Esxence 2025 15th Edition (Karl) Part 1 + Astrophil & Stella Giveaway

 Senior Editor Karl Topham “The Scent of Celebration: Esxence 2025 15th Edition held February 19-22, 2025

The air in Milan this spring was saturated not only with the promise of warmer days but with the exhilarating aura of creativity and olfactory mastery. Celebrating its 15th edition, Esxence 2025 15th Edition reaffirmed its status as the world’s foremost event for artistic perfumery. With over three hundred and eighty exhibitors from across the globe, the “Masters of Dreams” theme delivered a platform where imagination and innovation intertwined seamlessly, bringing to life scents that defy convention and ignite the senses.

For those of us at ÇaFleureBon, Esxence has been a cherished event. Our longstanding relationship as a media partner since 2011, has been led by Editor-in-Chief Michelyn Camen. We thank Esxence founder Silvio Levi and the team at Equipe International, who gives us the opportunity to chronicle the evolution of niche perfumery, bearing witness to the birth of countless fragrant icons. Each year, the bar is set high, yet Esxence 2025 15th Edition felt exceptional—a year where boundaries were pushed, and artistry flourished. It was impossible for me to physically cover every booth, so these are my standouts.

Esxence 2025 15th Edition: The Buzziest

Kajal Ruby, Rubini, Nicolai Parfumeur Createur Creme Ebene, Discothèque Esxence 2025 15th Edition

Kajal Ruby, Rubini, Nicolai Parfumeur Createur Creme Ebene, Discothèque Esxence 2025 15th Edition

Esxence Masters of Dreams 2025 had its stars: Kajal held the busiest booth, drawing an unending stream of visitors captivated by its intoxicating scents and vibrant displays. The new buzz on the block was Discothèque, whose fragrances infused the fair with the spirit of late-night revelry and carefree joy. Nicolai Parfumeur Createur emerged as the most refined, showcasing timeless elegance and sophistication, while Rubini Profumi stood out to me as the most artistic, weaving stories into every bottle with a level of creativity that felt like wearable poetry. Their stand was incredible and hand painted by Arloc.

Esxence 2025 15th Edition Scented Revelations

This year, I found myself navigating the bustling corridors of Esxence, surrounded by the hum of perfumers, brand founders, and fragrance enthusiasts. It seemed like every booth had its story to tell, offering compositions that captivated and lingered long after I’d left their presence.

What follows are the discoveries and experiences from each of the three days at Esxence 2025 15th Edition —each fragrance a revelation, each meeting a story waiting to be told.

Day 1: Esxence 2025 15th Edition A Bright Beginning

Kajal Ruby Esxence 2025 15th Edition

 Kajal Ruby display by Karl©

Kajal Ruby was a standout, embodying the brand’s signature vibrancy and allure. The fragrance captivated with its fruity gourmand profile, where luscious red fruits met a creamy, indulgent base. With every spritz, Ruby evoked the richness of a jewel, blending sweetness with sophistication and drawing crowds to what was undoubtedly the busiest booth of the fair.

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Crème Ébène by Patricia de Nicolai  was an indulgence of creamy woods and soft spices. The fragrance enveloped me in a cocoon of warmth and elegance, its smooth texture and subtle sweetness creating a sense of quiet luxury. Their Harrods exclusive Patchouli Spirit is one of the best new take on Patchouli I have smelt.

 

Astrophil & Stella Chromodoro

 Astrophil & Stella Display by Karl©

Astrophil & Stella Chromodoro by Julien Rasquinet played with contrasts, blending the green sharpness of tomato leaf with metallic nuances. The result was fresh yet industrial, balancing the natural with the avant-garde. One of my favorites from the brand to date.

Yassin Karim of Noème Paris and his son at Esxence 2025 15th Edition

Yassin Karim of Noème Paris and his son at Esxence 2025 15th Edition

Noème Paris and Nissaba each showcased their mastery of vanilla in distinct and captivating ways. Noème Paris’s Sambava introduced a crystalline interpretation of vanilla with its Vanille Givrée Extract, combining fresh, icy nuances with subtle spices that danced on the skin.

