Francesca Bianchi The Code of Emotion (Francesca Bianchi) 2025  + coding happiness giveaway

Francesca Bianchi The Code of Emotion

Francesca Bianchi The Code of Emotion, AI image by Nicoleta 

There’s something deeply personal, almost voyeuristic, about experiencing a new Francesca Bianchi fragrance. Each one feels like reading a new diary entry, that draws you into a dream-like-sequence – where the lines blur and things are not always what they seem. She calls her creations –so appropriately – liquid emotions, and with her signature intensity, she dances on the knife-edge between comfort and discomfort, light and shadow, making every composition feel like an intimate secret you had the privilege to be allowed to get a glimpse of. And the thrill of discovering a new chapter! Oh, boy, few things make me so giddy, these days 😀

I’ve never been into watching sports, but I think I finally get what it feels like when your team wins the championship. That rush, that Campioni del mondo! moment. Well, that’s exactly how I feel watching Francesca Bianchi’s perfumes being discovered by the new wave of fragrance lovers, both online and in real life. Francesca is a Millennial adored by the Gen Z #perfumetok crowd –  an unfiltered, enthusiastic, emotionally charged crowd of young scent enthusiasts who live for goosebumps-inducing experiences. The fact that her perfumes are so loved feels like poetic justice. Because if there’s one perfumer whose creations were made to be felt, dissected, and obsessed over with songs, mood boards, and appropriate “aesthetics” – it’s her. So I’m cheering along while everyone falls head over heels for the seductive, moody, and unapologetically human world of Francesca Bianchi. And honestly? It’s about damn time, as it’s not about hype but well-deserved recognition.

Francesca Bianchi Perfumer

Francesca Bianchi, photo via Instagram

Francesca Bianchi’s latest release takes a sharp turn from what we’ve come to expect from her. No iris, no powdery whispers, not even a hint of that tactile buttery facets she usually plays with. And the animalic bite? Practically dialed down to a soft purr, with just a couple of clean musks keeping things from feeling too polished. It’s a bold move, stripping back some of her usual signatures, but in doing so, she shifts the focus – giving us something fresher, youthful, yet still unmistakably hers. If there’s one scent in her lineup that comes close in mood, it’s Libertine Neroli. That one had a full-on cinematic sun-drenched, carefree vibe – think tanned skin, white linen shirts, and the glint of a cocktail glass on a lazy Italian afternoon.  It was a whole Italian-arthouse-art-movie aesthetic, where everything is just the right amount of glamorous and undone.

 IMDb, Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Now think of the same setting but Francesca Bianchi The Code of Emotion could have been easily storyboarded by Wes Anderson himself. Less of a dreamy, spontaneous montage and more like a carefully composed shot where every detail is intentional. The framing is tighter, the mood more controlled – she’s playing with symmetry, contrast and saturated frames. It’s not about excess or that signature Francesca sensual overload – this is about razor-sharp precision in triggering just the right emotions.  I can’t escape the feeling of an emotional domino, set to tip over precisely when intended. And I’m smiling at every move.

In Francesca’s words: “Even before I launched my first perfumes, I was obsessed with the idea of an “Emotion Generator Machine”. This is what drives me during my creation process: building fragrances with the specific purpose of igniting an emotion. Like a mechanic fine-tuning a powerful engine, I carefully place each note in order to trigger specific emotions — i.e. the intensity of passion of lovers, a memory of the smell of skin, a sense of nostalgia for an imaginary place, etc. For this particular creation, my focus was to dig deeper into the very mechanism of the emotional response to my medium of expression, the art of perfumery. How can I make it work? Are there methods that can be replicated? And can they spark the same emotion in different people?  I experimented in different directions, focusing on a method that I used many times already, but this once with more focus and intention. The goal was to decode an emotion, to deconstruct the input that ignites it, in other words to write a ‘Code of Emotion’.’

code of emotions by Francesca Bianchi

AI photo by Nicoleta 

In composing Francesca Bianchi The Code of Emotion, I see Francesca more as a programmer – rewriting the code of a classic fougère, breaking it down, and injecting something unexpected into the system. She starts with the familiar green-aromatic-woody backbone, a structure that’s been around forever, but instead of following the standard blueprint, she throws in a wildcard: a punchy, juicy tropical fruit accord, with mango at the heart. It’s like hitting refresh on a genre you thought you knew – suddenly, the predictable becomes glitchy… in the best possible way. The contrast is what makes it addictive. That classic barbershop DNA is still there, but it’s rewired, disrupted just enough to make you do a double take. It’s both grounding and exhilarating, a scent that plays with expectations, keeping you on your alert on your toes – deep enough to keep things interesting, but never pressing any pedal to the metal.

