudes an earthy, green bitterness, grounding the composition with a hint of mystery. Ambergris, aged by the sea, lends a soft, saline warmth, wrapping the fragrance in an almost skin-like sensuality, deep and luminous.

The Mysore sandalwood, one of the most coveted ingredients in perfumery, imparts a creamy, milky smoothness, unlike any other variety. Rich, almost buttery in texture, it melds with the dark, slightly camphorous depth of Seychelles patchouli, which adds a velvety, smoldering touch reminiscent of damp earth and aged wood.

A touch of Cyprus labdanum, with its honeyed, leathery warmth, enriches the resinous structure, leading into the final, decadent trail. Tyrolean oakmoss, from the cool, misty forests of the Austrian Alps, contributes a deeply green, almost velvet-like earthiness, evoking moss-laden stone walls and ancient woodland paths.

Rounding out this seductive finish, Madagascan vanilla, Venezuelan tonka bean, and Tonkin musk weave together in a sumptuous embrace. The vanilla, rich and slightly smoky due to the island’s volcanic soil, offers a caramelized sweetness, while the Venezuelan tonka bean’s warm, almond-like nuances provide an almost golden glow. Tonkin musk, long revered for its sensual depth, leaves a lingering whisper of warmth and intrigue, like the ghost of a lover’s touch on silk.

Andiamo is more than a scent—it is a voyage, a composition that dances between light and shadow, freshness and depth, green vibrancy and warm sensuality. It captures the spirit of movement and adventure, much like its name suggests, taking the wearer on an olfactory journey across the world’s most enchanting landscapes. A fragrance for the sophisticated woman who embraces both the wildness of nature and the refinement of timeless elegance, Andiamo remains a modern classic, effortlessly balancing its rich heritage with an air of boundless freedom.

Product Line:

The Andiamo fragrance line by Princess Marcella Borghese was designed to offer a luxurious and versatile way for women to experience its sophisticated scent. Available in a variety of formulations, the collection catered to different preferences, from the intensity of pure parfum to the lightness of a refreshing cologne splash. Each product embodied the elegance, movement, and sensuality that Andiamo represented, allowing women to layer the fragrance for a lasting impression.

Parfum (Profumo)

The most concentrated and opulent form of Andiamo, the parfum (or profumo) was the ultimate expression of the fragrance. This highly concentrated formula captured the rich depth of the woody green floral oriental blend, allowing its sparkling citrus, verdant florals, and warm amber-musk base to unfold beautifully over time. Applied sparingly to pulse points, it was an indulgent choice for evening wear, special occasions, or those who desired a long-lasting and intimate fragrance experience.

Perfume Oil

The perfume oil offered a sensuous and skin-loving alternative to traditional alcohol-based fragrances. This silky, concentrated formula allowed for a more personalized application, as it could be dabbed onto the skin and blended effortlessly. The oil’s composition enhanced the warmth of Andiamo, bringing out its deeper, more resinous qualities, making it ideal for those who preferred a softer, more intimate diffusion of scent.

Eau de Parfum Spray & Eau de Parfum Splash

The Eau de Parfum version of Andiamo was available in both a spray and splash format, offering a more wearable concentration while still retaining the fragrance’s richness. This formulation maintained a balance between freshness and depth, making it a perfect choice for day-to-evening wear. The spray bottle allowed for a quick and even application, while the splash version provided a classic, ritualistic experience, inviting the wearer to apply the fragrance more deliberately.

Natural Spray Cologne (Acqua di Profumo) & Cologne Splash

For those who preferred a lighter, more refreshing version of Andiamo, the Natural Spray Cologne (Acqua di Profumo) and Cologne Splash provided a vibrant and invigorating interpretation of the fragrance. The cologne formulations were airy and easy to wear, making them ideal for warmer climates or daytime use. While they retained the sparkling citrus and verdant green floral heart of Andiamo, they had a more delicate presence, perfect for those who wanted a whisper of fragrance rather than a bold statement.

 

Solid Perfume Compact

The solid perfume compact offered a portable and discreet way to experience Andiamo. Encased in an elegant compact of metal set with a faux cornelian oval stone, this wax-based fragrance was ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, allowing the wearer to refresh her scent throughout the day. The solid format softened the fragrance’s projection, making it feel more intimate and long-wearing on the skin, with the warmth of body heat enhancing its depth over time.

Dusting Powder

The dusting powder added a luxurious finishing touch to the Andiamo experience. Lightly perfumed with the fragrance, this fine, silky powder could be dusted onto the skin after a bath or shower, leaving a soft, velvety feel while subtly scenting the body. It provided an elegant and timeless way to enjoy fragrance, making it a favorite among those who appreciated the ritual of pampering and layering scent for a lasting effect.

Milk Bath

The Milk Bath transformed an ordinary bathing ritual into a spa-like indulgence. Designed to dissolve in warm water, it created a creamy, nourishing soak that left the skin feeling soft and moisturized, while delicately infusing the air with the elegant notes of Andiamo. This product appealed to those who sought a relaxing and immersive fragrance experience, allowing them to envelop themselves in the scent while enjoying a moment of tranquility and self-care.

Conclusion

The Andiamo fragrance collection was carefully curated to provide a multifaceted experience, offering products that suited a variety of moods, occasions, and application preferences. Whether worn as a bold statement in its parfum form, subtly applied through a solid compact, or infused into a luxurious bath ritual, Andiamo allowed women to embrace its spirit of movement, elegance, and sophistication in a way that felt personal and immersive.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Andiamo by Princess Marcella Borghese was introduced in 1970, a time of transformation in fashion, beauty, and societal norms. This fragrance embodied the elegance, adventure, and effortless sophistication that defined the Borghese brand, drawing inspiration from Italian heritage while embracing the modern, free-spirited woman of the era. It remained on the market for over two decades, with records confirming its availability as late as 1992, though its exact discontinuation date remains unclear.

The launch of Andiamo coincided with the early 1970s, a period that saw radical shifts in style and self-expression. Women were moving away from the rigid elegance of the 1950s and the mod aesthetic of the 1960s, embracing a more individualistic and liberated approach to fashion and beauty. This was the age of fluid, bohemian silhouettes, earthy tones, and an increasing appreciation for nature and sensuality in fragrance. Perfumery followed suit, transitioning from the heavy, opulent scents of the 1950s and early 1960s to more fresh, green, and spicy compositions—olfactory reflections of an era defined by both glamour and rebellion.

Andiamo fit seamlessly within this evolving landscape, offering a fragrance that was both sophisticated and bold, structured yet dynamic. The name itself—Italian for “Let’s go”—evoked a sense of motion, energy, and cosmopolitan elegance, perfectly suited for a woman embracing travel, independence, and a life well-lived. The composition, classified as a woody green floral oriental, was distinctive for its invigorating citrus opening, verdant floral heart, and warm, sensual base, balancing classic femininity with the confidence of modernity.

By the 1980s, as perfumery trends leaned toward powerful, statement-making fragrances, Andiamo’s rich yet balanced composition still held relevance. The rise of bold, spicy, and oriental fragrances in the late 1980s, such as Opium and Coco, likely influenced its continued presence in the market. However, as the 1990s ushered in a new wave of clean, minimalist fragrances, the demand for more transparent, aquatic, and sheer florals may have led to Andiamo’s quiet discontinuation.

Despite no longer being in production, Andiamo remains a cherished piece of olfactory history, a reflection of a time when fragrance was not just an accessory but an expression of confidence, sensuality, and the spirit of movement.