An Interview with Lorenzo Dante Ferro, Master Perfumer
Venice is a city whose very name instantly evokes a sense of beauty, tranquility, and refinement. From the iconic waterways to the grand architecture that bears the cultural weight of the city's long history, even those who have never visited are touched by its grace. However, few are aware of the city's inextricable link to the art of perfumery.
One man who understands the history and importance of the city's relationship with the olfactory arts is Lorenzo Dante Ferro. One of only 100 noses worldwide bestowed with the title of 'Master Perfumer', Lorenzo is frequently sought out to create bespoke compositions for illustrious individuals and celebrated institutions. Now with the launch of his first collection for the public market, we sat down to find out what makes his fragrances so unique.
Firstly, could you tell us a little about what it means to be a ‘master perfumer’?
In my particular case, a Master Perfumer is a Composer of olfactive notes whose goal is to create fragrances of originality with the finest qualities of natural essential oils and absolutes available. These prime ingredients are a reflection of the cultural values of various countries which are combined with masterful care to create a fragrance which is in good taste, of lasting quality and one which is an expression of more that forty-two years of international experience.
What was it that first attracted you to fragrance early in life?
I always lived with perfume. My mother was from Parma and my father from Venice and they and my grandparents all used Italian perfumes. Therefore, perfume for me was familiar – it was a part of my everyday life.
Your early training took place in Zurich and Grasse, two of the most respected, almost mythical regions in the history of perfumery. What lessons did you take from this formative experience?
Following my formal studies in Chemistry in Switzerland, I went to L’Ecole de Parfumerie Roure Bertrand Dupont which gave me the possibility with the system of Jean Carles, to create an olfactive memory of the various aromatic products. I also worked with Camilli, Albert & Laloue (Pfizer) extracting essential oils and absolutes from natural plants and flowers.
Do you remember the feeling when you created your first successful fragrance?
Absolutely! I was elated when an essential oils house I worked for in New York City received the first order for a very large batch of the fragrance composition I had created for Yardley Leather of London (USA).
Firstly, could you tell us a little about what it means to be a ‘master perfumer’?
In my particular case, a Master Perfumer is a Composer of olfactive notes whose goal is to create fragrances of originality with the finest qualities of natural essential oils and absolutes available. These prime ingredients are a reflection of the cultural values of various countries which are combined with masterful care to create a fragrance which is in good taste, of lasting quality and one which is an expression of more that forty-two years of international experience.
What was it that first attracted you to fragrance early in life?
I always lived with perfume. My mother was from Parma and my father from Venice and they and my grandparents all used Italian perfumes. Therefore, perfume for me was familiar – it was a part of my everyday life.
Your early training took place in Zurich and Grasse, two of the most respected, almost mythical regions in the history of perfumery. What lessons did you take from this formative experience?
Following my formal studies in Chemistry in Switzerland, I went to L’Ecole de Parfumerie Roure Bertrand Dupont which gave me the possibility with the system of Jean Carles, to create an olfactive memory of the various aromatic products. I also worked with Camilli, Albert & Laloue (Pfizer) extracting essential oils and absolutes from natural plants and flowers.
Do you remember the feeling when you created your first successful fragrance?
Absolutely! I was elated when an essential oils house I worked for in New York City received the first order for a very large batch of the fragrance composition I had created for Yardley Leather of London (USA).
As an independent perfumer, I am very pleased that “Amorvero” is now considered a great classic – this is the women’s perfume I created for the exclusive Hotel Hassler in Rome located at the top of the Spanish Steps.
What prompted the decision to open your own perfumery in the countryside near Venice?
I’m Venetian so I returned to the roots of perfume creation which began in 1555 - the same year the first formulation book on perfumes and cosmetics was printed: Notandissimi Secreti del’Arte Profumatoria written by Giovanventura Rosetti.
How does the art of creating bespoke scents differ from the process of creating commercial fragrance?
Apart from the art of composition, creating a personalized perfume also includes analyzing the cultural and sociological aspects of the specific request with the precise intent of creating a true market leader. Instead, creating a commercial perfume is more geared to developing a marketing effect but in doing so, I always aim on the fragrance becoming a trend setter as much as possible and always respect the tradition of fine fragrances.
Could you tell us a little bit about the I Profumi Del Mastro Profumaio collection and what it means to you?
In this exclusive collection, the Venetian element of perfumes is predominant with a full classic fragrance approach to their creation, utilizing natural raw materials for a limited production and distribution. This collection is dedicated to perfume lovers.
Finally, what next for Lorenzo Dante Ferro in 2016?
There are new bespoke fragrance projects in the works for delivery of the new perfume creations scheduled in 2016. We will also be adding some new fragrances to I Profumi Del Mastro Profumaio collection in late spring.
Most importantly, my Sorcerer’s Apprentice and nephew, Leonardo Ferro begins his third year as a Junior Perfumer. Also last but certainly not least, in a small town close to us, I discovered a truly talented, eleven yr. old “Mozart” of perfumes, who together with Leonardo will continue the 500 yr. old history of Venetian perfumes.
We'd like to thank Lorenzo for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with us. To see the full range of fragrances and purchase samples, visit our online perfumery here. Also for a limited time only, purchase one of Lorenzo Dante Ferro's fragrances and receive an exquisite rose scented soap, absolutely free.
What prompted the decision to open your own perfumery in the countryside near Venice?
I’m Venetian so I returned to the roots of perfume creation which began in 1555 - the same year the first formulation book on perfumes and cosmetics was printed: Notandissimi Secreti del’Arte Profumatoria written by Giovanventura Rosetti.
How does the art of creating bespoke scents differ from the process of creating commercial fragrance?
Apart from the art of composition, creating a personalized perfume also includes analyzing the cultural and sociological aspects of the specific request with the precise intent of creating a true market leader. Instead, creating a commercial perfume is more geared to developing a marketing effect but in doing so, I always aim on the fragrance becoming a trend setter as much as possible and always respect the tradition of fine fragrances.
Could you tell us a little bit about the I Profumi Del Mastro Profumaio collection and what it means to you?
In this exclusive collection, the Venetian element of perfumes is predominant with a full classic fragrance approach to their creation, utilizing natural raw materials for a limited production and distribution. This collection is dedicated to perfume lovers.
Finally, what next for Lorenzo Dante Ferro in 2016?
There are new bespoke fragrance projects in the works for delivery of the new perfume creations scheduled in 2016. We will also be adding some new fragrances to I Profumi Del Mastro Profumaio collection in late spring.
Most importantly, my Sorcerer’s Apprentice and nephew, Leonardo Ferro begins his third year as a Junior Perfumer. Also last but certainly not least, in a small town close to us, I discovered a truly talented, eleven yr. old “Mozart” of perfumes, who together with Leonardo will continue the 500 yr. old history of Venetian perfumes.
We'd like to thank Lorenzo for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with us. To see the full range of fragrances and purchase samples, visit our online perfumery here. Also for a limited time only, purchase one of Lorenzo Dante Ferro's fragrances and receive an exquisite rose scented soap, absolutely free.
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