Nissaba grande ile at Esxence 2025 15th Edition sambova

Nissaba at Esxence

Nissaba Grande Île transported me to a tropical paradise, where vanilla’s creamy warmth intertwined with lush, exotic fruits, capturing the essence of a sun-drenched island breeze. Both brands reimagined vanilla not as a supporting note but as a star ingredient, demonstrating its versatility and timeless appeal.

electimuss London new Moroccan Medjool by Marco Genovese

Electimuss London launch of Moroccan Medjool with Marco Genovese Esxence 2025 15th Edition.

The new Moroccan Medjool by Marco Genovese for Electimuss London delivered an exquisite blend of citrus, spices, and dates, finished with a luscious caramel undertone. It felt like a golden sunset in a bustling Moroccan market—vibrant, sweet, and utterly captivating.

The Atmosphere D’emotion collection by Filippo Sorcinelli was a breath of fresh air—literally and metaphorically. Of the trio—Nebbia (fog), Pioggia (rain), and Vento (wind)—it was Vento that resonated with me. Its crisp, airy notes blended mineral accords with a subtle ozonic freshness.

The Different Company Azhi Adara and Cherigan Paris Shanghai le Soir by Maxime Exler of Mane Shanghai (photos from the brands at Esxence)-collage by Michelyn

Sophie Gabriel impressed with her dual offerings. Cherigan Paris Shanghai le Soir was a delicate blend of lychee and fruity amber with creamy undertones, while The Different Company Azhi Adara is an adventurous floral composition with exotic spice nuances.

Thierry Bernard of Parfumeurs du Monde

Thierry Bernard of Parfumeurs Du Monde Esxence 2025 15th Edition

Thierry Bernard of Parfumeurs du Monde highlighted exceptional raw materials (read Ida’s recent reviews of 2024). His Madagascar vanilla blew me away with its richness and complexity. Thierry hinted at a new fruit-forward yet dark fragrance that promises to redefine natural perfumery composed by Marc-Antoine Corticchiato.

Day 2: Esxence 2025 15th Edition Stories and Legends

Neela Vermeire ESHAL introduced at Esxence 2025

Neela Vermeire and Karl discussing Eshal.

Meeting Neela Vermeire of Neela Vermeire Creations was a delight. Her Eshal Extrait de Parfum, composed by long time friend and collaborator, Bertrand Duchaufour was one of the most anticipated new perfumes at Esxence (and of 2025). Eshal feels like a luminous love letter to tuberose with an ethereal blend of spices, petals and a gentle woody base—a counterpoint to her dynamic Bombay Bling (Neela wrote her creative director’s article here).

Parfums MDCI body cream set

photo by Karl

Parfums MDCI introduced a luxury line of body care and creams in beautiful porcelain jars with gold inlay. The products transforms everyday rituals into moments of pure indulgence, reflecting the brand’s dedication to artisanal excellence. (Claude Marchal, the founder and owner wrote his Creative Director’s article here).

Pissara Umavijani perfumer of Parfums Dusita Tonka Latte

Parfums Dusita Tonka Latte by Pissara Umavijani enveloped me in creamy, nutty warmth. This gourmand perfume captured the comfort of a cozy café, balancing rich tonka with a frothy, sweetened edge.

Courtesy of the brand

A meeting with Francois Henin, founder and the “Ambassador of Niche of Jovoy Paris and Jeroboam, was a pleasure. His vision of perfumery as an adventure shone through in his latest offerings Your Oudhness being a standout (Vanina Muracciole) and is a finalist for the Fragrance Foundation UK Consumer’s Choice award VOTE HERE

Be on the look out for a new perfume for the Jovoy brand “Ha Long Bay”, inspired by Vietnamese Mango and for Jeroboam “Kun Amo” with crisp and juicy pear-Michelyn per Instagram

Day 3: Esxence 2025 15th Edition

Meo Fusciuni at Esxence 2025

Meo Fusciuni at Esxence 2025 15th Edition

In a hall brimming with bright, bold fragrances, Meo Fusciuni Buio stood out as a dark, introspective marvel. His first incense perfume wrapped me in smoky whispers and ancient resins. Meo also teased an upcoming fragrance that bridges Eastern and Western traditions, combining the fresh zest of bergamot with the aromatic sharpness of yuzu.

