The MaxChat Fragrance Podcast (Max Forti)

Hello everyone and welcome to the Max Forti chat, Season 3, Ep.01.
For this season opener I wanted to go with something interesting and attention commanding. Nothing better than the somewhat ''controversial'' and conversation provoking book:
THE GHOST PERFUMER: https://www.theghostperfumer.com/

I had the pleasure to chat with author: Gabe Oppenheim to discuss some of the best fragrance creations over the last few decades in detail and their creators,  the ''hidden'' ghost perfumers as it were that made such timeless and incredible fragrances we enjoy so much. 

From boxing bout writer to fragrance aficionado, Gabe unveils some very interesting facts about one of today's most prominent and renowned perfume niche brands. Join us as we deconstruct, dissect and delve into this very interesting book to say the least! 

BOOK GIVEAWAY: 
Enter for a chance to claim a FREE and signed copy of this book (2 lucky winners). Here's how!
1) Listen and share this podcast episode with another fragrance aficionado.
2) Follow Max Forti & Gabe Oppenheim on Instagram. (@maxforti and @gabewords)
3) Tag at least two friends on Max Forti's Instagram post for this Giveaway.
4) Winner will be announced within a month's time at Max Forti's Instagram. 
Good Luck to all! 

 Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions and ideas to Max at: 
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 
 
We're just getting started! Stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming your way!  

Welcome to the Max Forti chat, Season 3, Ep.02.
 
For the second episode we’re talking with the founder and creator of a very exciting and game-changing niche perfume brand that took the art of perfume making to new heights:
 Scents of Wood:  https://scentsofwood.com/
 
 It was such an inspiring episode to chat with Fabrice Croisé and learn more about Scents of Wood, the creative process and upcoming projects…  

 Join the subscription program to discover the brand and enjoy 15 creations every year. This very captivating brand offers incredible value and a fantastic way to experience their creations prior to the actual releases.  

 Have a question? Want to be a guest? Say hello and/or send suggestions and ideas to us at: 
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 

We're just getting started! 
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming your way. 

Welcome to the MaxChat, Season 3, Ep.03
  
In today’s episode we’re chatting with Victor Wong owner & director of Zoologist Perfumes an innovative Canadian Niche Perfume brand:
zoologistperfumes.com  
  
From game-designer to perfume lover and brand founder, Victor Wong shared his journey and the creative process behind his enigmatic animal inspired creations, what sets the brand apart from other perfume brands and upcoming projects…  

 Have a question? Want to be a guest? Say hello and/or send suggestions and ideas to us at: 
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 

Keep it tuned in - We're just getting started! 
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming your way. 

He’s Entertaining, Interesting and Eccentric. Notice that I wrote in capital letters?! That’s because my guest is a Capital Perfumer with the full essence of the word with his incredible portfolio. He has a reputation that precedes him when it comes to creativeness and qualitative work. It was great fun and extremely educational to chat with Master-Perfumer: Christophe Laudamiel

TOPICS:

When/How did the Passion begin? 

The creative process, how to transpose emotions into a bottle! 

How to create? Do chaotic situations yield great creations/results? 

Getting to know DreamAir (www.dreamair.mobi)
Headed by Master Perfumer and Chemist-Inventor Christophe Laudamiel, DreamAir is a privately owned boutique company based in New York City with a satellite laboratory in Berlin-Germany. Our goal is to introduce new means of communication via scent. We provide haute fragrance customization, applications and technologies to play and display scents. 

The difference between creating commercial (mass-appealing) fragrances versus more intricate and unique ones.

Approaching some controversial topics of the ‘’corporate’’ world. 

Marketing gimmicks versus full disclosure and transparency! 

Consumer knowledge and learning how to buy fragrances the proper way. 

The state of the fragrance market and current releases. 

We also briefly discussed his perfume brand The Zoo:
 https://www.thezoo.nyc/

Have a question? Want to be a guest? Say hello and/or send suggestions and ideas to us at: 
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 

Keep it tuned in - more to come! 
We have a new episode every-other-week. 

He’s a teacher, creative director, writer and above all a fragrance lover and collector. Today we’re talking with Steven Gavrielatos aka Resolessence a fellow YouTuber for over a decade on the platform he shares his passion for fragrances in a very eloquent and educational manner through his channel with daily videos. In this chat we’re going to get to know him a little bit better and talk about his journey and other interesting facts  and perhaps even some ‘’controversial’’ fragrance industry topics… 

 TOPICS:

• When/How did the Passion begin? 
• Vintage fragrances / reformulations…
• A Museum of Fragrances?! 
• How fragrance transcends time… 
• Remembering Carlos (Brooklyn Fragrance Lover) 
• The favorite fragrance genres. 
• The creative process, current state of fragrance releases.
• Mass appealing releases VS unique and intricate ones…  
• Discussing the ‘’Fragrance Community’’, how and what has changed? 
• Navitus the brand and becoming the creative director and co-creator. 
• Forms of consuming fragrance information/content (Vlog, Blog and Podcast) … 

 Say hello to Steven here:
 https://www.youtube.com/c/Redolessence/videos

Checkout Navitus Fragrances here:
https://navitusparfums.com/

We're just getting warmed up - stay tuned for more. 
New episode every other week.  See you next Wednesday! 

