Sofia Bardelli: Rising Italian Perfumer Crafting Cosmic Stories

Sofia Bardelli's path to perfumery began in the scented gardens of Florence, where childhood memories of Tuscan blooms would later inspire her creative vision. After completing a pharmacy degree at the University of Pavia, Bardelli made a bold decision that would reshape her career. A documentary about Grasse, the world's perfume capital, sparked her passion and led her to pursue formal training at the prestigious Grasse Institute of Perfumery (GIP), where she was selected as one of only twelve candidates worldwide.

Her rigorous training in Grasse instilled a deep appreciation for high-quality raw materials and technical precision. Bardelli mastered challenging accords like lily of the valley while developing her signature approach to blending noble essences. After graduation, she was immediately recruited by a major French company as an analytical perfumer, where she honed her technical knowledge before returning to Italy in 2019 as a creative perfumer.

Bardelli's artistic vision centers on storytelling through scent. She believes perfume possesses magical qualities that transmit emotions and transport the mind on distant journeys. Her creative process often begins with a single raw material that connects to the story she wants to tell, whether drawing inspiration from ancient Rome for Electimuss or exploring astronomical themes for her own brand, In Astra, which she co-founded with her sister Fabiola in 2020.

Bardelli's portfolio showcases remarkable versatility across multiple fragrance families. Her work for Electimuss includes standout creations like Imperium, a sparkling citrus-vanilla composition that balances bergamot and coriander with creamy florals and a sophisticated woody base. Mercurial Cashmere demonstrates her gourmand expertise, combining spicy pink pepper with luxurious tuberose and indulgent caramel notes. Vixere captures the essence of palace gardens through its citrus-floral composition with creamy oriental undertones.

For Sãlum's Polynesian Soul collection, Bardelli pushed creative boundaries with unconventional combinations. Blue Mai Tai recreates the experience of tropical cocktails through rum accords and lime, while Cocoyster boldly pairs salty oyster notes with creamy coconut. Strawberry Pool exemplifies her innovative spirit by combining strawberry with aquatic chlorine notes, creating an unexpectedly delightful poolside experience.

Bardelli stands among the first perfumers to incorporate organically grown ingredients into high-end formulas, reflecting her commitment to sustainable perfumery. Her technical mastery allows her to create original accords that tell compelling stories, whether evoking the grandeur of ancient Rome or the mystery of distant stars. This combination of storytelling prowess, technical skill, and sustainable practices positions her as a significant voice in contemporary niche perfumery, with each creation offering a unique olfactory narrative that resonates with modern fragrance lovers.