Francesca Bianchi Perfumes The Code of Emotion

Francesca Bianchi The Code of Emotion, photo by Nicoleta 

Juicy and mouthwatering, but not in a “let me grab a spoon – gourmand” kind of way – but just a fun, carefree and effortlessly cool scent for spring and summer – and the optimism here is coded deep, but it never feels naïve or shallow. It’s a… well-informed optimism – the kind that has seen all the dark corners of the human experience but chose to dance anyway. You’d think the fougère backbone would make it lean a little masculine, but nope – the mango comes in, throws on a pair of bright happy yellow sunglasses, and kicks it right back into perfectly unisex territory. Delightful!

Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Exotic Fruits Accord, Lavender, Geranium, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Oakmoss, Vetiver

Nicoleta Tomsa, Senior Editor

Disclosure: A bottle was kindly offered by the brand, opinions are always my own.

The Code of Emotion Francesca Bianchi

Francesca Bianchi The Code of Emotion, photo via the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Francesca Bianchi we have a 30 ml bottle of The Code of Emotion for one registered reader from the EU or USA. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Nicoleta’s review and where you live. Draw closes 4/2/2025

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55 comments

  • Kr1ms0nk1ng says:

    Fougères always just did it for me, but mostly the slightly off-kilter YSL Jazz. Based on Nicoleta’s review, and what piques my interest the most, is that it sounds like The Code of Emotion shares a top/mid fruity profile that semi-resembles another slightly off-kilter fougère : Jovoy’s L’Art de la Guerre – which always puts a smile on my face. Fan of FB, and appreciate the opportunity. Thanks from CA, USA.

  • This is a wonderfully written and engaging article about Francesca Bianchi’s “The Code of Emotion” and the “Coding Happiness” giveaway! I loved how it evocatively described the fragrance’s concept and hinted notes, providing real insight into Francesca Bianchi’s artistic philosophy and the innovative connection to emotional well-being in the digital age. The article’s smooth flow and the author’s clear enthusiasm made it a captivating read, leaving me genuinely excited about the fragrance’s release and the giveaway.
    Reading from PH.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I love a good mango fragrance, and I appreciate the fougere backbone to make it perfectly unisex. I live in Maryland USA.

  • I am always excited to try anything new from this house! I love Francesca Bianchi’s creations! Please count me in! Many thanks! (EU)

  • I’m curious what a mango would do to a scent with a fougère backbone! I’m in the US.

  • Oh wow – this sounds fantastic and mouthwatering – that tropical note in a deconstructed fougère! I was totally drawn in by the comparison to a Wes Anderson film – the tight symmetry and exactness. That really did evoke a better understanding of what this fragrance is like.
    I live in the USA.

  • I find her previous creations very creative, poetic and high-quality. It sparks my interest that with her latest release she is taking a sharp turn from her usual dark or animalic perfumes. That’s a bold move giving us something fresh, tropical, juicy. Can’t wait to try it. I live in EU.

  • I like fougeres that break from what is normally expected. Nicoleta’s description of The Code of Emotion sounds like one I’d want to try. From USA.

  • Jen7maples says:

    Beautiful concept, to try to generate an emotion via fragrance. What interests me most is the last part of the review, about being optimistic through difficulty. Perfect for 2025, when it feels like we are on the precipice of disaster, whether that be from politics, war, climate change, social issues, etc. Fragrance is comforting and lifting my mood on hard days. I’m in the USA, thank you.