It all started by ''accident'' from his father meeting one of the greatest perfumers of our time: Pierre Bourdon at an airport in which then took Julien under his wing which allowed him to learn the ropes and skills from a master-perfumer himself, where as he describes he was able to inspire us with his creations through the years as he says quite eloquently
‘’perfume is an art where you can express your feelings, emotions and memories…’’
As they say, the rest is history!
 
 Julien Rasquinet is a Belgian native and Parisian resident... He currently has over 100 creations under his incredible portfolio in which many are great hits. Including but not limited to:
Amouage Enclave, BDK Tabac Rose, Costume National Secret Woods, Creed Royal Oud, Frederic Malle The Moon, Masque Milano Russia Tea, Naomi Goodsir Cuir Velours, Zoologist Seahorse just to name a few.

TOPICS:

• The beginning…  (Early memories of favorite perfumes)
• Apprenticeship with Pierre Bourdon (learning from the best) 
• Creative process.  
•  State of the fragrance world - current releases…  
• What to expect going forward (what does the future bring?)
• Creed Royal Oud ‘’is this a real oud fragrance?’’
• Talking about Creed success and Pierre Bourdon’s creations! 

Say hello to Julien:
 https://www.instagram.com/julienrasquinet/

 
Stay tuned for more chats coming your way! 

Season 3 - Episode 7: Sarah Baker

Artist and Creative Director Sarah Baker works with some of the world’s most daring and innovative noses to create distinctive, gender-optional fragrances drawing on a myriad of inspirations. Sarah Baker works closely with carefully selected perfumers—all of whom are named on each fragrance—in a process of mutual inspiration and creativity to arrive at exclusive, luxury fragrances.  Each one is an insight into the imaginations and craft of today's cutting-edge olfactory talents who know just how complex, sensual and game-changing fragrances should be. ​ ​ 
 

CHAT TOPICS:

• The beginning…   
• Creative process.  
• Current Collection overview.   
• Up-coming releases and projects
• The art of perfumery, the journey. 
• Ingredients - what’s the brand’s signature? 
• Trends and Social Media.

Find Sarah Baker Fragrances at:
 sarahbakerperfumes.com

Want to chat, have ideas and/or suggestion or have a question - email: 
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com

Stay tuned for more Season 3 episodes coming your way! 

In this episode we have Pierre Guguen, a gentleman who has two passions - music and fragrances. Hence the creation of L’Orchestre Parfum, depicting the instruments, artisans, musicians and music genres which inspire note-perfect perfumes '‘to smell and listen to…’' 
In this chat we’ll learn a bit more about the man behind the concept and we’ll learn about the creations themselves...  
So, get comfortable, listen and enjoy! 

TOPICS:

• How it all started…   
• Creative concepts with Comme des Garcons to the L’Orchestre Parfums brand.  
•  The bridge between music and fragrances… How the two are linked! 
• The universal language of the heart ‘’Music and Perfume’’ the similarities they share!
• What is the smell of music??? 
• Current Collection overview.   
• Why L’Orchestre Parfums is a Fragrance ''Band'' and not just a Fragrance Brand.
• The Newest launch Vetiver Overdrive - (Capturing the Blues genre) 
• The online landscape and collaborations - what's next? 
• Enter NFTs - Non-fungible token in the fragrance industry… 

Discover L’orchestre Parfums Fragrances at:
https://www.lorchestreparfum.com/us/

Stay tuned for more chats coming your way! 

Today we have the pleasure to chat with one of the most talented perfumers of our time: 
Geza Schön – he’ll take us through his journey when it all started, upcoming projects and curiosities about his passion and about himself. 

He is a German master perfumer, based in Berlin. He trained at Haarmann & Reimer and has worked with great brands such as: Clive Christian, Diesel, Ormonde Jayne, FCUK, biehl parfumkunstwerke, and Boudicca to name a few... In 2006, Schön created the brand Escentric Molecules, a perfume brand highlighting single molecules which took the perfume world by storm and is a very sought-after and respected line.

Topics: 

• How his passion got ignited!
• Talking about risk-taking and perfume compounds. 
• Is the market lacking courage to dare? 
• The market evolution through the decades… 
• Diving into iso E Super
• The Ormonde Jayne years…
• What will be the next best thing?
• Trying to achieve uniqueness is a saturated market…
• Perfumer’s fragrance palette suffered deletions that are irreplaceable! 
• A meaningful conversation… 
• Upcoming releases! 

 Discover Escentric Molecules:
 https://www.escentric.com/

Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas to Max Forti at:
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com
 

Stay tuned for more chats coming your way…  

Welcome to the Max Chat Season 4:
In this fourth season opener episode, I had the pleasure to chat with multi-talented perfumer and chemist Aaron Terence Hughes. He has disrupted the market with his long-lasting, intriguing and powerful fragrances some with their polarizing names such as: Slut, Boss Bastard, Boss Bitch... 
However, the fragrances are much more than just a thought-provoking name – there’s so much more to these compositions than meets the eyes (or nose)...  
 
I am also happy to report that Aaron have won the ScentXplore People’s Choice Award in the category: Rising Star Perfumer 2022
https://scentxplore.com/awards/

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:
·       How his passion got started... From UK to the world!

·       Favorite notes and compounds 

·       What fragrances inspired Aaron at an early age... 

·       The Collection 

·       What’s to come - Other elements rather than just fragrances! 

·       Upcoming NEW Releases... 

·       A New Direction! 

·       Surprise Announcements... RAW!

·       Be kind to the art and respect people’s individualities...

