The MaxChat Fragrance Podcast

Max Forti

Max Forti is a fragrance aficionado, digital creator for almost a decade, perfume critic, fragrance connoisseur and founder of SCENTXPLORE. He will take you on a fragrance journey! He will host creative directors, perfumers, writers, bloggers and other fragrance industry folks. In this podcast he will cover different subjects and topics in the ''Beyond the Bottle'' series in which he will talk about various relevant topics in today's world to help you find your ''forte'' in whatever interest you may have about fragrances taking your experience to the ''max'' no pun intended, of course! See you on the other side. read less
ArtsArts

Episodes

Season 4 - Episode 10: Natural Beauty Captured in a bottle – The House of BŌ
Aug 22 2023
Season 4 - Episode 10: Natural Beauty Captured in a bottle – The House of BŌ
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!
Season 4 - Episode 9: The art of creating unique and luxurious scents – Unique’e Luxury Perfumes
Aug 12 2023
Season 4 - Episode 9: The art of creating unique and luxurious scents – Unique’e Luxury Perfumes
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…
Season 4 - Episode 8: The Family-owned Niche Brand that values heritage – Almah 1948
Aug 3 2023
Season 4 - Episode 8: The Family-owned Niche Brand that values heritage – Almah 1948
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…
Season 4 - Episode 7: The Transportive Perfume Niche Brand – Arquiste Parfumeur (Carlos Huber)
Jul 24 2023
Season 4 - Episode 7: The Transportive Perfume Niche Brand – Arquiste Parfumeur (Carlos Huber)
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…
Season 4 - Episode 6: America’s First Niche Brand? – Blocki Perfumes Circa 1865
Jul 14 2023
Season 4 - Episode 6: America’s First Niche Brand? – Blocki Perfumes Circa 1865
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!
Season 4 - Episode 5: She has changed the game on fragrance reviewing on YouTube, meet– Michella (curlyfragrance)
Jul 3 2023
Season 4 - Episode 5: She has changed the game on fragrance reviewing on YouTube, meet– Michella (curlyfragrance)
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/@CurlyFragranceSay 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!
Season 4 - Episode 4: She's an Artist of many different skills! – Eva Petrič (DBE - Databank of Emotions Perfumes)
Jun 21 2023
Season 4 - Episode 4: She's an Artist of many different skills! – Eva Petrič (DBE - Databank of Emotions Perfumes)
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!
Season 4 - Episode 3:  Perfume Raw Materials/Sourcing with – Dominique Roques
Jun 8 2023
Season 4 - Episode 3: Perfume Raw Materials/Sourcing with – Dominique Roques
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…
Season 4 - Episode 2: Outstanding Conversation with (Founder and Perfumer) of Exotic Brand – BLACKCLIFF PARFUMS
May 26 2023
Season 4 - Episode 2: Outstanding Conversation with (Founder and Perfumer) of Exotic Brand – BLACKCLIFF PARFUMS
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!
Season 4 - Episode 1: The Very Talented (Perfumer/Chemist) – Aaron Terence Hughes
May 15 2023
Season 4 - Episode 1: The Very Talented (Perfumer/Chemist) – Aaron Terence Hughes
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 2022https://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.comStay tuned for more chats coming your way… We’re just getting started!
Season 3 - Episode 6: Julien Rasquinet from business student to ‘’accidental’’ perfumer. Master-apprenticeship from Pierre Bourdon to creative mastery!
Apr 26 2022
Season 3 - Episode 6: Julien Rasquinet from business student to ‘’accidental’’ perfumer. Master-apprenticeship from Pierre Bourdon to creative mastery!
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 4: Christophe Laudamiel: Master Perfumer, scent composer, lecturer, writer, and chemist champion
Mar 30 2022
Season 3 - Episode 4: Christophe Laudamiel: Master Perfumer, scent composer, lecturer, writer, and chemist champion
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.
Season 3 - Episode 1: Gabe Oppenheim: Author of the ghost perfumer - Creed, lies and the scent of the century!
Feb 16 2022
Season 3 - Episode 1: Gabe Oppenheim: Author of the ghost perfumer - Creed, lies and the scent of the century!
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!
Season 2- Episode 11: The Prolific and Unconventional nose: Antoine Lie
Jul 29 2021
Season 2- Episode 11: The Prolific and Unconventional nose: Antoine Lie
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 LieTOPICS: His path in becoming a proficient and unconventional perfumerFrom Artisanal creations to Commercial Social Media Boom! Talking about his creative style and processHis inspirations and favorite creations throughout the decadesUpcoming 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!