Andrea Casotti: Italian Perfumer Bridging Art and Science

Andrea Casotti's journey into perfumery is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Armed with a nuclear engineering degree from Milan's prestigious Politecnico di Milano, Casotti discovered his true calling in the laboratory of fragrances, where his analytical mind found the perfect creative outlet. This unique background shapes his approach to perfumery, blending scientific precision with artistic passion in what he describes as an "exciting freestyle" synthesis of different universes.

Currently serving as CEO of CFF (Creative Flavours & Fragrances), Italy's youngest and most important fragrance house, Casotti has established himself as a visionary in niche perfumery. His career took a defining turn when he co-founded Moresque in 2015 with Cindy Guillemant, focusing on the previously underrepresented Moorish aesthetic in European perfumery. This venture showcased his ability to translate cultural heritage into contemporary olfactory experiences, using natural, expensive materials in the best traditions of Eastern perfumery.

The creation of The House of Oud marked another milestone in Casotti's career, born from his friendship with Jakarta-based oud producer Mohammed Abu Nashi. This collaboration allowed him to explore oud not as a dominant note, but as a bridge between ingredients, making this traditionally challenging material contemporary and wearable. His fragrances like Almond Harmony and Dates Delight demonstrate his mastery in creating complex, multilayered compositions that tell stories through scent.

Casotti's portfolio spans multiple successful brands, each showcasing different facets of his creative vision. For Moresque, he has crafted acclaimed fragrances including Contessa, a spicy-sweet oriental masterpiece that combines pink pepper and nutmeg with luxurious florals and a creamy vanilla base. His Tamima presents a sophisticated herbal-woody composition featuring eucalyptus and cashmeran, while Emiro demonstrates his skill with rose-oud combinations.

The House of Oud collection reveals Casotti's innovative approach to traditional Middle Eastern ingredients. Golden Powder showcases his ability to create warm, enveloping compositions with nutmeg, cinnamon, and Burmese oud, while Grape Pearls represents his bold experimentation with unusual combinations like grape, coffee, and oud. These creations often feature collaborations with fellow perfumer Cristian Calabrò, highlighting Casotti's collaborative spirit.

What sets Casotti apart is his storytelling approach to fragrance creation. Each composition aims to translate intuitions into olfactory experiences, drawing inspiration from art, beauty, raw materials, and life moments. His background in engineering provides the methodical foundation, while his passion for oriental aromas and modern art supplies the creative spark. This unique combination has earned him recognition, including Art and Olfaction Awards recognition for his work on Ankh Sun Amon, cementing his reputation as a perfumer who successfully bridges technical expertise with artistic vision.