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...

For the private breakfast hosted for Symposium guests, Elena Matei [Tea Sommelier at the St.Regis, Florence] welcomed us with her sweetest smile framed by long blonde braids, gathered and adorned with butterfly pins; she prepared a sensory journey of nine curated blends accompanied by all sorts of sweet delights.

On Thursday 11 July 2024, in the sublime setting of the Poggio Casciano Estate in Chianti, my book 'Crafting Excellence' was officially launched.

Enveloped in a thousand emotions, we gathered with the friends, partners, and craftspeople who have made 'Crafting Excellence' possible; we enjoyed the magical summer sunset over the vineyards, sipping Ruffino 1877 wine and leafing through the freshly printed pages. The voices of cicadas and the summer breeze mingled with the clink of glasses toasting in front of the enchanting Chianti hills.

On Thursday 11 July 2024, in the sublime setting of the Poggio Casciano Estate in Chianti, my book 'Crafting Excellence' was officially launched.

Enveloped in a thousand emotions, we gathered with the friends, partners, and craftspeople who have made 'Crafting Excellence' possible; we enjoyed the magical summer sunset over the vineyards, sipping Ruffino 1877 wine and leafing through the freshly printed pages. The voices of cicadas and the summer breeze mingled with the clink of glasses toasting in front of the enchanting Chianti hills.

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.

On September 30th 2023, in the sublime frame of Palazzo Portinari Salviati in Florence, I organised the first edition of 'Symposium' by SprazzDiBellezza.

A private, intimate, beautiful experience shared with just a few people, with whom I am bonded by the, almost obsessed, desire for living immersed in Beauty and making life a work of art!.

Surrounded by a unique exhibition of works from the Florentine ateliers Cornici Maselli , Mosaici Traversari and Paolo Penko, with a glass in one hand and a 'cantuccio' in the other, wearing their best attire, guests bonded with each other, living an extra-ordinary immersive experience and strengthening this valuable community.

The Westin Excelsior Hotel, living witness of the sweet “Dolce Vita” of Via Veneto and the Turin-based maison of timeless perfumes Tonatto, created a sublime olfactory gallery that retraces a century of iconic cinema and makes it a whole new experience by making us 'feel' the smell of those scenes in the iconic lobby of the Roman Hotel!

This opening event was a true homage to the past grandeur, inviting guests to indulge in the sights, scents, tastes, and sounds of a bygone era we are all nostalgic about, ensuring that the spirit of the “Dolce Vita” lives on within the walls of the Excelsior Hotel.

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!