- Alba Chiara De Vitis Perfumer:
Alba Chiara De Vitis is a remarkable figure in the world of perfumery. Hailing from Lecce, she embarked on her fragrant journey at a young age, surrounded by the natural beauty of southern Italy. The wild blooms of flowers, aromatic plants, and the scents of the seaside in her homeland deeply influenced her, igniting a passion for botanicals that would shape her future.
Before delving into the world of haute parfumerie, Alba Chiara had an academic background that set her apart. She obtained a degree in mathematics and further pursued a Ph.D. in data analysis, machine learning, and AI at the Inria higher institute in France. Her master's degree thesis centered on molecular design and math as applied to chemistry, science, and life biology. This scientific foundation provided her with a unique perspective when she transitioned into perfumery.
In France, while engaged in analysis and artificial intelligence research work, she found herself surrounded by some of the world's most famous niche perfume boutiques. This exposure kindled her love for perfumery, and she began to combine her passion for theorems and molecules with the art and techniques of creating scents. Starting to design fragrances about eight years ago, she has since created over 50 fragrances for herself and has consulted on hundreds more for clients.
Alba Chiara is now the nose and creative director of the Parfumèide brand, an olfactory design atelier of the Florentine start-up Alchimia Essenze. She draws inspiration from the emotions she wishes to recreate in her perfumes. By crafting complex compositions, she aims to evoke specific feelings in those who wear her scents. For instance, her creations often tell a story or capture a particular moment, much like a piece of art.
The world of perfumery, to her, is a "secret garden." It's a place where she can blend the artistic side of creativity with the technical aspects of science. Since perfume has a close connection to chemistry, she believes that while one can work as an artisan, following scientific protocols is essential to create a top-quality, well-balanced product. She brings her mathematical precision and analytical skills to the table, ensuring that each fragrance she creates is not only artistically pleasing but also chemically sound.
In Florence, where there is a long-standing tradition of aromatic herbs and distilling natural extracts dating back to the knowledge of monasteries, Alba Chiara found a private perfume atelier laboratory. She was given permission to use their facilities, making weekend trips from France to work there. Eventually, she was so drawn to Florence that she decided to move to the city full-time, further immersing herself in the rich olfactory heritage of the region. Her work with Parfumèide reflects the influence of this Florentine environment, with scents that may incorporate local botanicals and the essence of the city's unique charm.