Meeting Andrea Rubini on Day 3 was like reconnecting with an old friend whose stories always captivate. Rubini Idilios, composed by Cristiano Canali unfolded with layers of rich woods, amber, and sun-soaked fruit, evoking the dreamy landscapes of Tuscany.

Plume Impression Love No Shame

Plume Impression Love No Shame

Love No Shame composed by Stephanie Bakouche for Plume Impression offered a sensuous expression of passion. The fragrance opens with the tart allure of red berries, evolving into a decadent heart of chocolate and whipped cream.

Discothèque, led by Hanover Booth and Jessie Willner, alongside Christian Provenzano, highlighted All Night Till First Light, a scent that encapsulated the freedom of sun-soaked dance floors, blending citrusy cocktails with the rhythm of coastal breezes.

Stay Tuned for Part Two: Beyond the Fair

While the exhibition floor at Esxence 2025 15th Edition was a world unto itself, the magic didn’t end there. The real enchantment continued in the evenings, with intimate gatherings, exclusive parties, and unplanned encounters in Milan’s charming corners. In Part Two of my Esxence 2025 15th Edition coverage and best trends, I will share insights from these soirées and dinners.

Karl Topham, Senior Editor.

Disclosure: Karl received samples or bottles; opinions are his own

All photos by Karl unless otherwise stated.

Astrophil and Stella (Astrophil & Stella) perfumes

Thanks to the generosity of Astrophil & Stella we have a discovery kit of 13 x 2 ml samples for one registered reader in the EU, USA, UK. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what you find most interesting based on Karl’s Esxence 2025 15th Edition report, which excite you and where you live. Draw closes 03/3/2025.

There will be more be more reporting in the coming days from our team.

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34 comments

  • Thanks Karl for the insights and impressions of this year’s exhibition. I find the offerings by Astrophil & Stella, Meo Fusciuni and Rubini really interesting. Need to visit this event next year 🙂 From EU.

  • Karl, this report on Esxence 2025 is such a treat for those of us who couldn’t be there! The continued innovation and creativity in niche perfumery is so exciting. Meo Fusciuni’s dark, meditative Buio sounds captivating. The idea of bridging Eastern and Western traditions in fragrance, Rubini Profumi’s poetic storytelling, and Nicolai’s signature refined elegance should all make for an exciting year ahead– can’t wait to experience these! From the USA.

  • Thank you for this amazing opportunity! I had the pleasure of attending Esxence myself, and it was an incredible experience. I was especially impressed by Astrophil & Stella’s new fragrance—it truly captures their celestial and artistic essence. I’d love the chance to explore it further. Fingers crossed! I am from Eu, Romania.

  • The most interesting and exciting parts of Karl’s report likely include Astrophil & Stella’s Chromodoro for its innovative Space Age inspiration, the focus on sustainability for its ethical depth, and potential immersive technological experiences for their futuristic appeal. These elements reflect the creativity, conscience, and bold ideas shaping niche perfumery in 2025, making Esxence a celebration of the industry’s evolution. I would say all do they excite me to a certain degree. I live in Poland, EU.

  • I’ve been looking forward to the reports from Esxence 2025!

    What a lovely chance to sample the Astrophil & Stella line. I’m in. I haven’t tried one single thing yet from them, so I am ready!

    Meo Fusciuni’s unnamed forthcoming concoction is the fragrance that caught my eye in this first installment from Milan. I love yuzu — it always draws me into a fragrance.

    I remain in the beautiful city of Chicago, USA.

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    Amazing fragrance options. I was especially impressed by Astrophil & Stella’s new fragrance—it truly captures their celestial and artistic essence. I’d love the chance to explore it further. From PA,USA

  • I almost went to Esxence this year! Sadly it was not meant to be. Better luck next year. Thank you so much for chasing your thoughts and impressions. I recently heard that Neil Vermeire released a new fragrance. That is indeed very very exciting. I’m also interested in sampling new Dusita. I wish I could attend and meet Meo and see his amazing dark booth. Finally, I am in general super interested in sampling the whole range of Astrophil & Stella as I’m hearing more and more really good things about the brand. I’m from Illinois, US.