Discover Aaron Terence Hughes Fragrances:
https://aaronterencehughes.co.uk/

Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention:
https://scentxplore.com/

Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas to Max Forti at:
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com

Stay tuned for more chats coming your way… We’re just getting started! 

In this second episode of our fourth season, I had the pleasure to have an outstanding conversation with Blackcliff’s Parfums brand founder Tomlinson Bynoe and Perfumer Kyle Mott-Kannenberg.
 Blackcliff is a Barbadian brand that offers exotic and bold fragrances that are both inspirational and powerful, outlining the breathtaking landscapes and elements of the Caribbean island... 
   
I am also happy to report that Blackcliff Parfums will be gracing us with their incredible creations at ScentXplore 2023 – 5th Edition, featuring an exclusive release!

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:
·       Ethos of Blackcliff Parfums

·       Barbadian roots 

·       Perfect Synergy between Perfumer and Creative Director 

·       The Current Collection (Brand's Portfolio)

·       Last five releases  (Introduced at ScentXplore 2022)

·       Upcoming NEW Releases and beyond... 

·       Exclusive ScentXplore Blackcliff Parfums Release (the scoop)

·       Curiosities about the brand and its creative processes 

 Discover Blackcliff Fragrances:
 https://blackcliff.com/
 
Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention – In-Person or Virtual – Register Here:
https://scentxplore.com/
 
 Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas to Max Forti at:
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com
 
 Stay tuned for more chats coming your way… We’re just getting warmed-up! 

In this episode a topic that is generally ignored but should most definitely be taken seriously. I had the pleasure to meet Roques in Oman and discover his incredible role and work in sourcing of ingredients in a very diligent and sustainable manner for the past thirty-plus years.
Dominique Roques has been sourcing essences and extracts for the perfume industry for over thirty years. He was the head of sourcing at Firmenich, a leading developer of perfumes for the world's top fragrance luxury brands. He lives in Paris, France.
   
Dominique has written incredible books on this subject, including the latest:
In Search of Perfumes: A Lifetime Journey to the Source of Nature's Scents 
Which I highly recommend for those that want to learn the ins/outs of the fragrance sourcing industry - In this intoxicating concoction of history, travelogue, and memoir, one of the perfume industry’s leading scouts of natural ingredients tells the story of the precious ingredients needed to make the fragrances we cherish and love...

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:
·       In search of fine raw ingredients for fragrance making

·       How has the industry changed over the years

·       How he became a raw-material provider/purchaser 

·       Discovering countries and their marvelous materials 

·       The magic of perfume materials: Benzoin/Oud  

·       Favorite perfume notes and upcoming perfume trends 

·       Favorite Fragrances to wear

·       Most expensive PURE raw materials 

·       Where are the materials ‘’really’’ coming from? 

 ·       The proverbial argument - Natural vs Synthetics  

 ·       Upcoming ‘’new compounds’’ and new created/developed notes 

·       The never-ending competition of the juggernaut leading companies 

·       Aware/educated consumers pushes the industry for quality 

·       Banned products (what’s the ‘’REAL’’ reason?) 

·       Untapped materials – have we discovered and exhausted all palettes? 

 Discover Dominique Roques works and learn about raw ingredients:
 https://www.amazon.com/Search-Perfumes-Lifetime-Journey-Natures/dp/0063297957/ref=asc_df_0063297957/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642050477967&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8641094386709735549&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003430&hvtargid=pla-1933214095651&psc=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw-IWkBhBTEiwA2exyO746R4Oov-7lEXuGeC7wNHziS6dE0Du2heaBFXiTqxaWUP0TIdYKNRoCia8QAvD_BwE
 
 Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention – Register Here:
 https://scentxplore.com/
 
 Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas here:
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com
 
 Stay tuned for more chats coming your way…   

She is a world-traveler and a multi-cultural and multi-talented artist. Meet Eva Petrič, born in Slovenia, she lives and works between 3 cities: New York City, Vienna, and Ljubljana, creating interesting works in photography, video, performance, poetry, installation, writing and perfume blending...

In today’s episode we’re going to delve in her works and most specifically in her
DBE Fragrance creations – ‘’Databank of Emotions’’ fragrance line. 
   

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:
·       Early beginnings (from ballet in India to multi-artist) trans-medial artist 

·       The power of Fragrances

·       Absorbing the many cultures by living in various countries 

·       Development of fragrance palette and the art of layering 

·       The birth of DBE – ‘’Databank of Emotions’’ Fragrance Brand  

·       The Magic of perfume blending and the effect they have on us! 

·       The Transcendental art and aspect of perfume in our culture... 

·       How fragrance is innately connected with memories and emotions!

·       The struggles, challenges and process to create as a small and self-funded brand 

 ·       Upcoming projects and new releases (NEW LINE)!  

 ·       Favorite compounds, notes and ingredients to work with...  

 ·       The future of fragrances and fragrance creation!  

 Discover DBE Fragrances here:
 https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/c/designers-a-z-dbe-by-eva-petric-cat704417

 Say Hello to Eva on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/eva_petric_angel_hound/
 
 Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention – Register Here:
 https://scentxplore.com/
 
 Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas here:
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com
 
More chats are coming your way… Stay Tuned!  

In this episode we get a little ‘’personal’’ with Michella Curly aka curlyfragrance on YouTube. She has made an impact during the pandemic and never looked back. Today her fragrance channel is one of the most viewed which has a very fun and ‘’fresh’’ approach.  Let's delve into her journey and find out what's next for her on this chat... 

