Pieces of Eight: The Parfum
We are thrilled to unveil our inaugural fragrance, launched in conjunction with our current Embark exhibition. It is a story of imagination and adventure, in which Pieces of Eight and Strati Parfums – both purveyors of the rare and precious – embark on a quest of fearless creativity. Meeting at the intersection of jewellery, perfumery and art through fragrance creation, our intrepid artisans, Melanie Katsalidis and Teresa Strati, embrace their passion for discovery and artistic expression, to meticulously formulate The Pieces of Eight Parfum.
The Pieces of Eight Parfum is the first chapter in Melanie’s and Teresa’s journey of fragrance creation. A scent that honours the Pieces of Eight ethos where every creation is bespoke, handcrafted and made with the utmost care and skill. Much like jewellery, the Pieces of Eight Parfum embodies the essence of slow craftsmanship – a reflection of genuine, honest artistry.
Transporting the wearer across vast oceans in search of precious cargo, and treasure hidden within tropical paradise, the Pieces of Eight Parfum encapsulates the true spirit of voyage.
"Through this collaboration with Pieces of Eight Gallery, Strati Parfums aims to inspire others to appreciate the beauty found in balancing opposites and embracing the journey, whether in art, culture, jewellery, or the nuanced world of perfumery. I am thrilled to share this fragrant masterpiece with art and perfume enthusiasts alike, hoping it evokes the same sense of harmony and inspiration that guides our creative process."
- Teresa Moana Strati
We sat down with Teresa Strati, the creator of our fragrance, to learn more about what inspired this scent, and the collaboration process.
PO8: What inspired you to create this particular fragrance for Pieces of Eight?
TS: My inspiration was a blend of personal memories and evocative imagery.
My earliest memories of visiting Fiji as a child, savouring freshly cut sugarcane in my grandparents' backyard and being surrounded by lush plantation landscapes, along with the influence of my maternal grandfather’s boatbuilding craft, deeply shaped the fragrance. These personal experiences, combined with the rich imagery of historical voyages, hidden treasures, and tropical plantations, inspired me to bring this scent to life.
The name Pieces of Eight, which springs from the legendary Spanish 'pieces of eight' coins, symbolises maritime romance and adventure. I aimed to translate this sense of adventure into a sensory experience, capturing the essence of exotic lands and spices.
The gallery, like the fragrance, is filled with treasures from varied journeys. Each piece carries timeless, profound meanings as it moves through time and space. This blend of heritage and adventure is the heart of Pieces of Eight Parfum, embodying stories of discovery and natural wonders.
PO8: How would you describe the scent profile of the Pieces of Eight Parfum and the key notes that are featured?
TS: Magnetic and enigmatic, the Pieces of Eight Parfum is an olfactory adventure, capturing the essence of an explorer's spirit. This soft amber fragrance melds the aromatic intensity of Italian bergamot, ginger root, and cardamom with a heart of sweet sugar cane, layered rum accord, and fir balsam.
It finishes with a sophisticated base of creamy sandalwood, earthy vetiver, and rich oud.
Perfect for those with an unquenchable thirst for discovery.
PO8: How did collaborating with Melanie Katsalidis influence your creative process?
TS: Collaborating with Melanie had a profoundly positive impact on my creative process. Our discussions were experimental and sparked new ways of executing scent ideas. I especially admired her boundless thinking where everything is possible and every small detail connects to a larger network of meaningful threads.
Melanie’s ability to see depth and find significance in the minute details profoundly resonated with me. Her intuitive understanding of “why” in various situations aligned with the types of fragrances she naturally gravitated towards. This insight was integral to our collaboration. I realised that anything I created for Melanie needed to be complex, well-rounded, and built on a solid, grounded foundation. Her perspective pushed me to elevate my craftsmanship and be more thoughtful and deliberate in my approach.
We invite you to secure a bottle of this limited edition first batch of parfum for yourself, by following this link.