  • chrisskins says:

    Karl captures what I imagine the magic that is Esxence 2025. Perfume, creativity, small gatherings, unexpected friends. Milan! I would love it if Cafleurbon would consider a two-ticket giveaway for next year. What a dream come true. I live in NY.

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    Wow! So much to see and smell in 3 days. Thanks for sharing and capturing some cool moments & brands. I hope to to make it out to Esxence one of these years to have a first hand experience getting my nose on all these wonderful fragrances.

    Los Angeles Ca, USA

  • In a hall brimming with bright, bold fragrances, Meo Fusciuni Buio stood out as a dark, introspective marvel. His first incense perfume wrapped me in smoky whispers and ancient resins. Meo also teased an upcoming fragrance that bridges Eastern and Western traditions, combining the fresh zest of bergamot with the aromatic sharpness of yuzu. A beautiful description by Karl I am really intrigued to try Astrphil and Stella a house that have got no experience with. I was really fascinated by Rubini, Neela Vermiere and Kajal. I have never been to esxence but would love to in the near future. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • The new Moroccan Medjool by Marco Genovese for Electimuss London delivered an exquisite blend of citrus, spices, and dates, finished with a luscious caramel undertone. It felt like a golden sunset in a bustling Moroccan market—vibrant, sweet, and utterly captivating.Azhi Adara is an adventurous floral composition with exotic spice nuances.A beautiful piece by Karl the two that really piqued my interest were Moroccan Medjool and Azhi Adara both contain spices so I was really glad. Astrphil and Stella is a house that I have heard of but to explore further. I hope to attend esxense and Meo Fusciuni Buio is another I need to explore. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Thank you for this wonderful coverage of Esxence 2025. I was particularly captivated by Meo Fusciuni Buio, the description of a ‘dark, introspective marvel’ really resonated with me.
    I’m also excited about the creative contrasts in Astrophil & Stella Chromodoro, blending tomato leaf with metallic notes sounds so unique and daring. Reading about all these innovations makes me wish I could have experienced the fair in person! I live in France.

  • ElenaChiss says:

    Discovering this house sounds lots of fun! Please count me in! Thank you! Europe

  • It sounds overwhelming but amazing! I think the ones I’m most intrigued about is Eshal by Bertrand Duchaufour for Neela and the mystery one by Corticchiato for Parfumeurs du Monde and the Astrophil & Stella Chromodoro by Julien Rasquinet. Just because I love these perfumers so much. All of it sounds amazing. I am located in the U.S.

  • All these featured scents span the spectrum of scent categories; glad it’s not focused just on one trendy fragrance category. The wind-inspired Sorcinelli and the metallic tomato-leaf scent sound most interesting to me. Would love to sample from a new-to-me house of Astrophil and Stella. Ca, USA

  • Laurentiu says:

    Never tried anything from Astrophil & Stella, but I would love to discover what this house is all about. Thanks!

  • Great report! It’s wonderful to see so many familiar brands and perfumers. I’m especially curious to smell Chomodoro. Tomato leaf and metallic notes are some of my favorites. This sounds like a wonderful combination of nostalgia and modernity. I’m in the USA.

  • mossgreen says:

    i really love seeing the displays and find them the most interesting – you can envision having an experience on your own while next to other people, also having their own experiences. especially in the spaces that are dark or have a moody glow. i wish i could be there! thanks for the great drawing, the fragrances all sound like journeys to experience. (i’m in the US).

  • What an amazing experience! I would love to be among the first to sample some of these wonderful fragrances. Karl is so fortunate. Im most drawn to Neela Vermiere’s Eshal Extrait and Meo Fusciuni Buio. The Astrophil and Stella discovery kit seems like a great opportunity to try the brand. MD,USA

  • roxhas1cat says:

    This event looks so amazing. It’s better than a candy store. The Moroccan Medjool by Electimuss caught my eye. I love fragrances with dates. MDCI has a beautiful offering. Looking forward to that Jovoy fragrance. Thanks for sharing this wonderful event. USA.

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    Thank you Karl ,The entire journey sounds outstanding. I wish I could have been there . Being a lover of patchouli Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Crème Ébène intrigues me the most. But overall I look forward to reading part two.. thank you for sharing this
    Ken usa

  • I’m in the USA and I’m enjoying just hearing about houses that are new to me so that I can keep them on my radar and potentially explore in the future. I’m hoping to win just so I can get my nose on In Extremis!