  • I loved Nicoleta’s description of how Francesca Bianchi’s fragrances often dance on the knife’s-edge between contrasting qualities. I was also moved by how she likened the unfolding of the fragrance to an emotional domino, tipping at the precise, intended moment. Such lovely descriptions! I live in the US and would love to try this fragrance.

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    I’m completely intrigued by how The Code of Emotion plays with contrast—blending the structured backbone of a fougère with an unexpected, juicy tropical twist. That kind of intentional disruption in fragrance is what excites me the most. The idea of a scent that is both grounding and exhilarating, familiar yet refreshingly unpredictable, feels like an olfactory adventure I need to experience firsthand. And the way Nicoleta describes its “well-informed optimism”—not naive, but deeply felt—makes me even more curious. I love fragrances that challenge expectations, and this sounds like a thrilling reinvention of a classic form.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • A unisex fougere / barbershop fragrance, with mango in the center! Sounds absolutely lovely! I also very much enjoyed reading Francesca’s words regarding the purpose of her creation, which is eliciting an emotion – hence, Code of Emotion. Couldn’t have found a better name!
    Commenting from the EU.

  • The review highlights the fragrance’s balance of a classic fougère structure (green, aromatic, and woody) with an unexpected tropical twist, led by juicy mango. I live in Poland, EU.

  • Ramses Perez says:

    Well the mango hype is not going away anytime soon looks like. However this creation takes on a different way. Like Nicoleta said, it’s a deconstructed fougere with a mango note in the middle: fascinating. This is indeed new territory as Francesca Bianchi fragrances are typically super potent and animalic so this is a breath of fresh air for the house. I’m very interested to see what it smells like. I’m located in the USA.

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    Lovely fragrance. Based on Nicoleta’s review, and what piques my interest the most, is that it sounds like The Code of Emotion shares a top/mid fruity profile that semi-resembles another slightly off-kilter fougère . From PA,USA

  • Jenna Park says:

    What sparks my interest is the fruity mango notes in this. I have really been enjoying fruity fresh scents lately. The review makes the scent sound new and innovative nor necessarily what’s expected. I love that in a fragrance. I don’t want to smell like everyone in the room. Scents definitely change how people feel and create memories. I love to try this one. Thank you from Pennsylvania USA

  • Oh how exciting! I really like Francesca’s fragrances but they are a bit too strong for my nose so I never bought a full bottle. I love that this one has a slightly lighter profile, without the strong animalic notes. I really like forgeries in general and I like the sound of a mango and fruity notes mixed with this type of a fragrance. I’ll for sure sample this one! I’m from Illinois, USA.

  • Fougere with a mango twist sounds mouthwatering. Francesca Bianchi is by far one of the most exciting indie perfumers working now. Sticky Fingers, Angel’s Dust, Under My Skin are my favorites. I haven’t tried any of her more summery scents. This one sounds like the exact vibe I’m trying to convey during the summer. The review really set the mood with the Wes Anderson comparison.

    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • Arian Jamali says:

    I really enjoyed Nicoleta’s depiction of how Francesca Bianchi’s fragrances balance on the fine line between opposing qualities. I was also touched by her comparison of the fragrance’s development to an emotional domino effect, falling at just the right, intended moment. Such beautiful descriptions! I live in USA.

  • seadancedream@gmail.com says:

    Grounding and exhilarating sounds like the scent for a free spirited spring. Pink pepper to spice up the glow up with oak moss and vetiver to keep our goals in focus. Duality can work for us, not against us and this new scent seems to find a unique power in its own way.
    I would love to try artist Francesca Bianca’s new creation very much and I wish her well in her ventures.

  • I can really relate to the way Nicoleta described her feelings around trying a new Bianchi fragrance and watching others discover and fall in love with her work. So well described and relatable!
    As far as Bianchi’s process of emotions and her creations – it all makes sense!! So many actually conjure up specific emotions, places, events in my life. Now to get to the nuts and bolts and triggering in a neurological way?$ fascinating Ms. Bianchi!! I’m excited to try this next ’journal entry’. I am located in the USA.