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:
·       Where did her journey begin... 

·       Making and impact and changing the game of fragrance reviewing. 

·       Fitness first, Fragrances last!  

·       Fragrances from the past – stealing sprays! 

·       Favorite current fragrances...   

·       Discussing other passions.  

·       Fragrance Review Evolution on YouTube... (who came before and what’s to come)

·       The challenges of becoming a YouTuber! 

·       What will the future bring? (Fragrance reviewing) 
 ·       BREAKING NEWS! Releasing her own fragrance line?!?   
 ·       Her favorite fragrances of all time!
 ·       Most hyped brands and fragrances... 

·       Advise for those that would like to start a fragrance channel...
 

 Discover CurlyFragrances here:
 https://www.youtube.com/@CurlyFragrance

Say Hello to Michella on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curlyfragrance/

Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention – Register Here:
https://scentxplore.com/

Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas here:
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com

Stay tuned for more chats coming your way… We’ve reached the half-way point!   

In this episode let’s discover Blocki Perfumes  - A niche brand that hails back to the 1800’s and was reinvented as a brand in 2014 which honors historic compositions with a contemporary flare! In today’s episode we’re chatting with brand founders, Tammy and Tyler Kraemer and joined by their marketing director LC James.  

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:
·       America’s very first niche brand? Where did it all begin... 

·       John Blocki, from Chicago 1865 to the world!  

·       Founding the manufacturing of perfumery in the USA  

·       Rekindling the past with modern components.

·       Delving into the Blocki’s Fragrance Portfolio.    

·       2014 the rebirth of the legacy... 

·       New Release(s) and what’s to come.

·       Creative process until achieving the final fragrance! 

·       The full circle of vintage resurgence... 

 ·       The passion that connects us to the circle of people we’re meant for.
 
 

 Discover Blocki Perfumes here:
 https://www.blocki.com/collections/fragrances
*Discovery sets will grant you the full-value towards a full bottle!

Say Hello to Blocki Perfumes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blockiperfumes/
 
 Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention – Register Here:
 https://scentxplore.com/
 
 Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas here:
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com
 
 Stay tuned for more inspirational chats coming your way!

Today we have to pleasure to chat with Carlos Huber Arquiste Parfumeur’s brand founder. Carlos was drawn to Mexico's architecture and history, and is an avid passionate traveler since young, Carlos Huber first pursued the study of architecture and historic preservation at prestigious universities in his hometown of Mexico City, in Paris and New York, where he graduated with honors in Historic Preservation at Columbia University. His diverse experience includes meticulous residential and commercial projects as well as art installations concerned with the interpretation of historic sites.

Turning to his longtime love of perfume, Huber was mentored by master perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux, studying perfume history, evaluation and fragrance development. Bridging the worlds of architectural and perfume history through the lens of restoration led him to collaborate with Rodrigo Flores-Roux and perfumer Yann Vasnier to create ARQUISTE®, developing scents that restore authentic historical experiences and cultures that are translated into inspiring and transportive fragrances.

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:

·       Influences of various cultures and places on the brand.  

·       How the brand got started!   

·       Comradery and affinity with perfumers.

·       Rodrigo Flores-Roux’s pivotal impact on the brand’s birth. 

·       What’s next?! Up and coming release(s).    

·       The creative process.  

·       Delving into the portfolio... 

·       The NEW refined candle collection. 

·       The transitional state of the niche perfume industry!

·       How has the market change over the years...

·       Other passions and hobbies... 

·       Creating something special that brings people together!

 Discover Arquiste Parfumeur here:
 https://arquiste.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI87eZkfungAMV7URHAR1iVAUuEAAYASAAEgLayfD_BwE
 
Say Hello to Carlos on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/arquistecarlos/
 
Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention – Register Here:
 https://scentxplore.com/
 
 Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas here:
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com

Stay tuned for more inspirational and exciting chats coming your way…  

Today we have to pleasure to chat with Jordi Magrans founder, perfumer and creative director of this family-owned brand that hails from Spain and started with his great-grandfather (an herbalist) back in 1948. 

Almah Parfums 1948 is a Barcelona-based brand founded in 1997. The main business of the brand is the production of natural essential oils and compounds with its factories in Barcelona, Spain and India. The brand's first personal fragrance collection was announced during Pitti Fragranze in 2019.

Join me as I take a deep-dive in this riveting conversation to learn more about their heritage, offerings and creative processes. 

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:
·       The heritage of the brand.   

·       Sustainability of ingredients.   

·       Understanding their portfolio. 

·       The importance of the ‘’juice’’.

·       Colors, sensations, emotions that are evoked by scents.

·       The ‘’gamble’’ and ‘’blind buying’’ culture...  

·       How to stay relevant and unique in today’s niche market.

·       Expanding to the States... 

·       The extrait the parfums collection 
 ·       Almah home collection (room scents, etc.)
 ·       Upcoming New releases!
 

 Discover Almah 1948 here:
  https://almah.com/ 

Say Hello to Almah on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/almah_parfums/
 
 Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention – Register Here:
 https://scentxplore.com/
 
 Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas here:
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com
 
 Stay tuned for more inspirational and exciting chats coming your way…  

Today we receive a great guest Serhat Okyay to discuss a very interesting brand. Unique’e Luxury Perfumes. A brand that pride themselves on utilizing only the finest ingredients available to create refined, luxurious and captivating niche fragrances...
 
