Santa Maria Novella

When most brands are striving to create the much-fabled emotional connection there is one in Italy that already enjoys a religious following. Based in Florence, Officina Profumo, founded by monks in the 13th-century, offers a range of natural, handmade, lotions, potions and herbal remedies.

With limited production, local sourced ingredients and rigorous production standards this pharmacy has much that other more-worldly brand owners can learn from.

Established by the Dominican Fathers shortly after 1221, Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Starting out with cultivating and growing herbs which they needed to prepare medications, balms and creams for the monastery's little infirmary.

In 1612 when their products gained renown even in foreign countries, it was decided that the pharmacy should be opened to the public. In the 18th century, thanks to the efficacy of the many formulas used, the fame of the pharmacy spread as far as Russia, the Indies and distant China. Subsequent to the Italian government's confiscation of church property, in 1866 the activity passed into the hands of the state, which rented it out to Cesare Augusto Sefani, nephew of the last Dominican director of the Officina.

Murdock offers an exclusive selection of the mens grooming products and key colognes  with the gentleman firmly in mind.