Encounters

 Francesca Bianchi's voice is representative not only of the artistic side of perfumery but also for the (self-taught) women working in a field reigned (mostly) by (white) men until not long ago. The wit and cleverness she articulates or imagines her experiences through perfume-making is something that i directly relate to in an almost tangible way.

There's a lot of nuance in Francesca Bianchi's creations and her portrayal of each note and accord used to define the backend of a composition in order to enrich and enhance the centerpiece is just as compelling as the way she transmits through fragrances to her audience. 

Francesca's vision on Encounters is unmatched, even by her previous work, despite always leaving a sign of identity in all of the fragrances she created. Encounters is more accessible compared to the rest, yet there's a noticeable sense of vulnerability crossing through its core that grounds it. And I admire that type of deliberate nakedness for the way it cancels the shadows (on my face) through bright colors and by adding reinforcement to the sense of self. 

The rhythm of the ingredients and the cadence of Francesca's personal touch draws out an enchanting musicality in Encounters. It's not racing or disturbing, it's sensed at a slow pace offering time not only to experience the stringing of notes together but also to fully feel and appreciate them. Oud is eyed through a lens of which western fragrances haven't been presented before. Diffusive, almost hidden. Clean. Embellished. Caught in the unconcealed elegance the iris showcases. Shades of purples, blues and pinks abstractly diffuse through cold aromatics and warm amber releasing vapes of sweetness that reflect innocence. 

Encounters is one of those fragrances I look forward to wearing in our fractured times, it's a privilege to get lost in the haunting landscape of this kind of scents' virtual reality, abiding indefinable beauty.