Interview by Rita Bossi - Photographs Gabriele Ancillotti

Like father, like son. The art of perfumery is often a family legacy, and Luca Maffei knows this well. As the creative Italian force and ‘nose’ behind Atelier Fragranze Milano, which he co-founded with his father in 2011, Luca has been immersed in the fragrance industry since childhood. He grew up surrounded by the allure of the 1990s scent scene and the influence of industry legends. In a conversation filled with memories and meaning, Luca reflects on his perspective on fragrance, the future of artistic perfumery, and why “Made in Italy” still matters worldwide. “For me, scents are connections,” he explains. “They are instant, emotional, and profound. They link us to people, places, and who we are. Fragrance is one of the most powerful ways to evoke memories and identity.” Which Forte scents linger in your memory? “The aroma of lime trees stands out above all. It instantly brings me back to summers and vacations in Versilia—those afternoons spent in the pinewood of Forte. To me, it marks the beginning of summer.” N°8 from The Campomarzio70 Essential Blend collection pays homage to Forte dei Marmi. What was your inspiration? “Lime trees, of course. When I develop a fragrance, the name of the formula comes to me almost instinctively. Viale dei Tigli captures the uplifting essence of a summer day in Forte: happiness, tranquility, and brightness.” Tell us more about Atelier Fragranze Milano. “AFM is an independent fragrance house dedicated to prioritizing creativity. We collaborate with niche, fashion brands, as well as skincare, body care, and home fragrance lines. Our unique approach is rooted in dialogue: we co-create each scent with the client, beginning with raw materials and ultimately capturing the emotional essence of the scent. It’s a bespoke, custom-tailored process with every creation. You also work with Italian farms. What benefits do these partnerships bring? “We care deeply about our roots. Quality begins with origin—knowing the source of raw materials, how they’re grown, and who’s behind them. In 2024, we started multiple collaborations with Italian agricultural companies to promote distinctive ingredients like Iris Florentina and Bergamot.” You and Antoine Lie have signed the new Carthusia collection: Intenso. What does it represent to you? “It’s a tribute to Capri, while also aiming to reinterpret the Mediterranean tradition through a richer sensory experience. Basilico is refreshing yet surprising, Mirto exudes a warm sensuality, and Ginestra offers an enveloping bloom. Although they are three distinct fragrances, they are all crafted to leave a lasting impression.”