Paolo and Tiziana Terenzi share insight to their three-generation perfume house, Cereria Terenzi
With the power to evoke emotions and memory, a fragrance personalised to one’s liking may go beyond mere olfactory pleasure. Artistry and precise craftsmanship are some of the factors that make up a perfume. And that’s where Cereria Terenzi comes into the picture.
A third-generation Italian perfume house helmed by two siblings, Paolo and Tiziana Terenzi, they are renowned for their expertise in the world of artisanal perfumery.
Spreading their perfumery knowledge around the world, the duo held an intimate session in Kuala Lumpur recently. Besides sampling the wide range of artisanal fragrances under Cereria Terenzi, guests had the chance to experience the art of fragrance layering.
Kirkè is the latest scent under Tiziana Terenzi, inspired by the goddess Circe. It is decadently sweet. What was the thought process for the perfume’s formulation?
Paolo: Crafting Kirkè was akin to composing a symphony, where every note was meticulously selected to reflect the transformative essence of the mythical Circe. Our inspiration stemmed from a captivating place just south of Rome, now a Natural Park, known for its breathtaking and historically rich landscape. We were captivated by these persuasive aromas and sought to encapsulate them in a fragrance that transports the wearer to the sensory beauty of this magical locale.
The fragrances within Cereria Terenzi are a work of art. Can you share more of what that means to you?
Tiziana: Every moment of life holds both joy and sorrow, light and darkness. It’s this imperfect tension within perfection that we capture in our fragrances. Creating a connection with a scent is the true strength of this art. Each creation stems from an emotion tied to its creator but becomes universal when it resonates with others who have felt similar emotions. This shared experience turns a personal feeling into a universal one, forming a deep connection.
Paolo: Perfumes communicate, evoke memories, and tell stories with a power and intensity unmatched by many other art forms. For me, perfumery is the eighth art. The craft of the perfumer is noble and ancient, requiring as much skill and experience as a master craftsman or music composer.
The Terenzi siblings Titiana Terenzi Paolo Terenzi
Cereria Terenzi has been running for three generations. Can you share with me more about the different labels under this olfactory house?
Paolo: Our drive to tell stories leads us to continuously evolve the image and presentation of each narrative, resulting in the creation of three distinct brands. V Canto tells tales from centuries of history at Gradara Castle. Giardino Benessere blends the Roman tradition of thermal baths with modern innovation and sustainability, placing the wearer at the centre. The inspiration for Tiziana Terenzi comes from our most profound and true emotions and memories, embracing the beautiful imperfection of life.
Tiziana: Our perfumes are not just fragrances but journeys through emotions and personal memories. The Tiziana Terenzi collection, for example, draws inspiration from travels, emotions shared around a fire, and life experiences, all encapsulated in the collection. It represents those periods in life when beauty captivates the soul, and a moment becomes eternal.
As perfumers, which ingredient is the best to work with and why?
Paolo: Nature is my favourite ingredient, and I incorporate it into all my creations! I would travel any distance to discover a new precious ingredient to enhance our fragrances.
Tiziana: Nature itself is our most powerful ingredient, offering an endless variety of essences. Our continuous exploration aims to expand our olfactory library with unique and excellent ingredients, reflecting our never-ending quest for discovery.
When it comes to fragrance layering, how do you go about it?
Paolo & Tiziana: Our creative process is almost never pre-defined; we let inspiration guide us without being constrained by deadlines, rules, or trends. Over 10 years ago, we decided to embark on a creative process based on the art of layering that could offer our loyal customers the same creative freedom.
We’ve created 11 constellations in the Luna collection of our brand Tiziana Terenzi. For each of them, we have created fragrances that encapsulate a part of the pyramid of the constellation itself. In this order, we are able to make the blend perfect and balanced, emphasising and enriching the precious stellar creations of the collection, with the aim of converging towards a more personal and seductive innovative and creative direction. Owning a constellation is like possessing the multiple possibilities of creating infinite fragrances thanks to the art of layering.
It could take up to ten years to figure out the right scent for layering. Can you tell me more about the process?
Paolo & Tiziana: Our perfumes are journeys through emotions and memories, starting from notes jotted down in old notebooks. The complexity of these scents requires time, patience, and deep reflection to be truly understood and appreciated. This extended timeline allows us to explore all possible alchemies. Over the years, these creations evolve, capturing life’s true essence with all its imperfections and tensions, making each moment truly beautiful.
What are some challenges you faced when introducing Italian fragrances to a different country with different values like Malaysia?
Paolo & Tiziana: The diverse cultural heritage and tropical climate shape a distinct preference for fresh, vibrant fragrances, which may differ from the more complex and layered scents traditionally appreciated in Italy. Hence, we are focused on adapting our offerings to align with local preferences while maintaining our brand’s sophisticated essence.
With Malaysia’s hot weather, what scents from Cereria Terenzi do you think are best suited for the modern man?
Tiziana: In Malaysia, the tropical climate and rich cultural heritage greatly influence fragrance preferences, leading to a strong liking towards fresh, vibrant scents. These preferences mirror Malaysia’s lush landscapes and vibrant urban life. With a wide range of sophisticated fragrances connected to nature, Tiziana Terenzi can cater to Malaysian tastes by focusing on olfactory choices that emphasise freshness and vitality.
