Monégasque summer chic - Alex Simone Monte Carlo
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Dear readers, as the summer heat gradually settles in, so too does our desire for a relaxing holiday — long hours by the pool under a bright sunny sky, a chilled drink in hand, and a leisurely read unfolding against the backdrop of a luxurious resort. Tall palms, shaded cabanas, a soft breeze, and perhaps a boundless view of the sea all come together to create that ideal summer escape, the kind that allows one to rest, recharge, and momentarily step away from the noise of everyday life. Such a destination might be found in the Maldives or Santorini, yet one of my personal favorites is, without question, the French Riviera. Along its glittering Mediterranean coastline, one can experience many shades of summer vacation style, from the nostalgic charm of Saint-Tropez to the polished glamour of Monaco. And when it comes to Monaco, there is nothing quite as evocative as a fragrance that captures its unmistakable Monégasque spirit — something you can carry home as a lasting memory of the Riviera. If that idea appeals to you, then Alex Simone Monte Carlo is certainly worth discovering.
Photo source: Pinterest
Photo source: Pinterest
I first came across this luxury niche perfume brand not during my visit to Monaco, but some years later, when I encountered its elegant packaging and beautifully designed bottle. The polished luxurious celestial-blue paper box, the chic black bow tie that serves as the brand’s signature, and the elegant black grosgrain ribbon wrapped around the rectangular bottle all contribute to a look that feels modern, refined, and distinctly Monaco chic. The glossy silver faceted cap and transparent glass bottle complete the impression with quiet confidence and restraint.
Founded in Monte Carlo in 2016 by Eric Rousseau, the brand takes its name from the founder’s grandparents, Alex and Simone, as a tribute to family memory and the fragrance-filled atmosphere of childhood. In both concept and presentation, Alex Simone Monte Carlo captures a particular kind of Monégasque elegance: exclusive, polished, and effortlessly glamorous.
I first experienced their fragrances a few years ago, during the pandemic, when a discovery set arrived and felt like a rather chic and comforting invitation into this elegant Riviera world. My favourite was their “Villa Simone”, an Eau de Parfum launched in 2017 and created by perfumer Jean Denis Saisse. It opens with bergamot, mandarin orange, and citrus blossom, before revealing a floral heart of jasmine and cyclamen. In the base, transparent musk, sandalwood, sea water, and black pepper lend the composition both softness and structure. The result is fresh, elegant, smooth and quietly luxurious — the olfactory equivalent of a young dashing gentleman with a polished, princely flair, neatly groomed hair, a noble navy blazer, and a family crest tie worn over a crisp white tailored shirt and trousers, finished with a pair of navy suede yacht loafers. He appears perfectly at ease while lounging in a luxurious private villa in Monaco on a sunny afternoon, surrounded by the effortless charm of the Riviera. The fragrance carries the freshness of sunlit refinement, the poise of luxurious private villa elegance, and the quiet confidence of someone who is handsome, modern, and unmistakably well turned out.
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Meanwhile, “En Terrasse Eau Fraîche” offers a brighter, more energetic interpretation of the same Riviera mood; also created by perfumer Jean Denis Saisse and launched in 2021, it opens with grapefruit, tangerine, and petitgrain, then develops into an aromatic heart of tarragon, coriander, clove, clary sage, and lavender; its dry-down is gentle and refined, with nutmeg adding a subtle warmth to the composition. This is a fragrance with a more spirited, sportier character, yet it still retains its Monégasque polish. I can imagine it worn by a young polished gentleman in a lightweight blazer over a fine-knit polo, pressed white chinos, and a pair of polished white leather trainers, perhaps with classic sunglasses and a neatly folded pocket square. He looks as though he has just stepped off a yacht for lunch at the private yacht club, carrying the easy glamour of the French Riviera with natural charm and a youthful aristocratic flair.
After all, Monaco is a destination built on allure, and part of its magic lies in the way it turns luxury into a lived experience. Before you set off for that glittering corner of the Riviera, it is rather lovely to experience it first through scent. A fragrance like this perfume house may well awaken your imagination, and give your summer a more stylish, lingering trace of Mediterranean elegance.
Photo source: Pinterest
Cover photo source: Pinterest