Ecco by Princess Marcella Borghese was launched in 1960, a time when elegance, sophistication, and timeless femininity were at the heart of fashion and beauty. Advertised as a fragrance "for the eternal woman," Ecco was a reflection of grace, confidence, and effortless allure—qualities deeply associated with the Borghese name. Princess Marcella Borghese, a member of the prestigious Italian noble family, was known for her refined taste and passion for beauty. She built a cosmetics empire that fused Italian luxury with modern innovation, and her fragrances captured the essence of classic femininity while remaining contemporary and relevant to the era.
The name Ecco is Italian, pronounced "EH-koh", meaning "Here it is" or "Behold"—a declaration of presence, a moment of revelation. It evokes images of grandeur, poise, and arrival, as if announcing an elegant woman stepping into a room, instantly captivating those around her. The word suggests a flourish, an exclamation of beauty and confidence, making it a fitting choice for a fragrance designed for the woman who leaves a lasting impression.
The year 1960 marked the beginning of a transformative decade, bridging the glamorous sophistication of the 1950s with the youthful rebellion of the mid-to-late 1960s. This was a period known as the Jet Age, where global travel and cultural exchange were reshaping fashion and beauty. Women were still drawn to the polished refinement of the past, with tailored silhouettes, pearls, and coiffed hairstyles, but there was also an increasing shift towards freedom, lightness, and a fresh modernity. Perfumery reflected this transition—while the heady, opulent florals of the 1950s still dominated, new trends introduced lighter, airy compositions with aldehydic brightness and green, naturalistic notes, mirroring the growing appreciation for fresh, effortless beauty.
