The beginnings of Nobile 1942's stories are filled with pride. They have intensively examined their virtues and vices in order to present a new collection of forward-looking and opulent fragrances.
The first fragrance, Rudis, is dedicated to a great virtue: strength.
Let's go back to ancient Rome. A young gladiator walks along the dusty road to the arena, gathering his last ounces of energy after numbing himself with fermented wine. He tries to dispel his fear as he talks to himself:
"For those who recklessly consider themselves brave, it is easy.
I, Mirmillone Actius, know what fate awaits me: death, blood and battle. Fear constricts my throat, my legs tremble, they refuse to move and prevent me from continuing on my way...
Why?
The sudden cry of the gladiator master, then a blow to the shoulder, followed by a sharp pain. I will stand in the arena in front of an audience in a frenzy. Their screams rain down on me, and I will be there all alone, with all my despair, surrounded by pure rage.
And I'm only 20 years old! But I won't give up!
The prospect of freedom outweighs all that... I'm just a slave, but I'm capable of earning a new life. I will turn the tension that paralyses me into strength.
My temples are throbbing, I feel more alive than ever before. Rudis is waiting for me.
I will use all my energy. I will fight with the fury of a wild animal and the dignity of an upright soldier. I know that the emperor will be watching me. It will be my moment to prove myself.
Oh, hated Rome! From the slave I was, I will become your hero."
The path to the goals we want to achieve is paved with obstacles that frighten us. Finding the strength to overcome our fear and face them becomes our greatest victory.
In keeping with its style, Nobile decided in 1942 to collaborate with an Italian perfumer, Antonio Alessandria, whose talent was just beginning to gain widespread recognition but had already proven itself many times over.
Here are his thoughts on the new fragrance:
In ancient Rome, ‘rudis’ referred to the sword used by gladiators in their training fights. It was made of wood because it was not meant to hurt. Nevertheless, ‘Rudis’ was also a symbol of freedom and values. The gladiator received it as a gift after proving himself worthy through victorious battles and was freed from his slave status.
‘Rudis’ literally stood for the beginning and end of a gladiator's career and life. It was an instrument, but also a symbol, something that did not hurt, but liberated.
The inspiration of the sword and the associations it evoked were to be incorporated into the composition in equal measure: strength and gentleness, struggle and freedom, life and death, masculinity and weakness.
For this reason, intensely rich leather notes, symbolic of the wooden sword, were contrasted with a chord of rose and geranium, whose metallic facets evoke the fighter's helmet and shield. The composition also represents the man who rises above fear and reclaims his own life by entering the arena. But fear is second nature to humans: before the fight, the gladiator numbed himself with a mixture of grape juice and fermented fruit. The first image that emerges from the composition is therefore that of a drunken man full of strength and ready to fight. He wears a leather garment to ward off and soften blows. He enters the arena and fills it with his charisma and dignity alone. The spectators watch him from a distance and from above, but they perceive him as a figure of statuesque grandeur. ‘Wearing “Rudis” means being aware of your inner greatness.’ Antonio Alessandria
The packaging
The packaging also comes from Italy and is the result of Nobile 1942's ongoing collaboration with renowned local manufacturers. This time, they have succumbed to the fascination of Florentine leather, its characteristic scent and its history... It is a handcrafted leather case in the colour of red sealing wax with the Nobile 1942 logo burned into it. It can be used as a case for pens, tobacco or cigars. Each craftsman signs his work so that it can be seen and receive the recognition it deserves.
