Acqua di Parma was founded in 1916 in a small perfume factory in the center of Parma's historic old town, after which the company is named. At the time, the majority of commercial perfumes were much stronger and heavier in composition; so the unusually light and refreshing fragrance from Parma found wide success in Europe. In the 1930s the increasing popularity of the cologne led to an increase in production and the development of its distribution. The thirties and fifties are described as a 'golden age' for Acqua di Parma Colonia, which became very successful among members of high society. Now, Acqua di Parma is a symbol of Italian luxury, a lifestyle brand that produces fragrances, candles, bathrobes and leather accessories - all of them exclusively made in Italy.