Perfume Culture Happenings never disappoint when it comes to meeting people who take a stance on ethics and aesthetics, especially in the ever evolving and often volatile perfume industry. Surely a reference in this sense is perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena, and it was through him and Roberto Drago—a pillar of the Italian niche perfumery—that I was introduced to Frédérique Rémy. We first met in Turin, during the 2019 edition of the Per-Fumum Torino event, and from the very beginning, she left a lasting impression.

Perfume capitals from Paris to London to NYC are buzzing with bold new openings — and some unexpected challengers. Where will the next scent revolution bloom? Dive into the latest retail happenings and celebrate 50 years of fragrance mastery with Carlos Benaim and Maurice Roucel in this month’s editorial.

Fragrances have embraced neurosciences. Backed by significant research, important discoveries impact perfume releases. Céline Manetta, Head of Human and Consumer Insight Innovation at IFF, explains their relevant influence.

We at Essencional are already in the festive spirit, so instead of a business feature, we’re wrapping up the year with a holiday-inspired romp… one that might be closer to reality than you think.

Our Content Director, Karen Marin, had a little fun with the classic poem, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas”. Sit back, get cozy, pour yourself a warm drink, and enjoy our festive fable. We hope it brings a smile and a laugh as you head into the holidays.

‘If I were not King of France, I would choose to be a citizen of Venice.’ – Henry III*

When one thinks about Venice, it is with a sense of wonder. This floating city, unlike any other in the world, veiled in mystery and secrets, was once the richest and most powerful empire in Europe and a bustling center for trade. Consequently, Venice played a pivotal role in the history of perfumery, a fact that is too little known. Enter the Vidal family. Not only are they native Venetians with ancestors among the founding families of the city, but they also have over a century of expertise in the fragrance and beauty sector.

What is a Perfume Expert, really?
In a world where anyone can add “perfume expert” to their bio, the true meaning of expertise is getting lost behind algorithms and confident hot takes.

From perfumers who’ve smelled thousands of raw materials to historians who have smelled Shalimar with civet, to critics who contextualize 2,000+ launches a year - real expertise is slow, layered, rigorous, and deeply human.

It’s chemistry and culture.
It’s history and intuition.
It’s communication and curiosity.

It’s experience.
It’s knowing what you don’t know.

The more we learn, the more the word “expert” regains its weight.
Until then, let’s celebrate the people who treat perfumery not as a trend… but as an art.

What does “expert” mean top insiders in the fragrance world? Contributing editor Ermano Picco tackles the question.