Why Acca Kappa is in Oprah's list

If Oprah Winfrey ran for president, America would definitely vote for her. There is no doubt the queen of talk is deeply admired by many. So, it is no surprise that the items she picks for her O-list are sure-fire hits.

Just like Acca Kappa’s travel toothbrush and case. According to Oprah, "It’s the coolest way to get fresh on the go, and your smile will be as polished as the holder." Another item added to the O-list is Acca Kappa’s Eucalyptus toothpaste. Someone told me that after her show, this product was immediately declared out-of-stock in stores in the States. So, when two Pinays from New York come here for a vacation, they bought tons of this toothpaste. What’s all the fuss about this brand, anyway?

Well, Acca Kappa (Italian for the letters "A" and "K," the initials of owner Arthur H. Krull) is an Italian spa line from Treviso, Italy. The brand dedicates itself to the attainment of the body’s ultimate well-being with a collection of natural and "technologically" gentle products. You name it, Acca Kappa has every product you need that can soothe and pamper the body – from vegetable-based soaps, to classic wood brushes, to signature fragrances like White Moss, Calycanthus, and Cedar.

The items boast simple designs and lavish yet natural ingredients. Check out Acca Kappa’s White Moss line that includes fragrance, hand cream, shave foam, shaving cream, after-shave emulsion, deodorant, shampoo, shower gel, whirlpool oil, soap, and body lotion. I love the White Moss Acqua di Colonia because it evokes a Mediterranean or tropical feel. Made with lavender and juniper essential oils, the cologne has sensual notes of wood, amber, and moss. Men and women adore this unisex scent.

Recently, we sat down with Acca Kappa president Elisa Gera who talked about the brand’s philosophy, as well as the secret behind those Acca Kappa brushes.

Philippine STAR: How did the brand originate?

Elisa Gera: Acca Kappa was started by my grandfather. He came to Italy in 1869. He started working with bristles, and then he founded the company mainly on hairbrushes. About 20 years ago, when I joined the company, we started diversifying with toiletries and bath products. Our products have plain design and high quality. You could call them lifestyle products. We care about nature and the environment. What truly makes the brand unique compared to others is that we’re not just a toiletries brand but a whole bath-and-body care concept line.

What are your bestsellers?

It depends on the market. Italians like Cedar and 1869. In America, it’s the Calycanthus line. In Asia it’s the White Moss fragrance line, which is available in Four Seasons hotels worldwide.

What do you think is the reason for your company’s longstanding success?

We always believe in quality. We produce everything in Italy, so that we will have control of the quality of the products. Acca Kappa is a family brand, which makes it unique because it has history behind it. It’s not like any brand you can just find anywhere. Success can be credited to the positive energy of this 100-year-old family-owned business.

What’s the secret behind the brushes?

We have a very strong know-how and history behind them. Take, for example, the mixture of the bristles. We have a real recipe on how to make them. In fact, the bristles depend on different lengths, so that when you cut them, they become softer or stronger. We use beechwood from reforested trees because it is strong and has anti-static properties. The shapes of the brushes are very well-balanced so your hands won’t get tired using them. Our brushes last really long. They are (virtually) unbreakable.

What are the Acca Kappa essentials for males and females?

For men, I suggest the ebony brushes that we still make, as well as shaving brushes, Cedar fragrance and 1869. For women, the body lotions and vegetable soaps are nice. They are my favorites because of the texture, and they give a hint of fragrance.

Future direction?

We want to establish self-standing stores in major cities. We have a store at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas and it’s doing very well. We will open our first store in Hong Kong.

How would you describe the Acca Kappa experience?

Since Acca Kappa is a very old brand led by fourth-generation family members, it has an Italian flair and feel. The brand dedicates itself to the total well-being of the body. Acca Kappa is a welcome return to quality, luxury, and simplicity in beauty essentials for the body.

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Acca Kappa offers a full line of exotic soaps, bath crystals and oils, grooming kits and shaving products, colognes, and fragrances. Exclusively available at Rustan’s Essenses.