It’s less than a two-hour flight from Paris to Milan, but what a trip! The 5th Edition of the Esxence salon started off with a bang – a ‘GOLD’ theme party to celebrate 5 years of success – and ended on a note of promise, with awards for excellence among young perfumers.
In between, 4 intense days and nights of artistic niche perfumes, perfumers, programs, purveyors, the press, and more parties, all indispensible elements of Esxence, which promotes the values and energy of artistic niche fragrances, as well as the new and original business opportunities they represent.
From the moment I arrived at the NH Touring hotel, around the corner from La Pemanente on Via Filippo Turatti where Esxence was to take place, I was immersed in the world of international niche perfumery. While standing at the check in desk, I recognized Roja Dove and his entourage at the next counter. A few minutes later Joe Garces walked into the lobby with his UK and French country teams, followed in short order by Michael Edwards. A texto from Raphaella Barkeley, Editor in Chief of ThePerfumeMagazine.com, informed me that she had just arrived from her million-hour flight from the west coast….When I arrived in my room I had a welcome email from Silvio Levi, and a note from Maurizio Cavezzali CEO of the Equipe International of ICE, the producers of Esxence.
This Esxence connection and magic was to grow and live on, well past the moment the door of my Air France return flight to Paris slammed shut.
A Perfume Competition, ‘The Scent of Esxence – 5 Years of Excellence’ was held during the event with contestants in 3 categories. Featured above is Cristiano Canali of ITALY, whose fragrance submission ‘Magnolia Esxentialis’ won the Jury of Critics award. The other winners were: Jury of Noses: ‘Stella’ by Sarah Grivot of FRANCE, and The Public Vote: ‘Etoilegance’ by Alexander Lee of the USA.
Having just presided at the official ribbon cutting opening ceremony, Silvio Levi, co-founder of Esxence and Technical Committee President, was in his element greeting visitors, receiving and giving compliments, and loving every minute of this first day of Esxence, his brain-child, now in its 5th year. Seen here at the center of the photo and the crowd, Silvio is talking (with his hands) to Michael Edwards.
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I would thank you Sarah for all the lovely support and active cooperation. I bless you for your friendship and wonderful enthusiam. Silvio
It was a pleasure to work with you and your whole team at Esxence, Silvio. Thanks for making the entire event enjoyable and beneficial for us all. Looking forward to next year.
This is gorgeous, and how romantic that you can only reach it by boat!! Btw, that photo in my new post is now credited to you. 😉 I actually had a hunch it was probably from you, as most of my intpirasion is!! :)xxRachel