Unique’e Luxury hails from Turkey, the brand was founded by Muhammet Serhat Okyay and Selim Özen. Their first collection of fragrances was releases in 2018 and created in collabration with perfumers:
 Jorge Lee, Sylvain Cara, Selim Özen, Hüseyin Erdoğmuş, Bihter Türkan Ergül and Gökhan Şimşek to name a few...

Let’s delve into this brand together in this enticing fragrant conversation.

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:
·       The Unique’e Luxury Way!   

·       The evolution of the brand...   

·       What makes niche, niche?

·       Exclusivity, Quality and Limited Quantity.

·       Upcoming New releases!

·       Looking into the future of Niche Perfumery...  

·       Connecting with niche perfume lovers and connoisseurs. 

 Discover Unique’e Luxury Perfumes here:
 https://uniqueeluxury.com/
 
Say Hello to Unique’e on Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/uniquee_luxury/
 
 Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention:
 https://scentxplore.com/
 

Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas here:
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com
 
Stay tuned for more exciting chats coming your way…  

For this season finale we have the pleasure to chat with Bernardo Möller (House of Bō) brand founder along with his life and business partner Giancarlo Perez. The brand hails from Miami, Florida. 

House of Bo is a gender-neutral brand which has worked with world renowned Perfumers utilizing highest quality of raw, natural & sustainably sourced ingredients.

The brand’s ethos is to celebrate the ‘’rawness’’ of nature in its natural and unaltered form. The house of Bo ‘’the house of the Beautiful’’ has made some incredible strides within the fragrance industry in such a short time-span. We’ll delve into the brand in this chat.  

TOPICS OF THIS CHAT:
·       Understanding the brand’s vision/ethos   

·       The collections – brand overview     

·       Revamping the OG collection (New Parfum concentrations)  

·       Creative processes along with the perfumers

·       Inspirations behind the creations! 

·       Fragrances are bottled emotions.   

Discover House of Bo here:
 https://houseofbo.co/
 
Say Hello House of Bo on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/houseofbo.co/
 
Be a part of ScenXplore - The World's First International Hybrid Niche Perfume convention – Register Here:
https://scentxplore.com/
 
Have a question? Want to be a guest? Send suggestions or ideas here:
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com
 
This is our Season Finale! It has been a great season - Thank you for your support!    

Find out what The Max Forti Chat is all about... 

My guest today is: Roger Bird, we all know him as ROJA DOVE.
Director and creator to one of the world’s most prolific and sought after high-end Niche fragrance brand: Roja Parfums 

In this podcast we’ll learn a bit more about Roja Parfums history, up coming projects, future releases and of course we will get to know more about Roja himself on a very fun and interactive rapid fire session - stay tuned and enjoy…

My guest today is: Dariush Alavi, novel writer, movie buff, author of Le Snob Perfume guide the book, four-time Jasmine award-winning perfume critic, featured at BBC, blogger and YouTube reviewer with Persolaise. 
In this podcast we’ll learn a bit more about Persolaise, his book and he'll share his thoughts on the world of fine fragrances. Enjoy! 

From Basketball player to model for the prestigious brand of Ralph Lauren and now creative director and brand owner of niche perfume brand ''World of Chris Collins''. 
In today's podcast we're going to delve into the World of Chris Collins. We'll learn about the brand, the offerings and the man behind it all... 
Also what the future holds, upcoming releases and much more! 
Enjoy and stay tuned for more.

Today I have the pleasure to talk to Renaud Salmon the new Chief Executive Director with Amouage. With an extensive resume, he worked with great brands such as: Dolce&Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs just to name a few. He is now embarking on a new journey with Amouage, taking over the very successful Christopher Chong years. Renaud has some big shoes to fill... Let's talk Amouage and what's to come! 

Today I have the pleasure to talk to one of the best noses of modern-day perfumery. She has an extensive and impressive portfolio of incredible and groundbreaking creations. My guest is French-Armenian perfumer Cécile Zarokian! 
Cécile Zarokian graduated from ISIPCA, she was trained for four years in Robertet, at first in Grasse, then in Paris. She was still a trainee when she created her first fragrance, Amouage Epic Woman. In 2011, Cécile decided to found her own company and to set up her laboratory in Paris as an independent perfumer. In this podcast we'll talk future of niche perfumery, niche projects, social media role (Fragrance Community) and we will get an insight prospective from a master-perfumer. Enjoy! 

He worked for Yves Saint Laurent, Shiseido, Issey Miyake, Cartier, Jean Paul Gaultier  just to name a few of the brands... He moved to Australia in 2014 and after falling in love with the nature and landscape of the land down-under he founded Goldfield&Banks in 2016. 
My guest today is Dimitri Weber and he will share details about niche fragrance brand Goldfield&Banks, future releases, niche perfumery and more... Enjoy! 

In today's MaxFortiChat I have the pleasure to chat with fellow YouTuber, Fragrance Reviewer and Niche brand owner Dan Naughton aka MrSmelly77. In this episode we'll learn about Dan's passion for fragrances, his new brand venture Naughton&Wilson Gravitas and we'll discuss fragrance community, grey market and fragrance cloning... Enjoy! 

In today's episode I'm joined by Alessandro Brun, professor, musician and most importantly the creative mind of one of the most innovative and quality niche brands of modern day perfumery, Masque Milano.
Alessandro Brun will share his thoughts on the state of today's niche perfumery industry, luxury brands, upcoming releases and he'll go over the four acts of his proud collection of Masque Milano fragrances. Enjoy! 

