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.

An ode to well-made and consistency in detail. The outfit chosen for ‘Symposium’ was the result of a further combination of Excellences: stories of four #MadeInItaly realities.. plus one, an intimate and personal one, that I cherish in my heart.

A precious archive dress handcrafted by Antonella Rossi Atelier, unique earrings from the collection of Roman goldsmith Rossella Ugolini and the most exquisite pendant, inspired by one of Botticelli’s Graces, by Paolo Penko.

The exquisitely Renaissance-inspired hairstyle and make-up were created by the Eleonora Gentile Firenze Salon, a further Excellence to close the circle.

It's May 06th 2023; it's a rainy day in London, yet this doesn't stop the trumpets, shots fired, bells and notes of God Save the King echoing through the city. For those of us who observe from afar, it is the first time in history that we are allowed to observe everything.. really every-thing, down to the smallest of details, the subtlest of gestures. This is why, together with Maria Francesca Broggini, expert gold embroidery artisan, we can focus on the extreme Beauty of embroidery techniques applied to each component of the ceremony, along with their traditional (and very personal!) symbolisms!

A sublime collaboration between two historical Florentine realities could only lead to an equally superb creation of sublime refinement. On Friday 19th of May, now in its nineteenth edition, the Premio Galileo 2000 awarded 7 splendid prizes to illustrious personalities in the fields of culture, science, economics, art and music.

It is my duty to honour such a masterpiece of Florentine craftsmanship, created by four hands between the master goldsmith Paolo Penko and the looms of the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, two pillars of the artistic heritage of the city of Florence.

On a January afternoon kissed by a warm winter sun, I walked along the Villa Ada boundary wall until the beautiful Parioli neighborhood, where I reached Serena de Fiore's slow fashion atelier.
Between a pastry and a chat, the friends and entrepreneurs Serena de Fiore and Anna B. introduced us about their lines; two different but complementary fields, fashion and skincare, yet linked, both by the inescapable personal history of two cultured and refined businesswomen and, above all, by the hand-crafted nature and meticulous research.

Not all love stories are romantic and have a 'happily ever after' happy ending; some loves are destructive.
I am fond that you all know the story of the Trojan War, caused by an impossible love between Paride, Prince of Troy, and Elena, wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta.
Yet, do you know, according to the myth, what actually caused this obsessed love to such an extent that war broke out?
I have the pleasure to share this story with you through the latest precious creation by Federica Tessari: 'Alla più bella' [To the most beautiful] is the title of her latest, brilliant, wax creation, named after one of the most famous stories of Greek mythology.

I had the privilege of experiencing the behind the scenes of one of the most prestigious porcelain collections in the world: hold an item of Flora Danica and you hold a witness of Danish heritage in your hand.

By the moment you receive your piece of Flora Danica, it has passed through 30 pairs of hands. Artisans perform their savoir faire with delicate, methodical and sublime gestures that only true craftsmanship can offer!

For 59 years now, Royal Copenhagen's sumptuous flagship store, at number 6 on Copenhagen's central Amagertorv square, has hosted a Christmas exhibition that attracts visionary visitors and enthusiasts from all over the world. This 59th edition was the first I saw with my own eyes, accompanied though a delightful private tour to experience each 'Christmas Table' up close.