In 1915, deep in the backcountry of the Amalfi Coast in a town called Sant’Egidio del Monte Albino, Aniello Califano wrote what remains—more than a century later—one of the most famous Neapolitan songs of all time: “O surdato ’nnammurato,” which translates to “the soldier in love.” Thousands of versions of the love ballad have since been recorded, the best known being that of Anna Magnani, which is featured in the 1971 film La Sciantosa. The tune has become a sort of second national anthem for Italians, so it’s no surprise that Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana selected it as the soundtrack for their latest fragrance campaign. The commercial for Devotion by Dolce & Gabbana shows superstar Katy Perry living out the perfect vacation day in Capri. Think sparkling sunshine, clear blue water, sizzling island nightlife…and an equally sizzling appearance by actor Michele Morrone, who also stars in the campaign. We caught up with Perry in Italy to chat fragrance, fashion and il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing).

IN THE COMMERCIAL FOR DEVOTION, YOU IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A DREAM ITALIAN HOLIDAY. HOW WAS THAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOU?

“I actually brought my mom and my friends with me! The mood was really relaxed, warm and spontaneous—I think you can tell when you watch it. I was even able to enjoy a few local delicacies between scenes.”

THE AD FEATURES A FAMOUS NEAPOLITAN SONG. WERE YOU ALREADY FAMILIAR WITH IT?

“Yes, I knew it well, and what’s funny is that I had once been to the club you see in the commercial and had actually danced to that very song in real life!”

IS THIS YOUR FIRST CAMPAIGN WITH DOLCE & GABBANA BEAUTY?

“It is. I really admire Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s work. I love their bold, inimitable style and how their connection to their roots shines through in everything they do. They created this brand from scratch, and it has evolved so beautifully over time.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE DEVOTION, AND WHAT ABOUT IT APPEALS TO YOU?

“It’s a gourmand fragrance that’s very soft and sensual. There’s something really magnetic about it that makes you want to smell it again and again. I’m quite picky when it comes to smells, and I’ve never really veered away from certain notes. Devotion is my new go-to way to wear those scents I love so much.”

HOW DID YOU FEEL THE FIRST TIME YOU SPRAYED IT ON?

“I felt totally like myself. It’s a scent that’s really easy to wear. It’s delicate, youthful, a bit sweet… One spritz and you feel like you’re falling in love for the very first time.”

IT’S OFTEN SAID THAT SMELLS CAN UNLOCK FORGOTTEN MEMORIES. HAS THAT EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?

“It happens to me all the time, and it really is like travelling back in time. Scents have a way of making us relive certain emotions.”

SHOP

WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST SCENT MEMORIES?

“The smell of the ocean and the fresh salty air take me back to Santa Barbara, where I was born. There’s also vanilla, my all-time favourite scent, which I’ve been wearing in one form or another since I was 18.”

DEVOTION IS A DECLARATION OF LOVE AND GRATITUDE. WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS YOU’RE MOST THANKFUL FOR?

“My daughter, Daisy Dove, love and music.”

TO WHOM OR WHAT ARE YOU MOST DEVOTED?

“First and foremost, motherhood—and then music, which totally changed my life. I try to share that with others and give back through my Firework Foundation, which strives to empower children from underserved communities by igniting their inner light through the arts. Our most important project is Camp Firework, an artistic program set in nature.”

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT COME TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF ITALY?

“History, culinary excellence and fashion.”