Today I'm joined by Nick Steward, former creative director of one of my all-time favorite niche brands: L'Artisan Parfumeur, he'll share some great stories and past releases he was involved with. 
Nick Steward will share his thoughts on what is true niche, we will discuss pivotal niche brands of the industry that truly started the niche movement we all come to love. We'll talk upcoming releases and what we can expect from Gallivant as the brand evolves. Enjoy! 

Today I'm proudly joined by Kierin NYC brand director: Mona Maine de Biran.
In this episode we'll be discussing the state of Niche Perfumery in the US, Kierin NYC future projects and NEW releases.
Kierin NYC is an indie niche brand - independently owned and operated. The brand depicts real New York City stories illuminated in their fragrances - each scent in the collection shares a story of inspired individuals living a modern, urban lifestyle in the BIG APPLE! 
Kierin NYC fragrances are clean, conscious, cruelty-free, vegan, sustainably sourced and recyclable. The brand is one of the very few fragrance brands listed with PETA.ORG as 100% cruelty-free and 100% vegan. Genderless but Never Generic. KIERIN NYC fragrances are unisex and made for bold individualists and always for all... Enjoy! 

Today I have the pleasure to chat with president and CEO of the Perfumer's Workshop Donald Bauchner to learn about a company that started back in the late 60's and is essentially one of the first ''niche perfume brands'' we'll learn about the timeless Tea Rose brand as well as their flagship niche brand founded in 2016 AMOUROUD. 
We'll discuss niche perfumery, Oud variations, their collections, upcoming releases and much more... 
If you love fragrances, brace yourselves this is an episode you don't want to miss. Enjoy!

Today I'm joined by musician, fragrance lover and a personal friend Kristen Capolino. 
She has been a musician since the tender age of thirteen. Smiley, cute, petite. Kristen Capolino looks like she could be a high school cheerleader. But put a guitar in her hand and she will kick your ass! (Quote from The Guitar World).
With a few Cd's and Albums under her belt she had the privilege of sharing the stage and recordings with a variety of guitar greats and legends including: Slick, Les Paul, James Burton, Michael Schenker, Al DiMeola, Steve Lukather, Jennifer Batten, Doug Pinnick and Wyclef Jean, just to name a few.
Find out more about Kristen Capolino and her Mondial Music Tour at: 
https://www.kristencapolino.com/
If you love fragrances and music this is one for the books. Enjoy!

Have you ever wondered how fragrances are made? What is the process that they must undergo before they are ready to be enjoyed? 
My guest today is Adrien from Bastide Fragrances, located in the perfume capital of the world: Grasse, France. 
We're going to discuss compounds, ingredients and niche perfumery. Join us to find out a bit more about these lovely scented potions and how exactly they are made... Enjoy! 

My guest today is a part of the ''Fragrance Community'' on YouTube, she has been a fragrance critic/reviewer/entertainer for the past year and a half. With her bubbly and quirky style she is one of the top women fragrance reviewers on the platform. There's a lot more the Curly Scents though (Andrea Charls) is a singer-songwriter and an entertainer. 
Born and raised in the exotic and beautiful island of Cyprus, she currently resides in  Boston, MA. 
Andrea has worked with many iconic artists such as:
Annie Lennox, Javier Limon, Pepe de Lucía, José Mercé and Mario Frangoulis just to name a few. 
Sit back, relax and listen to this nice musical and fragrant chat with our own Curly Scents. Enjoy!

My guest today is the managing director of one of the most prominent and fast growing niche perfume brands in the world: Parfums de Marly. 
Yvan began his journey with the Parisian brand back in 2009 and the rest is history. Over the past decade, Parfums de Marly has released many successful fragrances including some of ''FragComm's'' favorites and most sought after ''juices''like: Layton, Herod, Carlisle and Pegasus just to name a few. 
We're going to discuss Yvan's background pre-Marly, the debacle of name changing that involved their latest release: Greenley as well as, upcoming releases including (Pegasus Exclusif). Yvan will share his thoughts on copying brands (Counterfeit Fragrances), Grey Market and the future of niche perfumery as a whole and what's to come... 
Tune-in, listen-up and enjoy! 

In today's episode I am glad to have my partner with ScentXplore Mark Mobley, join us for a quick little chat. 
In case you don't know him, this will be a great opportunity to meet the man behind myfragrancesamples.com as we talk ScentXplore and reminisce how he got started in the Fragrance Community and what to expect from ScentXplore 2020 (Second Annual). 
Sit-down, relax and enjoy! 

Welcome to the Max Forti Chat Podcast, Season 2, Ep.01
In today's chat we have Antonio Centeno of Real Men Real Style, one of the strongest voices on social media when it comes to helping men achieve their goals through their style and confidence.  In this chat we're talking: 

• YouTube Journey
• Fashion, Style and Fragrances
• How to Create your own opportunities 
• Social Media Platforms 
• And finally the Rapid Fire session

Enjoy and stay tuned for more, this season is going to be one for the books! 

Welcome to another Max Forti Chat, in today's episode we have the pleasure to chat with Nicola Parker, brand director with Fragrance du Bois a great niche perfume brand from the UK.  
Fragrance du Bois is a brand that has disrupted the niche perfume world over the past seven years with their exquisite niche perfume releases that are of extreme quality and very luxurious. 
When it comes to OUD based scents they really pride themselves for their use of natural and sustainable sourced oud. But that’s not all, they offer a wide range of great fragrances and genres that will certainly capture your olfactory imagination and help you find your next fragrance discovery! 

