From Sardinian Coasts to Japanese Charm: The Extrait Collection from Officina delle Essenze

The Italian fragrance label Officina delle Essenze is celebrating the debut of its first Extrait collection, consisting of the three unisex fragrances “Barocco”, “Shérdan” and “Geisha”.

L’Extrait de Parfum is a tribute to the most intimate beauty, with notes that reveal themselves slowly, layer by layer, offering a sensory journey that lingers on the skin for hours. Each perfume is a work of art, crafted from the finest raw materials and designed to become an integral part of one’s identity.

Officina delle Essenze

Shérdan – A walk along the Sardinian coast

For “Shérdan”, perfumer Maurizio Lembo was inspired by the wild coastal landscape of Sardinia and the ancient stories surrounding the island. The fragrance combines the maritime freshness of the sea with the austere beauty of the Mediterranean vegetation.

Shérdan – Officina delle Essenze

In the 13th century BC, the Shardana sailed the waters of the Mediterranean as legendary naval warriors, challenging the great empires of the time.
These warriors, recognizable by their helmets and large round shields, left a deep mark on the history of Sardinia and became a symbol of strength and endurance. Their legacy is still visible today in the ruins of the nuraghi, majestic stone towers scattered across the island that tell of an epic past full of courage and tenacity.

Officina delle Essenze

The first splashes of “Shérdan” exude maritime notes that are refined by the fine spice of star anise. An accord of seaweed and salty notes reinforces the maritime presence and is reminiscent of the salty breeze that blows along the rocky coasts of Sardinia. To capture the Mediterranean maquis, the heart notes of Virginia cedar, myrtle, thyme and gurjum balsam unfold into an intense, balsamic and aromatic bouquet. The fragrance is rounded off with warm tones of musk, patchouli and Indian sandalwood, which lend the composition depth and stability.

Barocco – The rebellious side of the Baroque

The second creation is Maurizio Lembo’s olfactory tribute to the spirit of Sicilian Baroque – an era full of drama and opulence that defied the norms of its time to create something radically new.

Barocco – Officina delle Essenze

Sicilian Baroque emerged in the 17th century as a reaction to the stylistic austerity of the time and represented a creative rebellion, an explosion of opulence and dynamism that transformed architecture, sculpture and decorative arts, infusing every detail with energy and theatricality.

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While the world conforms to a flat and unimaginative style, the Baroque rises up with irreverence, displaying irregular forms, scenic exaggerations and a profusion of ornamentation that subverts the rules.

Officina delle Essenze

The composition of “Barocco” begins with a fruity-sweet accord of orange and bitter almond, enveloped by warm accents of marzipan and Marsala wine. This is followed by creamy, opulent nuances of tonka bean and Peru balsam, which merge into the gourmand notes of candied fruit and caramel, enlivened by aromatic coffee aromas. In the background, fruity musk, earthy patchouli and tolu balsam unfold with warm amber notes to create a deep, sensual finish.

Geisha – Japanese elegance and grace

With “Geisha”, Maurizio Lembo pays tribute to the icon of Japanese culture – the geisha, a symbolic figure for  grace, artistry and strength.

Geisha – Officina delle Essenze

The geisha is more than a mere entertainer, she is a guardian of ancient traditions, a master in the art of dance, song and conversation. Through deliberate movements and graceful gestures, she embodies the essence of artistic beauty and poise, becoming a symbol of femininity that transcends superficial appearances.

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Historically, the geisha represents a form of beauty that is not limited to the visible, but lives in the details: a fan that opens delicately, a barely visible smile, a look that speaks without words. This mastery of transforming every gesture into a work of art makes the geisha a timeless icon of femininity and charm.

Officina delle Essenze

To capture the lightness and elegance of the geisha, the top note of “Geisha” opens with fresh, floral nuances of jasmine, orange blossom and rose geranium. The sensual tuberose unfolds in the heart, accompanied by exotic ylang-ylang, delicate thiare flower and creamy benzoin. The fragrance is carried by a warm base of guaiac, sandalwood and cedarwood, enriched with vanilla and amber, reminiscent of the tranquil atmosphere of traditional Japanese teahouses.

Officina delle Essenze

The perfumer and entrepreneur Maurizio Lembo is behind the Italian niche brand. His story begins in the 1950s, when his parents opened a small perfumery in the heart of Rome. It was here, among the shelves of the finest creations from Guerlain, Coty, Caron, Penhaligon’s, Creed, Chanel and Lanvin, that he developed his passion for exceptional fragrance creations.

Many years later, Maurizio decided to realize his own vision of fragrances. In 2021, he founded the label Officina delle Essenze, which is now appreciated beyond the borders of Italy for its high-quality and rich compositions.

The new fragrances are available in a bottle size of 50 ml.