  • I had the chance to smell this perfume earlier this year at Esxence 2025 in Milan, and I must say I was deeply impressed. The Code of Emotion retains the DNA of the “elixirs” created by Francesca, but introduces a new, irresistible twist. With just one spray, it transports you straight into a tropical vacation — like an olfactory portal to a world filled with emotion, light, and desire.

    I must also sincerely mention and praise Nicoleta Tomșa — a person with a remarkable soul, a refined olfactory sense, and a genuine passion for niche perfumery.

    In the end, I can only say: Francesca, once again, you’ve managed to create not just a perfume, but a state of mind.
    Thank you for the emotion!

  • wonderscent.mari says:

    On my wishlist it goes! As a fan of her creativity, I’m always drawn to the uniqueness of Francesca’s perfume and Nicoleta makes this one sound particularly wonderful. Such lovely descriptions! A very different fougere that I would love to try to. I am very intrigued that The code of Emotion keeps the atmosphere of a classic fougere but also bring it into a more contemporary way, a playful charm scent. The notes are quite interesting and unexpected for a traditional fougere bringing into a modern tropical twist with the mango note! This surely is perfume artistry, that only Francesca Bianchis’ creations can be experienced. Her ability to combine depth, sensuality, and unexpected twists is remarkable. I love how her fragrances evoke entire worlds, inviting us to explore scents with layers of complexity and personality.
    Thank you for the draw and for the amazing review!
    I live in Europe.

  • Wow! I love FB creations (I own sex and the sea neroli) and I’m extremely intrigued by a FB fragrance that is toned down in its animalic notes, because let’s face it, I’m not so bold in that way. Sounds tres chic. In maryland.

  • My interest was sparked by this being described as, “…a fun, carefree and effortlessly cool scent for spring and summer”. US

  • When I think of Franchesca Bianchi, “just a fun, carefree and effortlessly cool scent for spring and summer” is not what comes to mind. But as the weather gets warm, that is very much what I’m looking for. And as a fan of fougères, I’m intrigued to smell what Bianchi makes of the genre. I live in Oklahoma, USA.

  • Tiberiu Herea says:

    This review beautifully captures the essence of The Code of Emotion as both a calculated and emotionally charged fragrance. Francesca Bianchi steps away from her usual sensual overload, opting for a more precise yet equally evocative approach. The fougère backbone remains, but the introduction of a tropical mango accord shakes up expectations, creating a scent that feels both classic and modern. Like a Wes Anderson film, every note is meticulously placed to evoke a specific reaction—structured, yet never predictable. It’s a fragrance that challenges and delights, proving once again Bianchi’s mastery of olfactory storytelling.
    Congrats from Tibi, Bucharest, Romania

  • Max Corvinus says:

    Amazing review as always, dear Nicoleta.

    This sounds like the counterpoint to Francesca’s other works that are darker in nature. Although I’m very far from a sunshine and bright perfumes person, I’d still like to sample this new addition to her oeuvre. I’m a bit afraid of mango, afraid of the sunlight from scorching me, but they say getting out of your comfort zone (dark, Gothic scents in my case) is good for growth.

    I live in Croatia (EU)

  • DAISY PEREZ says:

    The tone of the article is upbeat and appreciative, highlighting the fragrance’s complexity while keeping things light and fun—perfect for spring and summer. The mention of “perfectly unisex territory” emphasizes that the scent has broad appeal, and it’s not tied to any specific gender norms.
    This article has a vibrant, enthusiastic energy that beautifully captures the essence of Francesca Bianchi’s fragrances. You’ve managed to convey the emotional connection that people experience when they encounter her perfumes, giving readers a sense of what it feels like to immerse themselves in this unique world of scent. The metaphor of “liquid emotions” is especially evocative, and your comparison to diary entries or dream-like sequences is spot-on, reinforcing the idea that her perfumes are deeply personal and intimate.
    The note on the fougère backbone (typically associated with masculine scents) paired with the mango adds an interesting twist. It seems to balance the traditionally masculine elements with something playful and unisex, making it versatile and inclusive. The mention of the mango “throwing on a pair of bright happy yellow sunglasses” is a vivid and fun metaphor that reinforces the lively, carefree nature of the fragrance.
    I cannot wait to get my nose on this fragrance.
    Overall, Nicoleta captured the essence of Francesca Bianchi’s work beautifully and created an engaging, passionate, and personal tribute to her fragrances. The article feels like an invitation into an exclusive world—one that readers will likely be eager to step into.