TOPICS: 

•  Niche Perfumery
• Explosion of OUD  in the western market 
• Oud Sourcing and Sustainability 
• Luxury and Quality - Fragrance du Bois ethos
• Fragrance Du Bois Range & Collections 
• Collaboration w/Demi Rawling - Perfume Release: Minuit et Demi 
• Up Coming Releases… 
• Our fun and enjoyable Rapid Fire Session! 
  
  Enjoy and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes, this season is one you do not want to miss! 

Welcome to another Max Forti Chat, in today's episode we have the pleasure to chat with Miguel Matos. Writer, Fragrantica editor since 2013, perfume creator and more... Join us for a great vintage talk where we go over his true passions and how it all began!

TOPICS: 

•  Niche Perfumery
• Miguel Matos Perfume creations  
• Vintage Perfumery (Best Perfumes ever created) 
• Social Media expansion, what to lookout for
• Books and great perfume literature 
• Collaboration with other brands 
• Up Coming Releases… 
• Our fun and enjoyable Rapid Fire Session! 

You can find Miguel Matos creations here: 
https://miguelmatosperfumes.shopk.it/

This podcast is brought to you by: https://fragrancebuy.ca/
''Redefine your fragrance journey''

Enjoy and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes, much more to come! 

Welcome to another Max Forti chat.
Today I have the pleasure to host and chat with Mandy Aftel, she is an American perfumer. Owner and nose behind the natural perfume line Aftelier as well as the author of nine books, including four books on natural perfumery and a cookbook on essential oils.

Mandy also has a special place called: The Archive  which is the first museum in the United States dedicated to the experience of fragrance, including her collection of one-of-a-kind-antique artifacts. She is a founding advisor of The Institute for Art and Olfaction, which has created the Aftel Award for Handmade Perfume in her honor.

TOPICS: 

•  Natural Perfumery
• Natural vs Synthetics (Myth-busters)
• Perfume Compounds 
• The 5 essential essence in notes (the hallmark of perfumery) 
• Books and great perfume literature 
• Creative process and bespoke perfumes
• The Archive Museum (dedicated to perfume)
• The fun and witty Rapid Fire Session! 

Discover Natural Perfumery and say hello to Mandy Aftel: 
https://www.aftelier.com/

The Max Forti Chat Podcast is brought to you by: https://fragrancebuy.ca/
''Redefine your fragrance journey''

Enjoy and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes, much more to come! 

Welcome to another episode of the Max Forti Chat. Today we have the pleasure to talk with
Michael Edwards a British fragrance taxonomist, historian, and founding editor of Fragrances of the World, the largest guide to perfume classification. 
His lectures and writings, including the book Perfume Legends: French Feminine Fragrances, pioneered critical scholarship on the history of perfumery, while his fragrance wheel marked a major innovation in perfume retail.

TOPICS: 

• Michael Edwards accomplishments, accolades and journey as a writer and Perfume Historian
• Fragrance evolution through the decades 
• Major releases
• Perfume Legends I and II
• Fragrance Wheel - understanding families, genres and sub-genres 
• Future Projects (what's coming soon) 

Discover Perfume Legends I & II and Fragrances of the World: 
https://www.fragrancesoftheworld.com/

The Max Forti Chat Podcast is brought to you by:
https://fragrancebuy.ca/
''Redefine your fragrance journey''

Enjoy and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes, much more to come! 

Welcome to another episode of the Max Forti Chat. Today we have the pleasure to chat with Ashley Santiago a perfumer apprentice with a renowned perfume manufacturer of flavours, fragrances and active cosmetic ingredients... She's going to take us through her journey on how she found fragrances and became obsessed with the idea of becoming a perfumer and creating these mesmerizing potions! 

TOPICS: 

• Ashley shares how she became enamored with fragrances at an early age 
• Fragrance interest - which scents caught her attention!
• ISIPCA Degree Master's of Science - Field Of Study Scent Design and Creation 
• YouTube Channel Ashley in Paris 
• What it takes to become a perfumer.  The ropes, challenges and pre-requisites... 
• What will the future bring? Upcoming trends and future releases. 

Checkout Ashley's YouTube channel and say hello: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGXGmoXLxnL_ZvxLdWBB7ow

The Max Forti Chat Podcast is brought to you by:
https://fragrancebuy.ca/
''Redefine your fragrance journey''

Send suggestions and ideas to Max at: 
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 

Enjoy and stay tuned for more exciting  episodes! 

In today's episode I have the pleasure to chat with Entrepreneur and Perfume Reviewer. He is the TOP authority when it comes to the Spanish speaking audience in the YouTube perfume reviewing platform - Andrés Croxatto aka Andrés Perfume-Man.
We'll discuss the following:

TOPICS: 

• His journey in becoming a fragrance reviewer on the YouTube platform
• Fragrance interest - from a kid to adult (his favorites) 
• Discovering and Creating his own fragrance.
• YouTube Channel - What it takes to be a reviewer and advice for those interested! 
• What does the future hold? Upcoming projects.

