2025 . 12 . 17
‘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.
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2025 . 12 . 15
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.
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2025 . 12 . 15
Fragrance has always been at the heart of the rich culture of the Middle East, with roots dating back centuries. Today the region has a major influence on the tastes and trends in fragrance which extend across the world, and that’s why it’s viewed as a hotspot for innovation. An interesting look at how the relationship with fragrance is affecting the future in this part of the world.
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2025 . 12 . 15
Time was when the flacon holding the perfume was as much a piece of art as the juice inside, but today most brands go for sober and understated sameness which has little differentiation on the shelf. Here’s a look at a few limited edition exceptional flacons that would render any collector ecstatic with joy.
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2025 . 12 . 15
The Influencer culture as it exists today is a fairly recent phenomenon, although media and journalism has filled that role over the years. Is the backlash against Influencers – as paid mouthpieces - justified or is the onus really on the consumer to use their own judgement? A thought-provoking opinion piece.
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2025 . 12 . 15
Mohammed Abu Hajar is an extraordinary fragrance lover. His passion has led him to amass a collection of over 6000 bottles housed in a private museum in his home. Mohammed has been a friend of Essencional for several years, providing insight on Arabian culture and trends. In this article he shares personal stories of his life with fragrance.
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2025 . 12 . 08
How can I describe the nervousness that overtook me as I arrived at the Lorenzo Villoresi offices in Florence. I was about to interview the master, a formidable man recognized for his luxurious eponymous fragrance and lifestyle brand as well as his efforts to sustain and promote Italian excellence in artistic craftsmanship. Lorenzo Villoresi is a true Renaissance man who has knowledge in a broad range of subjects and skills in the fields of art, science, invention and writing. In fact, he was just awarded the title of Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere for Artistic Perfumery by the Cologni Foundation for the Métiers d’Art, and he joins the Libro d’Oro dell’eccellenza artigiana, which shines a light on the creators and artisans of Italy to recognize them as “Living Treasures” who promote the art and heritage of their country.
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2025 . 12 . 08
Before 2025 draws to a close, the big groups are flexing their financial muscles. This latest deal sees LVMH’s private equity fund take a minority stake in indie fragrance brand BDK. The infusion of capital will allow the brand to expand internationally and in retail, grow its Paris team and develop new products. (photo BDK Parfums)
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2025 . 12 . 08
Global Luxury Key opinion Leader Daniel Langer shares insight from his recent workshops where he asked CEO’s to name an emotion their brand creates in the mind of the client. In other words, what’s the emotional strategy? When everyone talks about quality and craftsmanship, how do you make your consumer feel? A great test for any brand.
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2025 . 12 . 08
The name Serge Lutens is both legendary and mythic, it’s the name of a man who has built an insiders’ fragrance brand, but who also had a career in fashion and beauty. Meet the man behind the brand as he speaks of his early career as well as his latest fragrance launch. (Photo: Serge Lutens)
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