  • Thank you for the wonderfully long form review; for those of us who couldn’t get there (and have never been) it was a real treat. I loved reading about each and every scent and am drawn to Esha, sounds like a lovely spicy tuberose similar to Nuit de Tuberose; Ha Long Bay for summer sounds amazing, as well as Vento. I love tomato Leaf so Chromodoro is one I look forward to trying most in the Astrophil and Stella set should I be fortunate enough to receive it. I’m kn the USA

  • Your Esxence coverage is always interesting and humbling—there are so many great fragrances out there to try! Some standouts for me: Astrophil & Stella Chromodoro, using a tomato leaf note in a way I haven’t encountered before; I love the way Thierry Bernard presented Parfumeurs Du Monde fragrances; Meo Fusciuni’s booth stands out in a sea of colorful presentations. Fun event!

    I’m in the USA.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I appreciate Karl’s report of this year’s Esxence. While reading it, I became very intrigued to try a lot of the products mentioned, e.g. Neela Vermeire Creations “Eshal Extrait de Parfum” (composed by long time friend and collaborator, Bertrand Duchaufour), Jovoy “Ha Long Bay” (inspired by Vietnamese Mango), and more. I would really like to try the Astrophil & Stella discovery kit. I live in MD, USA.

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    The idea of bridging Eastern and Western traditions in fragrance, Rubini Profumi’s poetic storytelling, and Nicolai’s signature refined elegance should all make for an exciting year ahead– can’t wait to experience these! From PA,USA

  • Eshal and Tonka Latte sounded particularly delightful to me. I also like some offerings from both houses already. I had never heard of Astrophil and Stella before and this is a great chance to check them out. The space concept is very cool and interesting.

    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • peppermoon says:

    I’d like to enter the draw please, I’m in the US.

    My dream or bucket list is to one day go to Esxence, so I love reading these reports. I’m excited to sniff these when they become available. Tonka Latte, Eshal, Moroccan Medjool (!!), and all of the elevated vanilla scents are now on my radar.

  • carrie_earle says:

    I can imagine being there after reading Karl’s review. It’s like each brand/booth was a world of its own. The atmosphere, the colors, the lights, and most importantly the scents – the corridors must have been exhilarating.

    I’m most excited about the Dusita, Plume, Kajal, Cherigan, Nissaba, and Noeme fragrances.

    Metro Detroit, Michigan – USA

  • foreverscents says:

    These write-ups always inspire me and make me look forward to all the wonderful upcoming fragrances. I am excited to try the new fragrances from Patricia de Nicolaï, Pissara Umavijani, and Neela Vermeire.
    I live in the USA.

  • Astrophil & Stella is an unknown brand to me, but I love sample sets! The show sounds so fun. Lucky you, to experience all that!

  • Scentofme says:

    Intriguing new releases from Dusita (Tonka Latte), Astrophil & Stella, and MDCI Parfums. I am excited to visit Esxence someday. I live in EU.

  • Ah, Esxence 2025—a veritable odyssey into the avant-garde realms of olfactory artistry. The ‘Masters of Dreams’ theme aptly encapsulated the event’s spirit, with over 380 exhibitors transforming Milan into a fragrant tapestry of innovation. Kajal’s ‘Ruby’ emerged as a jewel, intertwining luscious red fruits with creamy undertones, captivating attendees with its gourmand allure. Astrophil & Stella’s ‘Chromodoro’ by Julien Rasquinet offered a daring juxtaposition of verdant tomato leaf against metallic nuances, crafting a scent both fresh and industrial. Such creations not only push the boundaries of perfumery but also invite us into narratives that linger long after the scent dissipates.

  • Jenna Park says:

    So many things sounded exciting. I wish I had the opportunity to experience it. I love a good vanilla fragrance that’s not your typical sweet vanilla. Nassaba’s vanilla with a fruit note sounds magical. Then Noeme with an “icy” vanilla sounds beautiful and something I would gravitate to. I love reading about new Niche fragrances. I’m from Pennsylvania USA.