You can find Andrés Croxatto aka Andrés Perfume-Man here: 
YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSU9CcO8hvayDPZSZcfTxDg
Oficial site - https://www.perfume-man.com/
Fragrance Site: https://www.andrescroxatto.com/products/andres-croxatto-man

The Max Forti Chat Podcast is brought to you by:
https://fragrancebuy.ca/
''Redefine your fragrance journey''

Have a question? Send suggestions and ideas to Max at: 
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 

Enjoy and stay tuned for more exciting  episodes coming soon! 

In today’s episode we have the pleasure to chat with one of today's top perfumer. 
Karine Vichon Spehner is a former student of ISIPCA and started her journey as a perfumer in the early 2000's with Robertet a jugernaut when it comes to creations of fragrance and flavor compounds. Inspired by nature and exotic locations, she creates expressive, intriguing and  exclusive scents, such as L’Artisan Parfumeur Batucada and many Amouage inspiring creations such as Interlude Woman, Opus III, Memoir Man, Overture Man and Boundless just to name a few. 

TOPICS: 

• Her journey in becoming a prolific perfumer in today’s world 
• Some of her favorite perfumes throughout the decades 
• Discussing some of her most proud creations 
• State of the Perfume industry currently and what does the future bring
• Upcoming projects, notes and future releases! 

You can find more info on Karine Vichon Spehner here: 
 https://www.instagram.com/karinevinchonperfumer/?hl=en
 
 The Max Forti Chat Podcast is brought to you by:
 https://fragrancebuy.ca/
 ''Redefine your fragrance journey''
 
 Have a question? Send suggestions and ideas to Max at: 
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 
 
 Enjoy and stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming soon! 

In this episode we have the pleasure to chat with one of today’s most influential noses of modern day perfumery.

Rodrigo Flores-Roux was born and raised in Mexico City. 

He studied biology in Mexico before moving to France at the age of 20. 

In 1989 to attend the ISIPCA perfumery school at Versailles. Although he started out designing scents for shampoos and cosmetic products, he broke through into the fragrance world with the renowned Clinique’s Happy for women. 

He is currently with Givaudan a Swiss multinational manufacturer of flavours, fragrances and active cosmetic ingredients. 

As of 2008, it is the world's largest company in the flavour and fragrance industries.

Rodrigo has worked with many major brands such as Dolce&Gabbana, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein and John Varvatos to name a few.

‘’Disparate ingredients used in crazy amounts in order to create a beautiful emotional and aesthetic experience…’’ - Rodrigo Flores-Roux

TOPICS: 

• His journey from the early days in Mexico to France and NYC
• His favorite perfumes throughout the decades which shaped his taste and direction
• Discussing some of his most proud creations 
• Mexico's Cultural influence in the world (musically, historically and culinary) 
• Upcoming projects and future releases! 

Say hello to Rodrigo at: 
https://www.instagram.com/rodrigofloresroux/?hl=en

 The Max Forti Chat Podcast is brought to you by:
 https://fragrancebuy.ca/
 ''Redefine your fragrance journey''
 
 Have a question? Send suggestions and ideas to Max at: 
 maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 
 
 Enjoy and stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming your way!  

Sonia is a rising star nose in the world of perfume creations. She has worked with many of the most prominent brands of our time - Guerlain, Narciso Rodriguez, Armani, Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Tom Ford, Valentino and Burberry.…  Just to name a few. 

Sonia has created her own brand in 2017,  Ella K which portrays many different pallets within all wheelhouses in perfume classifications, each scent tells a story which is well worth knowing about! 
‘’Even as a young woman, I thought that it was better to aim for the moon – and if I missed it, at least I would land somewhere in the stars…’’ 
 -Sonia Constant 

• Her journey in becoming a word-class perfumer 
• Early inspirations and Creative process 
• Talking about master-perfumers of the past and fragrances that inspired her
• Ella K - a quick overview of the brand 
• Upcoming projects 

In this episode we’re chatting with French Perfumer - Antoine Lie  

Antoine is an accomplished Perfumer that loves to create without constraints or restrictions, he values the true creative and organic process and he believes that the scent should take you to places and emotions you’ve never experienced before…  

Antoine Lie was raised in Strasbourg, France, where he studied chemistry before moving to Grasse to study fragrance at Givaudan under Jean Carles. After an apprenticeship to famous teaching master Jean Guichard, Antoine spent time in both France and the United States, where he was involved in developing worldwide hit fragrances such as Armani Code and Versace Crystal Noir, but a yearning for greater creative freedom led him away from the big companies and towards the niche houses where he would be allowed to pursue his own vision of straightforward, yet unconventional fragrances.

He has worked with many renowned brands - Burberry, Comme des Garcons, Costume National, Davidoff, Zegna, Etat Libre d’Orange.… Just to name a few. 

‘’The number of yearly launches have increased in such a way that brands went from creating unique artisanal fragrances to working like machines pumping new releases almost daily…’’ 
 -Antoine Lie

TOPICS: 

• His path in becoming a proficient and unconventional perfumer
• From Artisanal creations to Commercial Social Media Boom! 
• Talking about his creative style and process
• His inspirations and favorite creations throughout the decades
• Upcoming projects 

Say hello to Antonie at: 

https://www.instagram.com/antoinelieolfactiveexperience/?hl=en

 
The Max Forti Chat Podcast is brought to you by:
  https://fragrancebuy.ca/
  ''Redefine your fragrance journey''
  
  Have a question, suggestions or ideas? Email Max at: 
  maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 
  
  Enjoy and stay tuned for more episodes coming your way!