When Suzhou meets Giorgio Armani

Pivoine Suzhou. [Photo/ Suzhou Daily]

The Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, southeast of Jiangsu province, became the focus in the world's fashion industry on Mar 11 after the new Armani perfume - Pivoine Suzhou - was unveiled.

The new fragrance is part of the Armani Prive perfume collection and draws its inspiration from the China's classic gardens and the peony, a traditional floral symbol of China.

The perfume's origins began when Giorgio Armani himself walked through the Humble Administrator's Garden to enjoy its beautiful scenery. He was apparently inspired by the fragrance of peony and was determined to invent an exclusive fragrance for China. And since the Humble Administrator's Garden was the source of inspiration for Pivoine Suzhou, the garden was an ideal place for Armani to show it to the world.

The peony flower symbolizes happiness, prosperity and grace, and provides a very femine scent. The new composition incorporates the flower's natural properties and gentle freshness of its lush petals.

The fragrance opens with notes of juicy mandarin, pink pepper and raspberry which when blended, ensures a spicy-fruity introduction to the scent. Floral notes of the peony flower are at the scent's core and are enhanced with essences of May rose, followed by amber, musk and patchouli.

Armani Prive Pivoine Suzhou now has gone on sale overseas and is expected to be on sale in China in May, with prices starting at around 1500 yuan ($239.4).

Present at the launching ceremony was Zhang Zilin, China's first Miss World, and world media including CCTV, Xinhua, Reuters, BBC, and the New York Times.