Exploring hidden corners of memory through fragrance is a fascinating experience.. surprising for some, deeply challenging for others.

Some memories, only seemingly forgotten, remain latently within us, "asleep" until a scent or a sound suddenly brings them back to life. As a guest of a private fragrance creation experience by Ephemera Firenze, I’ve come to understand that scent, along with sound, bypasses logic and goes straight to the brain, triggering unconscious and often unexpected reactions.

Perfume masters have always explored this peculiar feature of the human soul and turned it into a source of Beauty. With this in mind, I wanted to experiment: to create a made-to-measure perfume that not only reflected my personal taste of today [as I've already experienced] but was also built upon notes tied to clear, meaningful memories.

Among the Italian names in the running for the Oscars 2025, one stands out that sounds familiar; a name that brings to Hollywood all the values of true Italian well-made, and for this reason it is a source of immense pride for all of us: the Florentine goldsmith Bottega Paolo Penko, who crafted 530 jewels for the movie ‘Conclave’, directed by Edward Berger.

On the 25th of January, Scotland celebrates the life and work of Robert Burns (1759-1796), one of Scotland's most loved poets. A man whose lyrics tell the story of Scotland as no one else ever has.

Once again in the sublime frame of Villa Wolkonsky, the Roman residence of the British Ambassador to Italy, Sir Edward Llewellyn, this time to actively contribute to an exquisite Scottish feast! Here the British Embassy celebrated this day in the most traditional way.

A window onto the sun rising over the Cairngorm peaks, casting golden light over Scotland’s rugged landscapes, misty lochs, snow-capped summits, rolling glens, and all the marvels unfolding before the enchanted eyes of the Royal Scotsman’s privileged guests.

The anticipation for The Belmond Royal Scotsman Train to arrive at the platform at Edinburgh Waverley station brought with it a rush of excitement. We planned a very detailed and tight schedule, as we knew we had only a short, privileged, time to photograph Araminta Campbell's hand-woven campaign. Yet, beyond the task ahead, we also knew that we would shortly be stepping into a moving sanctuary that would deserve a tip-toe entry...

The Symposium event had exceptionally brought together all members of the SdB international network, including the team and core partners. Hence, in the days following the event, I accompanied the innermost circle on a sublime immersive experience throughout Florence, to open their minds and hearts and witness with their eyes (and with the palate!) what we stand and work for every day for! The first threshold we crossed was the one of the Maselli atelier in Via de’ Ginori, one of the beating hearts of Florentine Excellence from 1955.