  • I’m very interested in this tropical fruit take on a fougere. The Wes Anderson reference kind of painted a mental image for me of what this might be like. It sounds like this will be a summer time banger! I’m in the USA

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    What a fantastic review for one of my absolute favorite perfumers! I love Francesca Bianchi’s fragrances so much I can usually imagine what her perfume would smell like after reading reviews but considering this is such a departure for her, without those signature butter and oris notes, I don’t know what to expect here! I love the idea of an emotion generator and it totally fits for her fragrances. From the US.

  • First of all, I just love love Francesca Bianchi’s work and what I find appealing in Nicoleta’s review is that The Code of Emotion is so different than what we’ve come to expect from her, giving us something fresher, youthful, yet still unmistakably hers. “The contrast is what makes it addictive. That classic barbershop DNA is still there, but it’s rewired, disrupted just enough to make you do a double take.”
    Hugs from EU.

  • This is a fragrance for deep moods and quiet confidence. The image of the mango “throwing on bright happy yellow sunglasses” is so fun and memorable — it brings the scent to life in such a unique way. Plus, your take on the fougère-mango balance perfectly explains how a scent can surprise you by defying expectations. Absolutely delightful, just like you said!
    From EU.

  • That last paragraph was so beautiful and poetic actually it kinda sold me on the perfume. I love Francesca’s style so her departure from her usual scent profiles could pose a challenge but when you said that it isn’t completely gourmand and carefree but Carrie’s a depth to it of someone who’s making the decision to be gleeful despite the pain I felt compelled on an artistic level to try this. I live in the USA

  • An interesting twist on a classic fougere! I rather enjoy the dark twists of her fragrances, especially Dark Side and Black Knight. Summarizing this as the scent of well-informed optimism makes it especially intriguing! Like most of us, we’ve see some stuff, but can still pop on a bit of liquid sunshine and face the world! Excited to try this one! Cheers from Ohio, USA! 🙂

  • Love Nicoleta’s review. Learning about Francesca Bianchi is so interesting. “Even before I launched my first perfumes, I was obsessed with the idea of an “Emotion Generator Machine. The Code of Emotion definitely sounds like another great creation. USA

  • This sounds so cool! I highly enjoyed my samples of Etruscan Water. Looking forward to this new bomb of oakmoss and vetiver from Francesca Bianchi! I am based in EU. Thanks!

  • I’m so excited to try out Bianchi’s take on a new direction. She’s so inventive. “It’s a bold move, stripping back some of her usual signatures, but in doing so, she shifts the focus – giving us something fresher, youthful, yet still unmistakably hers. If there’s one scent in her lineup that comes close in mood, it’s Libertine Neroli.” And Libertine Neroli is my favorite of hers. I would love to try this one! Thanks for the drawing 🙂 I’m in the US.

  • I can’t wait to get my nose on this olfactory contrast. I tried sailors & sirens I couldn’t believe the seesaw of a journey throughout the wearing. Code of Emotion combination of barbershop meets mango is something ive never had the pleasure of smelling. it’s a must try for me. hope I win…

  • « a fun, carefree and effortlessly cool scent for spring and summer – and the optimism here is coded deep, but it never feels naïve or shallow. It’s a… well-informed optimism », I want to see myself stepping in the warm months with joy and optimism. I want to see myself carefree, dancing under a blue sky.

    It seems to be a perfume perfect for the rebirth of life.
    Best,
    Sarah, from France.

  • Thanks for turning me on to another wonderful perfumer. Very interested in trying scents from this house especially a twist on fougère like The Code of Emotion. Seattle

  • The Code of Emotion is described as the perfect introduction to the brand. The carefree, spring scent seems like the perfect scent for the approaching warm weather. I am in the US.

