Once Upon a Time
“Once Upon a Time by Francesca Bianchi is a Oriental Vanilla fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a sweet, woody composition with a musky undertone. Voted best for fall and winter wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Francesca Bianchi launched Once Upon a Time in 2025 as a new chapter in her signature blend of natural and synthetic notes. This Oriental Vanilla fragrance opens with a sweet and powdery top, which gives way to a rich woody heart that carries hints of smoky leather and patchouli. The base is anchored by vanilla and musky undertones, creating an enveloping warmth that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
Francesca Bianchi’s approach to perfumery is deeply emotional, and Once Upon a Time captures the essence of comfort and memory. It’s designed to evoke a sense of familiarity and warmth, making it as much about feeling at home in your own skin as it is about wearing a scent.
Composition & Character
How It Wears
Application Tips
Once Upon a Time is best applied to pulse points for optimal warmth and longevity. The powdery top notes fade quickly, so a heavier application ensures the rich woody and smoky base notes come through clearly throughout the day.
Francesca Bianchi
Founding perfumer · 25 fragrances
Designer Francesca Bianchi
More from Francesca Bianchi
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The quiet intimacy of an old library where the scent of vanilla and leather-bound books intermingle, creating a cocoon of warm memories.
Fig. 01 — Once Upon a Time, Francesca Bianchi
Where to buy.
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