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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.

The MaxChat Fragrance Podcast

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 10: Natural Beauty Captured in a bottle – The House of BŌ

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 4: She's an Artist of many different skills! – Eva Petrič (DBE - Databank of Emotions Perfumes)

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 3: Perfume Raw Materials/Sourcing with – Dominique Roques

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 2: Outstanding Conversation with (Founder and Perfumer) of Exotic Brand – BLACKCLIFF PARFUMS

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 2022
https://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.com

Stay tuned for more chats coming your way… We’re just getting started!

Season 4 - Episode 1: The Very Talented (Perfumer/Chemist) – Aaron Terence Hughes

Today we have the pleasure to chat with one of the most talented perfumers of our time: 
Geza Schön – he’ll take us through his journey when it all started, upcoming projects and curiosities about his passion and about himself. 

He is a German master perfumer, based in Berlin. He trained at Haarmann & Reimer and has worked with great brands such as: Clive Christian, Diesel, Ormonde Jayne, FCUK, biehl parfumkunstwerke, and Boudicca to name a few... In 2006, Schön created the brand Escentric Molecules, a perfume brand highlighting single molecules which took the perfume world by storm and is a very sought-after and respected line.

Topics: 

 • How his passion got ignited!
 • Talking about risk-taking and perfume compounds. 
 • Is the market lacking courage to dare? 
 • The market evolution through the decades… 
 • Diving into iso E Super
 • The Ormonde Jayne years…
 • What will be the next best thing?
 • Trying to achieve uniqueness is a saturated market…
 • Perfumer’s fragrance palette suffered deletions that are irreplaceable! 
 • A meaningful conversation… 
 • Upcoming releases! 

 Discover Escentric Molecules: 
 https://www.escentric.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…

Season 3 - Episode 9: He is ‘’Eccentric’’, unpredictable and extremely talented – Geza Schön

In this episode we have Pierre Guguen, a gentleman who has two passions - music and fragrances. Hence the creation of L’Orchestre Parfum, depicting the instruments, artisans, musicians and music genres which inspire note-perfect perfumes '‘to smell and listen to…’' 
In this chat we’ll learn a bit more about the man behind the concept and we’ll learn about the creations themselves... 
So, get comfortable, listen and enjoy! 

TOPICS:

 • How it all started… 
 • Creative concepts with Comme des Garcons to the L’Orchestre Parfums brand. 
 • The bridge between music and fragrances… How the two are linked! 
 • The universal language of the heart ‘’Music and Perfume’’ the similarities they share!
 • What is the smell of music??? 
 • Current Collection overview. 
 • Why L’Orchestre Parfums is a Fragrance ''Band'' and not just a Fragrance Brand.
 • The Newest launch Vetiver Overdrive - (Capturing the Blues genre) 
 • The online landscape and collaborations - what's next? 
 • Enter NFTs - Non-fungible token in the fragrance industry… 

Discover L’orchestre Parfums Fragrances at:
https://www.lorchestreparfum.com/us/

Stay tuned for more chats coming your way!

Season 3 - Episode 8: Pierre Guguen - From a Musician in Paris to Creative Director and Founder of a great new niche perfume concept, combining music with scents!

Season 3 - Episode 7: Sarah Baker

Artist and Creative Director Sarah Baker works with some of the world’s most daring and innovative noses to create distinctive, gender-optional fragrances drawing on a myriad of inspirations. Sarah Baker works closely with carefully selected perfumers—all of whom are named on each fragrance—in a process of mutual inspiration and creativity to arrive at exclusive, luxury fragrances. Each one is an insight into the imaginations and craft of today's cutting-edge olfactory talents who know just how complex, sensual and game-changing fragrances should be. ​ ​ 
 

CHAT TOPICS:

 • The beginning… 
 • Creative process. 
 • Current Collection overview. 
 • Up-coming releases and projects
 • The art of perfumery, the journey. 
 • Ingredients - what’s the brand’s signature? 
 • Trends and Social Media.

Find Sarah Baker Fragrances at:
 sarahbakerperfumes.com

Want to chat, have ideas and/or suggestion or have a question - email: 
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com

Stay tuned for more Season 3 episodes coming your way!

Season 3 - Episode 7: Sarah Baker - from New York to London - Artist, Writer and an intricate Creative Director and Perfumer for self-titled indie brand of daring, innovative, distinctive and gender-optional fragrances.

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 6: Julien Rasquinet from business student to ‘’accidental’’ perfumer. Master-apprenticeship from Pierre Bourdon to creative mastery!

He’s a teacher, creative director, writer and above all a fragrance lover and collector. Today we’re talking with Steven Gavrielatos aka Resolessence a fellow YouTuber for over a decade on the platform he shares his passion for fragrances in a very eloquent and educational manner through his channel with daily videos. In this chat we’re going to get to know him a little bit better and talk about his journey and other interesting facts and perhaps even some ‘’controversial’’ fragrance industry topics… 

 TOPICS:

 • When/How did the Passion begin? 
 • Vintage fragrances / reformulations…
 • A Museum of Fragrances?! 
 • How fragrance transcends time… 
 • Remembering Carlos (Brooklyn Fragrance Lover) 
 • The favorite fragrance genres. 
 • The creative process, current state of fragrance releases.
 • Mass appealing releases VS unique and intricate ones… 
 • Discussing the ‘’Fragrance Community’’, how and what has changed? 
 • Navitus the brand and becoming the creative director and co-creator. 
 • Forms of consuming fragrance information/content (Vlog, Blog and Podcast) … 

 Say hello to Steven here:
 https://www.youtube.com/c/Redolessence/videos

Checkout Navitus Fragrances here:
https://navitusparfums.com/

We're just getting warmed up - stay tuned for more. 
New episode every other week. See you next Wednesday!

Season 3 - Episode 5: Steven Gavrielatos The Passionate journey from YouTube fragrance reviewer to brand co-creator/creative director

In today's episode I have the pleasure to chat with Entrepreneur and Perfume Reviewer. He is the TOP authority when it comes to the Spanish speaking audience in the YouTube perfume reviewing platform - Andrés Croxatto aka Andrés Perfume-Man. 
We'll discuss the following: 

TOPICS: 

 • His journey in becoming a fragrance reviewer on the YouTube platform
 • Fragrance interest - from a kid to adult (his favorites) 
 • Discovering and Creating his own fragrance.
 • YouTube Channel - What it takes to be a reviewer and advice for those interested! 
 • What does the future hold? Upcoming projects.

You can find Andrés Croxatto aka Andrés Perfume-Man here: 
YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSU9CcO8hvayDPZSZcfTxDg
Oficial site - https://www.perfume-man.com/
Fragrance Site: https://www.andrescroxatto.com/products/andres-croxatto-man

The Max Forti Chat Podcast is brought to you by:
https://fragrancebuy.ca/
''Redefine your fragrance journey''

Have a question? Send suggestions and ideas to Max at: 
maxforti@gmail.com OR info@maxforti.com 

Enjoy and stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming soon!

Season 2- Episode 7: Perfume YouTuber Latin Sensation: Andrés Croxatto (PerfumeMan)

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