  • I liked learning that Francesca thinks in terms of liquid emotion. i have several of here scents and am very intrigued by this fougere. I live in the US

  • olgAPOISON says:

    The Code of Emotion” by Francesca Bianchi seems like a masterpiece of depth and complexity, crafted to evoke raw, intimate feelings. Her fragrances always tell a story, and this one feels like a secret waiting to be unlocked. I’d love to experience how its notes unfold on my skin, revealing layers of passion, nostalgia, and intrigue. A true work of art in a bottle!

  • I love a classic fougere and I am always interested in trying a fougere with a twist. A juicy tropical fruit accord sounds like it would give the bergamot-oakmoss-vetiver backbone some zest and sunniness making it perfect for warmer weather. I like the predominance of mango in combination with the vetiver. MD, USA.

  • Ooh Francesca doing a mango note? Count me in! I’ve sampled most of the Bianchi line and really enjoy when she incorporates subtle fruits into her skin-like accords. The bottle I ended up purchasing was Sex & the Sea Neroli, though it was a very tough decision between that and the original. USA

  • Fantastic review. I’m currently exploring new fragrances for spring and summer, and wow, the “exotic fruits accord” hits a very particularly delicious spot!

    I love the fact that it’s based on an old-school fougere, but with a new fruity twist. I’m also a huge fan of 30ml flacons. May more perfumers embrace them!

    In short, please enter me in the draw. I’m excited by this one!
    I’m in Chicago, USA.

  • I don’t generally go for fruity, fougere, summery perfumes, but The Code of Emotions may be an exception. I really like that Francesca always thinks about emotions when creating her perfumes. Nicoleta says The Code of Emotions is carefree and effortlessly cool. It’s nice that it’s also perfectly unisex! My gratitude to Francesca Bianchi. I reside in the NW USA.

  • This review completely sold me on The Code of Emotion! I love how you describe Francesca as a “programmer” rewriting the fougère code—what a perfect analogy. A mango-infused fougère? That’s such a wild yet genius twist on the genre. I can already imagine the contrast between the fresh greens and that juicy, unexpected tropical note. Francesca Bianchi never plays it safe, and that’s exactly why I adore her work.

    EU

  • FragranceFrenzyS says:

    Your comparison to a Wes Anderson film is chef’s kiss! I can totally see this perfume as a series of meticulously crafted, emotionally charged frames—so precise yet still full of depth. Francesca’s take on fougère with a fruity disruptor like mango sounds like the perfect balance of classic and modern, controlled and free. I love when a fragrance keeps me on my toes, and this one seems like a must-try!
    EU

  • Lastochka says:

    Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the idea of a “glitchy fougère”—that sounds like something I didn’t know I needed! The way Francesca plays with structure and expectations is what makes her perfumes so exciting. And that description of “well-informed optimism”? That hit me. Perfume should do exactly that—make you feel like you’ve seen the dark but still choose to dance. Adding this one straight to my wishlist.
    EU

  • AromaAdventurer says:

    I’ve been following Francesca Bianchi’s work for years, and this sounds like such an exciting departure from her usual style! No powder, no iris, and an almost “clean” take on her signature intensity? That’s such an interesting evolution. The way you describe the emotional precision behind this scent makes me even more curious. Can’t wait to experience this carefully coded masterpiece myself!
    EU

  • LindenNoir says:

    Mango in a fougère?? That’s a twist I never saw coming, but now I need to smell it. I love how Francesca’s creations always feel deeply personal yet completely unpredictable. And your description of this perfume as an “emotion generator machine” just reinforces why her work is so special. It’s not just about smelling good—it’s about feeling something. Brilliant review!
    I am from the EU

  • Saverioud says:

    I’m really curious about this one.
    I love Francesca Bianchi creations for their characteristic powdery and animalic DNA, and in all the fragrances that I tried, I’ve always been able to recognize Francesca’s olfactory signature.
    In this creation instead, I perceive the willingness to change, to experiment, to explore new orizons from the artist, with an idea that I find really interesting: to give a modern twist to a load-bearing pillar of the mondial perfumery, the fougere accord.
    I hope to try this, I’m from Italy.