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.

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...

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!

"Almost” disappeared, because one of the very few artisans in Italy left to carry on this technique is Maria Francesca Broggini, founder of Aembrosia, a very young and talented Italian craftswoman, who preserves and interprets the savoir-faire of gold embroidery by applying it to haute couture jewellery and luxury hair jewellery.